A/N:
Ok guys depending on how well you like this will decide if there are more
chapters. This is my first time writing a 'break up' fic. And I hope that
this will turn to be interesting. And I do know that this concept is highly
overused. And I have added some twist here and there. Also the title is in
the works so any ideas will be appreciated.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters from it. The song used in this chapter is 'The Last Words You Said' by Sarah Brightman, incase you are wondering I don't own that either.
Chapter One: A New Beginning
Serena walked down the street of a busy American city. Her gold and silver locks shimmered in the sluggishly setting sun. It had been over a month sense she had left Tokyo. On the plane trip across the ocean she had refused to cry and banished her tears to a place that had long been forgotten in her heart. She arrived in California and had stayed there only a couple of days. She didn't want to be that close to Japan. For a month she had constantly moved. Never staying in one place to long. Eventually she made it to the eastern city of Atlanta.
It was there that she was now. In a way she still didn't feel that she was far enough away from the cause of her heartache. But she knew that there would never be a place that was far enough for her to feel comfortable. Atlanta would be her new home; this was a place that she could start over in. A place where no one knew here and place where no one cared about what happened to her.
She was looking for a job and stretching out what little money she had left. Hopefully she would get lucky and find one soon, if she didn't she would be in a lot of trouble. Her parents had told her to let them know if she needed anything. True she could call them but she had come here to make a new life for herself, she didn't want to have to rely on them for anything.
Five interviews today and none of them had worked out. Where was she going to sleep tonight? She didn't have enough money for a hotel here. Maybe she should have told the scouts where she was going, but it was all too late for that. Darien had broken it off with her; the scouts had done nothing so there wasn't any reason for her to ignore them. But again she was doing this to start over in her life.
By this time she had wandered into Underground Atlanta. The noise decibels rose higher with each minute and the lights seemed to go on forever in a never-ending dizzying dance. Across from her there was a club, Club Celestial. It looked relatively new and had a sign advertising the position of a bartender and one for a vocalist. 'What the heck.' She thought disdainfully, 'Why not give it a try.'
Serena straightened her travel clothes as best as she could and entered the club. The lighting was dimmer and it was much quieter. It was obvious that the owner was preparing to open for the night.
"Excuse me, sir, where do I need to go to apply for the job as bartender?" her speech was slow and she stood nervously in front of the bar and a young man with silver hair.
"Have you had any experience?" His voice held no emotion and nothing could be gathered from his steel gray eyes.
"I used to mix the drinks for my fathers parties. But that is all." It wasn't a complete lie, but then again it wasn't the complete truth.
"You can have a trial run tonight and we'll see how you do." He was surprised when he saw her ivory face form a small smile.
"Thank you." For a moment she seemed like she was going to add some more but changed her mind.
"Do you have anything to change in to?" He asked eyeing her wrinkled and worn blue jeans and her faded black tank top. Serena nodded in response. "Go down the hall and take the first door on your left, you can change in there and leave your things."
He watched her go with a slight bounce in her step and shook his head. She reminded him of someone, but for some reason he couldn't name who. They other guys would be here shortly better to give her the run down of how things were going to work for the night before they got there and tried to confuse here.
A short time later Serena came back into the main room changed into a fresh pair of low-rise black jeans and baby blue form fitting tank top. On her tiny feet she had on a pair of black boots. She wore no jewelry and the only make-up that adorned her face was clear lip-gloss. Her long dual colored hair was pulled into a high ponytail with a few straight strands framing her face.
Kaz did a double take, was this the same girl that had just walked in there looking like she had never seen a change of clothes. 'Well at least she can look the part.'
"Will this do?" She sure hoped it would, this was her nicest outfit that she had with her. Her blue silver eyes glittered with hope.
"Yeah it'll do." Before he had a chance to say anything else the front doors where thrown open and in walked a group of three men laughing and joking. The noise startled Serena, and she turned around to see what could cause that mush ruckus. She knew of only four people who could be that loud and they were back in Tokyo.
The next thing that was heard was a low whistle. Cutting through the laughing and cutting up. Serena blushed.
"Where did you find the girl Kaz?" The sandy blonde asked, openly staring.
"She is the new bartender. In other words leave her alone." The silver haired one responded curtly.
