Forgive me this is a lot.


"How do I sound?" Melody asked in the booth beyond the glass.

"You're all clear!" Margaret said back. She was sitting next to her cousin Andre, Angel, Sonny, and Athena.

Andre asked while twirling a pencil, "You already did vocal warm ups with Mags not too long ago right?"

Nodding a yes, Angel gave a go ahead as Melody sang his verse.


an hour earlier

Walking into Margaret's house, Melody greeted her friend with a hug.

"Hey you!~" Margaret said in a cheery tone, "So glad you could make it! Didn't Athena tell you to call me though? I have something to tell you!"

Melody remembered she was supposed to call until Toki and Skwisgaar came into the kitchen. "Oh yeah sorry I got side tracked." She said sheepishly.

Both girls now sat on the living room couch as Margaret scooted closer to her friend curiously. "Lemme guess... you were staring at that hot guitarist muscles ripping through his shirt huh?"

"What?!" Melody shouted out clearly embarrassed. She knew she regretted telling her friends everything. "Mags please, I have other things on my mind than his...body."

"Uh-huh," Margaret said smiling, "Well you did seem to forget about the other cutie in the studio you're gonna be working with today. What I wanted to tell you over the phone is something... you're probably gonna hate me for."

"You mean how I already hate you for setting up this recording sessions the day after we just made plans?" Meloday said annoyed, "I'd rather just be bumming it at home."

"Okay well its just that Sonny went over his musical ideas with us before you got here. He's planning on making his own album but needs you on it for more than just one song. He needs you on the whole thing. So I vouched for you and said you'll do it." Margaret excitedly explained.

Looking at her friend in disbelief, Melody shook her head. "I don't know how long I can be with that man in the same room until something-"

"You dont have to worry about being alone chickadee!" Margaret interrupted, "You have your girls here now looking out for you, anything gets too uncomfortable you can always pull back out of this music shit. I know how nervous you can get. IIt's gonna be ok."

Relieved, Melody thought of the other side of things. It might be nice to work on an album and it could help her to get started on finding her voice or style. In the end, it would help her find herself after so long being molded by Vincent.

"Lemme go warm up my voice now."


As everyone watched Melody finish up the final chorus, Angel said aloud, "Shit Mags you weren't lying when you said she could sing, her style is what I like for this song."

"Yeah, yeah, she's real. By the way, Andre, did our friend here pay up?" Margaret asked nudging her cousins shoulder.

Andre responded, "Yeah, but I think we hit the jackpot here." As he saved the recording, he then turned attention to Sonny.

"So. An album huh?" He asked as Sonny nodded back.

Scoffing, Andre continued, "You know... you were gone a long time, I kinda missed your soft boy ass music, not gonna lie. And now we got you back and I listened to those new songs you've brought out on the scene. You got a lot more going on now more than ever."

Firrowing a brow, Sonny asked, "You never complimented me like this what the hell you want?" Having thoughts racing through his mind, he knew Andre was a hardass and was probably gonna overcharge him.

"I just don't want you to fuck up again and disappear for good because second chances like this are rare. You got some fresh talent here sitting in this recording room." Pausing, Andre looked over at Melody behind the glass.. "Dont fuck it up and waste my time again like last time." Andre finished, leaving Sonny reminded of what happened before he made his comeback and felt angry at Andre bringing up the past.

"Hey Mel, let's take a break Angel's gone. We're gonna do some recording with Sonnys music later."

Nodding, melody took off the headphones and made it out to the livingroom area with the rest of her friends. Margaret started mixing drinks for everyone which Melody declined.

"Not getting drunk again for at least a week." She mumbled as the rest of her friends laughed.

"Hey did things get talked about between you and your cousin?" Athena asked.

Melody shook her head, "No, he left early this morning. Left a letter saying he had some business to attend to and he won't know when he'll be back."

Margaret strutted next to her friends, "So party at your place Mel?" She laughed, "Or are your cousins "room mates" gonna have a problem with that?"

Melody gave her a "don't say it" look. Last thing she desired was unwanted attention because of her living situation.

Andre gave Melody a quizzical look, "What 'room mates" we talking about you living with? I thought it was just you and your cousin, dont tell me he has a grip of his family there living at his place. I know what that kind of hell must be like."