"Oh I get it Kaz's already claimed her." This came the tallest of the three; he had chestnut hair that was pulled back into a loose ponytail at the nape of his neck.
"I have not. She works here, you will act like you work as well." By now Serena could guess that he was Kaz. "Let me introduce you to my partners and your coworkers. There's Jagger, Zane, and Nate. And I'm Kaz." He said pointing out each in turn.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." The three chorused more or less.
Serena smiled, she had a feeling she was going to like this group of guys. "Nice to meet you, I'm Serena. But call me Sere."
"Only if you call me Jag." The sandy blonde responded, while holding his hand out to her.
"Deal." She answered while accepting his hand in a handshake.
"Ok guys we've got to get ready for tonight. Sere if you want get familiar with where everything is kept behind the bar and we'll be out shortly." Kaz told her as his group headed down the hall where she had changed.
She watched them go before going to behind the counter. She looked around, seeing that everything was neat and easily found. This should be pretty easy. She hoped that she remembered everything from those parties.
A short time later the group came walking out all dresses the same, black pants black pull over tops, and black boots. Nate's hair was pulled back neater and looked wet, where as Kaz's was left down. Sere was singing softly to herself and therefore didn't notice when they came back.
Quickly and quietly they left the hall and headed back to the room they had come from. "I think we just found our lead vocalist. Her voice is sweet and clear. And I'll bet anything that she can sing louder than that."
The guys nodded in agreement with Zane.
"I have an idea." They gathered around and listened to the plan. A few minutes more the group came out of the back talking as if nothing had happened.
Their conversation surprised Sere back from whatever world she was in. "We can't do that song tonight, we have no one to sing the woman's part. And I'm pretty sure that Zane doesn't want to have to sing that high. Last time he almost killed us for that." It was Jagger talking.
"I WILL NOT SING THAT PART!" This came from who else but Zane. "You will not get me to sing that part." He replied stubbornly to them. The look on his face showed that he would not change his mind.
Sere found this very entertaining. 'To bad Rei isn't here, she would have sang with them.'
"Hey Sere, would you mind doing something for us?" Jag asked, quite innocently.
"Umm.sure." Her reply was hesitant but she agreed anyway.
"Run through this song with us, that way we can hear how it sounds with an actual female singing the part."
"Ha ha. Very funny Jag." The sarcasm was thick in Zane's voice.
Sere came out from around the bar and glided over to them. Jag handed her a piece of paper that was a duet between a man and a woman. She glanced it over it would be easy. She had heard the actual song before and new that it was popular. It would be a cinch to sing it.
The group walked up to the stage and made sure that everything was working correctly before calling Sere up to sing. Soft music began to play in the background and at the right moment Sere began to sing, her voice clear and pure and carrying across the room. The first part was a solo of only Sere.
//Somewhere in time I know,
Darling you'll come back to me.
Roses will bloom again,
But Spring feels like eternity.//
Zane joined her after that.
//In your kiss it wasn't goodbye.
You are still the reason why.
I can hear you whispering in the silence of my room,
My heart still surrenders like the sun to the moon.
I can barely stand this aching, burning endlessly.
"Love me now forever"
Were the last words you said to me.//
After that it alternated between Sere alone and with Zane.
//And when the morning comes,
My hands still reach out for you.
Some things remain the same;
There is nothing I can do.
I can barely get through the day
Ever since you went away.
I can hear you whispering in the silence of my room,
My heart still surrenders like the sun to the moon.
I can barely stand this aching, burning endlessly.
"Love me now forever"
Were your last words to me...
Heaven help us cross this endless sea
With starlight above to guide you to me.
Waves crushing on distant shores,
They're calling our names forever more.
And I still hear you whispering in the silence of my room,
My heart still surrenders like the sun to the moon.
I can barely stand this aching, burning endlessly.
"Love me now forever"
Were the last words you said to me.//
The lost note slowly died away. Leaving the guys standing in shock. None of the others had been able to sing that song that way, with that much feeling. They didn't want to break the enchantment that had been wrought by the song and by Serena.
Reluctantly Zane spoke, still half in a trance from the song. "Sere you are hired as our new lead female vocalist." His tone held plainly said that there was not a choice.
Sere stood in a stunned silence. The full meaning had yet to sink into her head.
"Earth to Sere, come in Sere!" Jag nearly shouted while waving his hand in front of her face.
"Me.me sing? I.I couldn't."
"You can, you have and you will. You are just what we have been looking for." Nate reassured her. "Don't worry if you have to sing tonight it will only be one song. So don't worry, enjoy the night. And did I mention that we have a band scheduled for tonight?"
She was too shocked to speak and so just stood there staring.
"So we'll take that as a yes then." Zane said while he steered her back to the bar.
"Still want to work the bar tonight?" Kaz asked.
"Yeah sure."
"You keep all the tips that you make. And it will get pretty busy being a Saturday and all so if you need help just yell."
With that the guys went and got the stage set up for the band that was coming in. And left Sere to her thoughts. A short time later Kaz announced that the doors would be opening in fifteen minutes and to get ready for the crowd.
Crowd was not the right word. It was more like a stampede. Luckily the ones at the bar were used to there only being one bar tender and there didn't act like complete animals. The band began to play a great dance song and the bar was mainly clear of people for the duration of a couple of songs at least. This gave Sere time to clean things up some and prepare for the next assault of customers.
The night passed by in a haze like that for Sere. By three o'clock the last one had either stumbled or walked out of the place. As Kaz locked up the doors Sere leaned one elbow on the counter resting her chin in her hand. Slowly her eyes drifted shut.
"Time to go Sere." Zane called, while gently shaking her shoulder.
"Ok. I'm ready I've just got to grab my things." She ran off into the back room where she had changed. And grabbed what little she had brought with her.
"You left this." Kaz told her holding out an envelope that was pretty big.
"Oh thanks. I guess I did."
"Where ya staying? I'll give you lift home that way you don't have to walk." Nate told her while escorting her from the club.
"Oh.I've got to check into a hotel."
"It's kind of late to do that now. There's plenty of room at my house, why don't you stay there tonight and in the morning I can help you find a place of your own." By this time they had come to a cherry red motorcycle with black leather seats. For some reason he felt a need to protect her, to know that she was safe.
"I couldn't. I've just met you. I couldn't do that." She half mumbled the reply.
"Look you're half asleep on your feet. Do you trust me?"
Yes she trusted him, but should she? And half asleep was right. And she knew that nothing would happen to her there. So why not? Maybe it was time that she started listening to that little voice inside her head. "Ok, but just for tonight."
He flashed a genuine smile and helped her onto the back of the bike. Thirty minutes later they pulled into the garage of a two-story house. The lights were on in a couple of the rooms so he knew the guys where already home. Sere climbed off the back of the bike somewhat stiffly, and stretched before grabbing her bag and following the patiently waiting Nate.
Once in the house he showed her to one of the spare bedrooms, which happened to have a bathroom attached to it. He made sure she had everything that she may need and left her fro the night.
Sere waited until his footsteps faded and locked the door. It wasn't that she didn't trust them because she did; it was just well she had just met them and didn't really know them yet. With the door locked she went to take a hot shower. She could have stayed in there forever but knew that she had to get some sleep.
Once out of the shower and ready for bed and she climbed in to the king size bed that sat in the middle of the room. The sheets where cotton and pale blue. And there were tons of pillows piled at the head of it. All of them in different shades of blue.
As soon as her head hit the pillow she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. And stayed that way through the night and late into the next morning. When she woke up she was surprised to see that it was a little past noon, there was sun streaming in through the blinds that adorned the window. Stretching her sore muscles she climbed out of bed and got dresses. A short time later she walked down the stairs looking around trying to find the kitchen.
Which wasn't such a hard thing to do since all she had to do was follow her nose. She entered the large kitchen dressed in a pale pink sundress with her hair flowing about her and feet bare. The guys were sitting at the oak table in the center of the room.
"And so sleeping beauty awakes." Jag announced as he pulled out another chair.
"And prince charming must have forgot the kiss." She retorted back at him jokingly. Her comment caused the table to burst into a round of laughter. For some reason she felt comfortable with them, like she did with the Scouts. She took that chair that was offered her and accepted the plate that was handed to her by Kaz. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad here.
They guys talked over their plans for the day while she ate. Most of which revolved around going to the studio and recording. Something she tried her best to ignore.
"So Sere, what are your plans for the day?"
"I had thought that I would try to find a place for me to stay. And the maybe the mall."
"I'll go with you to the mall." Zane happily volunteered. The guys burst out laughing again at this. "Humph." Was his only response to the laughter. On his way out of the kitchen he grabbed Sere's hand and dragged her out behind him.
The guys just gave her helpless looks. She vaguely heard the words "She'll learn never to say mall around him." Before she was completely out of earshot.
"I'll drive, so I'll go get the car while you go get your shoes and whatever else you need." Zane told her while pausing at the stairs. He gave her a gentle push before going out the front door. Sere almost ran up the stairs. She grabbed her white tennis shoes and her purse, which held what little money she had left and her tips from last night.
Zane was waiting for her in the driveway leaning against a midnight black Camero. He opened the door for her like a gentleman and then got into the still running, cool car himself. At first the drive was quiet but Zane took the initiative and started to talk.
"You know you really don't have to find a place to stay. You are welcomed to stay at the house. We aren't even there most of the time so you would have it to yourself. And with you working at the club you'll be closer that what most apartments buildings are."
"I couldn't stay. I would feel as if I was imposing."
"Oh no way. Tell you what, give it a try for a week and see how it goes, if it doesn't' work I'll help you find a place."
"Ok."
"Now since you are our female vocalist you should know who does what. I usually have the main male part. Kaz is on the guitar, Nate on piano, Jag normally does the drums. There are times that they all sing back up. If I'm not singing I'll usually take second guitar. I think that's about it. Hey we're here." On the last part he sounded like a little boy in a toy store.
The car was parked pretty quickly and before she knew what happened they where in the mall. Going from store to store. Sere had never seen a guy that liked to shop so she was surprised by his attitude towards the whole thing. By the time that they got out of the place both of their hands were filled with bags from just about every store in the place. It was obvious that Zane had a ton of fashion sense. And made a mental note not to mention shopping around him again.
The guys called on their way back to the house and said to meet them at the studio that they wanted to record the duet from last night. It never occurred to Sere that they were the ones that originally did the song.
Zane chattered on about this and that for the ride there and on the way into the studio. When they entered the recording room they other three gave her sympathetic looks. A few short minutes later and they were recording the song. After about three times they were through and were free to go. Together they went to eat at one of the restaurants that was close by.
The excuse was that they didn't want to have to cook when they got home. Dinner passed quietly and soon they were all back at the house. The club wouldn't open tonight so they were free to do whatever they wanted. Sere spent the time hanging her new clothes up listening to the radio. 'Maybe I should write to the girls, let them know that I'm okay.' This thought had crossed her mind many times but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. Her parents knew that she was alive and well, but they didn't know what part of the country she was in.
They guys were downstairs doing something that sounded oddly like wrestling and she could only guess. But she did know that she wasn't going down there to find out. Sitting at the window seat she pulled out a notebook she had bought earlier that day and began to write. She was surprised by what came out. A song was on the paper. One that she would keep to herself she had no right showing it to them. Downstairs it had gotten oddly quite. She didn't notice this until her bedroom door was flung open by Jag; a moment later she was in his arms and they where on their way down stairs, protesting the whole way.
She dropped her book as they went out the doors to the patio; it landed open to the song. The next thing she knew she was floating in the air and then under the water. There was only time enough for a small squeak before her head went under.
When Sere was able to see again, Jag was on the ground laughing so hard he was crying. Luckily for Sere, and unluckily for him, he was right by the pool. With a sly smirk and quicksilver moves the 'jackal' was in the pool as well.
It was now her turn to laugh as he surfaces spurting. His outraged face was all the more hilarious. The guys where also laughing and before they knew what had happened they where also in the pool.
The first thing that any of them heard came from Zane. "MY HAIR!" Of course this caused even more fits of laughter. The group spent about an hour in the pool, taking turns on dunking each other. After they were all out and soaking wet they headed back into the kitchen. It was on the way that Kaz saw the book lying face down beside the door. The others were already in the house so he picked it up and flipped it over.
It was obvious that it didn't belong to any of the guys. The cover was midnight blue and showed each of the planets circling around the sun. Along the binding was the planets sign plus four he had never seen before. He had held the page with and flipped it open. Written in a very neat handing writing were the lyrics to a song.
AN: Well if you have read this far I hope that you will review and tell me what you think. I do realize that this chapter was slow, but it does pick up in later ones if you like it and are interested.
~Silvra
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the characters from it. The song used in this chapter is 'The Last Words You Said' by Sarah Brightman, incase you are wondering I don't own that either.
Chapter One: A New Beginning
Serena walked down the street of a busy American city. Her gold and silver locks shimmered in the sluggishly setting sun. It had been over a month sense she had left Tokyo. On the plane trip across the ocean she had refused to cry and banished her tears to a place that had long been forgotten in her heart. She arrived in California and had stayed there only a couple of days. She didn't want to be that close to Japan. For a month she had constantly moved. Never staying in one place to long. Eventually she made it to the eastern city of Atlanta.
It was there that she was now. In a way she still didn't feel that she was far enough away from the cause of her heartache. But she knew that there would never be a place that was far enough for her to feel comfortable. Atlanta would be her new home; this was a place that she could start over in. A place where no one knew here and place where no one cared about what happened to her.
She was looking for a job and stretching out what little money she had left. Hopefully she would get lucky and find one soon, if she didn't she would be in a lot of trouble. Her parents had told her to let them know if she needed anything. True she could call them but she had come here to make a new life for herself, she didn't want to have to rely on them for anything.
Five interviews today and none of them had worked out. Where was she going to sleep tonight? She didn't have enough money for a hotel here. Maybe she should have told the scouts where she was going, but it was all too late for that. Darien had broken it off with her; the scouts had done nothing so there wasn't any reason for her to ignore them. But again she was doing this to start over in her life.
By this time she had wandered into Underground Atlanta. The noise decibels rose higher with each minute and the lights seemed to go on forever in a never-ending dizzying dance. Across from her there was a club, Club Celestial. It looked relatively new and had a sign advertising the position of a bartender and one for a vocalist. 'What the heck.' She thought disdainfully, 'Why not give it a try.'
Serena straightened her travel clothes as best as she could and entered the club. The lighting was dimmer and it was much quieter. It was obvious that the owner was preparing to open for the night.
"Excuse me, sir, where do I need to go to apply for the job as bartender?" her speech was slow and she stood nervously in front of the bar and a young man with silver hair.
"Have you had any experience?" His voice held no emotion and nothing could be gathered from his steel gray eyes.
"I used to mix the drinks for my fathers parties. But that is all." It wasn't a complete lie, but then again it wasn't the complete truth.
"You can have a trial run tonight and we'll see how you do." He was surprised when he saw her ivory face form a small smile.
"Thank you." For a moment she seemed like she was going to add some more but changed her mind.
"Do you have anything to change in to?" He asked eyeing her wrinkled and worn blue jeans and her faded black tank top. Serena nodded in response. "Go down the hall and take the first door on your left, you can change in there and leave your things."
He watched her go with a slight bounce in her step and shook his head. She reminded him of someone, but for some reason he couldn't name who. They other guys would be here shortly better to give her the run down of how things were going to work for the night before they got there and tried to confuse here.
A short time later Serena came back into the main room changed into a fresh pair of low-rise black jeans and baby blue form fitting tank top. On her tiny feet she had on a pair of black boots. She wore no jewelry and the only make-up that adorned her face was clear lip-gloss. Her long dual colored hair was pulled into a high ponytail with a few straight strands framing her face.
Kaz did a double take, was this the same girl that had just walked in there looking like she had never seen a change of clothes. 'Well at least she can look the part.'
"Will this do?" She sure hoped it would, this was her nicest outfit that she had with her. Her blue silver eyes glittered with hope.
"Yeah it'll do." Before he had a chance to say anything else the front doors where thrown open and in walked a group of three men laughing and joking. The noise startled Serena, and she turned around to see what could cause that mush ruckus. She knew of only four people who could be that loud and they were back in Tokyo.
The next thing that was heard was a low whistle. Cutting through the laughing and cutting up. Serena blushed.
"Where did you find the girl Kaz?" The sandy blonde asked, openly staring.
"She is the new bartender. In other words leave her alone." The silver haired one responded curtly.
"Oh I get it Kaz's already claimed her." This came the tallest of the three; he had chestnut hair that was pulled back into a loose ponytail at the nape of his neck.
"I have not. She works here, you will act like you work as well." By now Serena could guess that he was Kaz. "Let me introduce you to my partners and your coworkers. There's Jagger, Zane, and Nate. And I'm Kaz." He said pointing out each in turn.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." The three chorused more or less.
Serena smiled, she had a feeling she was going to like this group of guys. "Nice to meet you, I'm Serena. But call me Sere."
"Only if you call me Jag." The sandy blonde responded, while holding his hand out to her.
"Deal." She answered while accepting his hand in a handshake.
"Ok guys we've got to get ready for tonight. Sere if you want get familiar with where everything is kept behind the bar and we'll be out shortly." Kaz told her as his group headed down the hall where she had changed.
She watched them go before going to behind the counter. She looked around, seeing that everything was neat and easily found. This should be pretty easy. She hoped that she remembered everything from those parties.
A short time later the group came walking out all dresses the same, black pants black pull over tops, and black boots. Nate's hair was pulled back neater and looked wet, where as Kaz's was left down. Sere was singing softly to herself and therefore didn't notice when they came back.
Quickly and quietly they left the hall and headed back to the room they had come from. "I think we just found our lead vocalist. Her voice is sweet and clear. And I'll bet anything that she can sing louder than that."
The guys nodded in agreement with Zane.
"I have an idea." They gathered around and listened to the plan. A few minutes more the group came out of the back talking as if nothing had happened.
Their conversation surprised Sere back from whatever world she was in. "We can't do that song tonight, we have no one to sing the woman's part. And I'm pretty sure that Zane doesn't want to have to sing that high. Last time he almost killed us for that." It was Jagger talking.
"I WILL NOT SING THAT PART!" This came from who else but Zane. "You will not get me to sing that part." He replied stubbornly to them. The look on his face showed that he would not change his mind.
Sere found this very entertaining. 'To bad Rei isn't here, she would have sang with them.'
"Hey Sere, would you mind doing something for us?" Jag asked, quite innocently.
"Umm.sure." Her reply was hesitant but she agreed anyway.
"Run through this song with us, that way we can hear how it sounds with an actual female singing the part."
"Ha ha. Very funny Jag." The sarcasm was thick in Zane's voice.
Sere came out from around the bar and glided over to them. Jag handed her a piece of paper that was a duet between a man and a woman. She glanced it over it would be easy. She had heard the actual song before and new that it was popular. It would be a cinch to sing it.
The group walked up to the stage and made sure that everything was working correctly before calling Sere up to sing. Soft music began to play in the background and at the right moment Sere began to sing, her voice clear and pure and carrying across the room. The first part was a solo of only Sere.
//Somewhere in time I know,
Darling you'll come back to me.
Roses will bloom again,
But Spring feels like eternity.//
Zane joined her after that.
//In your kiss it wasn't goodbye.
You are still the reason why.
I can hear you whispering in the silence of my room,
My heart still surrenders like the sun to the moon.
I can barely stand this aching, burning endlessly.
"Love me now forever"
Were the last words you said to me.//
After that it alternated between Sere alone and with Zane.
//And when the morning comes,
My hands still reach out for you.
Some things remain the same;
There is nothing I can do.
I can barely get through the day
Ever since you went away.
I can hear you whispering in the silence of my room,
My heart still surrenders like the sun to the moon.
I can barely stand this aching, burning endlessly.
"Love me now forever"
Were your last words to me...
Heaven help us cross this endless sea
With starlight above to guide you to me.
Waves crushing on distant shores,
They're calling our names forever more.
And I still hear you whispering in the silence of my room,
My heart still surrenders like the sun to the moon.
I can barely stand this aching, burning endlessly.
"Love me now forever"
Were the last words you said to me.//
The lost note slowly died away. Leaving the guys standing in shock. None of the others had been able to sing that song that way, with that much feeling. They didn't want to break the enchantment that had been wrought by the song and by Serena.
Reluctantly Zane spoke, still half in a trance from the song. "Sere you are hired as our new lead female vocalist." His tone held plainly said that there was not a choice.
Sere stood in a stunned silence. The full meaning had yet to sink into her head.
"Earth to Sere, come in Sere!" Jag nearly shouted while waving his hand in front of her face.
"Me.me sing? I.I couldn't."
"You can, you have and you will. You are just what we have been looking for." Nate reassured her. "Don't worry if you have to sing tonight it will only be one song. So don't worry, enjoy the night. And did I mention that we have a band scheduled for tonight?"
She was too shocked to speak and so just stood there staring.
"So we'll take that as a yes then." Zane said while he steered her back to the bar.
"Still want to work the bar tonight?" Kaz asked.
"Yeah sure."
"You keep all the tips that you make. And it will get pretty busy being a Saturday and all so if you need help just yell."
With that the guys went and got the stage set up for the band that was coming in. And left Sere to her thoughts. A short time later Kaz announced that the doors would be opening in fifteen minutes and to get ready for the crowd.
Crowd was not the right word. It was more like a stampede. Luckily the ones at the bar were used to there only being one bar tender and there didn't act like complete animals. The band began to play a great dance song and the bar was mainly clear of people for the duration of a couple of songs at least. This gave Sere time to clean things up some and prepare for the next assault of customers.
The night passed by in a haze like that for Sere. By three o'clock the last one had either stumbled or walked out of the place. As Kaz locked up the doors Sere leaned one elbow on the counter resting her chin in her hand. Slowly her eyes drifted shut.
"Time to go Sere." Zane called, while gently shaking her shoulder.
"Ok. I'm ready I've just got to grab my things." She ran off into the back room where she had changed. And grabbed what little she had brought with her.
"You left this." Kaz told her holding out an envelope that was pretty big.
"Oh thanks. I guess I did."
"Where ya staying? I'll give you lift home that way you don't have to walk." Nate told her while escorting her from the club.
"Oh.I've got to check into a hotel."
"It's kind of late to do that now. There's plenty of room at my house, why don't you stay there tonight and in the morning I can help you find a place of your own." By this time they had come to a cherry red motorcycle with black leather seats. For some reason he felt a need to protect her, to know that she was safe.
"I couldn't. I've just met you. I couldn't do that." She half mumbled the reply.
"Look you're half asleep on your feet. Do you trust me?"
Yes she trusted him, but should she? And half asleep was right. And she knew that nothing would happen to her there. So why not? Maybe it was time that she started listening to that little voice inside her head. "Ok, but just for tonight."
He flashed a genuine smile and helped her onto the back of the bike. Thirty minutes later they pulled into the garage of a two-story house. The lights were on in a couple of the rooms so he knew the guys where already home. Sere climbed off the back of the bike somewhat stiffly, and stretched before grabbing her bag and following the patiently waiting Nate.
Once in the house he showed her to one of the spare bedrooms, which happened to have a bathroom attached to it. He made sure she had everything that she may need and left her fro the night.
Sere waited until his footsteps faded and locked the door. It wasn't that she didn't trust them because she did; it was just well she had just met them and didn't really know them yet. With the door locked she went to take a hot shower. She could have stayed in there forever but knew that she had to get some sleep.
Once out of the shower and ready for bed and she climbed in to the king size bed that sat in the middle of the room. The sheets where cotton and pale blue. And there were tons of pillows piled at the head of it. All of them in different shades of blue.
As soon as her head hit the pillow she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. And stayed that way through the night and late into the next morning. When she woke up she was surprised to see that it was a little past noon, there was sun streaming in through the blinds that adorned the window. Stretching her sore muscles she climbed out of bed and got dresses. A short time later she walked down the stairs looking around trying to find the kitchen.
Which wasn't such a hard thing to do since all she had to do was follow her nose. She entered the large kitchen dressed in a pale pink sundress with her hair flowing about her and feet bare. The guys were sitting at the oak table in the center of the room.
"And so sleeping beauty awakes." Jag announced as he pulled out another chair.
"And prince charming must have forgot the kiss." She retorted back at him jokingly. Her comment caused the table to burst into a round of laughter. For some reason she felt comfortable with them, like she did with the Scouts. She took that chair that was offered her and accepted the plate that was handed to her by Kaz. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad here.
They guys talked over their plans for the day while she ate. Most of which revolved around going to the studio and recording. Something she tried her best to ignore.
"So Sere, what are your plans for the day?"
"I had thought that I would try to find a place for me to stay. And the maybe the mall."
"I'll go with you to the mall." Zane happily volunteered. The guys burst out laughing again at this. "Humph." Was his only response to the laughter. On his way out of the kitchen he grabbed Sere's hand and dragged her out behind him.
The guys just gave her helpless looks. She vaguely heard the words "She'll learn never to say mall around him." Before she was completely out of earshot.
"I'll drive, so I'll go get the car while you go get your shoes and whatever else you need." Zane told her while pausing at the stairs. He gave her a gentle push before going out the front door. Sere almost ran up the stairs. She grabbed her white tennis shoes and her purse, which held what little money she had left and her tips from last night.
Zane was waiting for her in the driveway leaning against a midnight black Camero. He opened the door for her like a gentleman and then got into the still running, cool car himself. At first the drive was quiet but Zane took the initiative and started to talk.
"You know you really don't have to find a place to stay. You are welcomed to stay at the house. We aren't even there most of the time so you would have it to yourself. And with you working at the club you'll be closer that what most apartments buildings are."
"I couldn't stay. I would feel as if I was imposing."
"Oh no way. Tell you what, give it a try for a week and see how it goes, if it doesn't' work I'll help you find a place."
"Ok."
"Now since you are our female vocalist you should know who does what. I usually have the main male part. Kaz is on the guitar, Nate on piano, Jag normally does the drums. There are times that they all sing back up. If I'm not singing I'll usually take second guitar. I think that's about it. Hey we're here." On the last part he sounded like a little boy in a toy store.
The car was parked pretty quickly and before she knew what happened they where in the mall. Going from store to store. Sere had never seen a guy that liked to shop so she was surprised by his attitude towards the whole thing. By the time that they got out of the place both of their hands were filled with bags from just about every store in the place. It was obvious that Zane had a ton of fashion sense. And made a mental note not to mention shopping around him again.
The guys called on their way back to the house and said to meet them at the studio that they wanted to record the duet from last night. It never occurred to Sere that they were the ones that originally did the song.
Zane chattered on about this and that for the ride there and on the way into the studio. When they entered the recording room they other three gave her sympathetic looks. A few short minutes later and they were recording the song. After about three times they were through and were free to go. Together they went to eat at one of the restaurants that was close by.
The excuse was that they didn't want to have to cook when they got home. Dinner passed quietly and soon they were all back at the house. The club wouldn't open tonight so they were free to do whatever they wanted. Sere spent the time hanging her new clothes up listening to the radio. 'Maybe I should write to the girls, let them know that I'm okay.' This thought had crossed her mind many times but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. Her parents knew that she was alive and well, but they didn't know what part of the country she was in.
They guys were downstairs doing something that sounded oddly like wrestling and she could only guess. But she did know that she wasn't going down there to find out. Sitting at the window seat she pulled out a notebook she had bought earlier that day and began to write. She was surprised by what came out. A song was on the paper. One that she would keep to herself she had no right showing it to them. Downstairs it had gotten oddly quite. She didn't notice this until her bedroom door was flung open by Jag; a moment later she was in his arms and they where on their way down stairs, protesting the whole way.
She dropped her book as they went out the doors to the patio; it landed open to the song. The next thing she knew she was floating in the air and then under the water. There was only time enough for a small squeak before her head went under.
When Sere was able to see again, Jag was on the ground laughing so hard he was crying. Luckily for Sere, and unluckily for him, he was right by the pool. With a sly smirk and quicksilver moves the 'jackal' was in the pool as well.
It was now her turn to laugh as he surfaces spurting. His outraged face was all the more hilarious. The guys where also laughing and before they knew what had happened they where also in the pool.
The first thing that any of them heard came from Zane. "MY HAIR!" Of course this caused even more fits of laughter. The group spent about an hour in the pool, taking turns on dunking each other. After they were all out and soaking wet they headed back into the kitchen. It was on the way that Kaz saw the book lying face down beside the door. The others were already in the house so he picked it up and flipped it over.
It was obvious that it didn't belong to any of the guys. The cover was midnight blue and showed each of the planets circling around the sun. Along the binding was the planets sign plus four he had never seen before. He had held the page with and flipped it open. Written in a very neat handing writing were the lyrics to a song.
AN: Well if you have read this far I hope that you will review and tell me what you think. I do realize that this chapter was slow, but it does pick up in later ones if you like it and are interested.
~Silvra