While Melody's friends laughed at Andre, she thought quickly on what to say. What could she say to not give it away.

"What can I say?!"

Melody finally spoke up, "O-oh no. He's far from the type of family man. Very boring, but no, those "room mates" really are some people he's helping."

"Helping? Like off the streets helping?" Andre asked.

"Like... well, he's sorta helps rehabilitate people like behavior wise and with drug abuse. He has five other guys living on his property that he's helping out with, but I dont really see them that often."

Margaret and Athena caught on to help keep Melody's secret safe. Margaret leaned over to her cousin side to confide in, "She doesn't really talk about her cousins occupation since people will find out he's rich and girly here doesn't want that kind of attention." He nodded, annoyed he had to end the conversation there but understood what it was like trying have people, especially family, bum off you for money.

Taking a drink Andre slyly said, "See now, thats why we charge bitches high here Mags, think of your bags so you won't have to beg."

Walking away, Margaret got both Athena and Melody out to the Patio area away from the boys, she needed to know just how much to say.

"Okay, I'll stick to your story about Ofdensen and Dethklok, but please, I won't put my life on that." Margaret said as Athena agreed.

Athena asked with her hands over Melody's, "Yeah Mellow, I'm your friend and all but what Dethklok has a reputation for is making people go silent. You really think Mags and I are safe?"

Getting a sinking feeling in her stomach, she knew she couldn't lie to her friends. "Well, thing is...Ofdenson already knows who you guys are. The klokateers gave information where Mags lived which pretty much gave them all information about everything including Athena and everything about her. But death? Killing you guys? I dont think that will happen."

Silently, Athena and Margaret stared at Melody wide eyed. "So they're watching us, they have us on tabs? Do I have any hidden cameras in my house?" Athena asked in a sudden panic.

"No, no, no look- calm down!" Melody said to Athena, "You and Margaret don't have any of your homes or cars bugged. Charles let me know all this already, its just for my safety and has nothing personal to do with you guys."

Margaret sighed in relief, "Okay. It's okay Athena, we shouldn't be worried. Mel is still our friend. Just some things are different now. But that doesn't matter to me, you're my friend and after everything we've been through together, I won't let your cousin scare me." Smilling Margaret grabbed both friends in a group hug, "You guys are the best family I ever had."


Back inside Melody and her friends sat with Andre and Sonny as they were going over album concepts. Melody paid particular attention to the theme of the album, it was almost a melancholic tone as if meeting old friends again for one last time.

"Hey have you decided on an album name?" Melody asked Sonny.

Scratching his head, "Nah, just having the theme and general feel for it. I'm still in beginning brainstorming stages. Still, I like the 'Space Odyssey' concept mixed with a 'Smashing Pumpkins' vibe. I have a lot of random lyrical writings that I've been organizing to get a better structure to it." Sonny explained holding his notebook on his lap.

"So what the hell are we gonna record today?" Andre asked huffing, not wanting the day to be slow.

"Hold on, hold on!" Sonny assured, "Theres a chorus I wanted Melody to sing for this one particular song that's more fleshed out than the other ones. Once we have a good take on it I was wanted to mix it later."

Giving Sonny the side eye Andre touted, "Sure, cool, whatever, come more prepared next time to do more than a chorus. I had completed a whole song for Angel and I could've had Dennis here to finish off today rather than doing just a chorus."

Shaking his head Sonny responded, "Jesus you're still the same dick after all these months. Come on Melody, lets go in the studio real quick."

Getting up Melody noticed her friends and Andre were sticking behind as Andre gave an annoyed wave goodbye. She cpuld tell Margaret had to stay there to keep him cool enough until they were done recording, and Athena didn't want to leave her alone with him.

Entering the recording studio, Sonny shut the door behind them, "That man is a real class act ain't he?" He asked. Shrugging her shoulders, "I never really knew Andre that well, Margaret always made sure Athena and I would stay out of his way since he was busy all the time and didn't really care what Margaret did if it wasn't about music. He really has had her hooked into music making for as long as I can remember. So...he's not the most friendliest, but more of a perfectionist."

"Shoot you dont know the half of it. I forgot Athena mentioned you were gone for a while too. I have a few thoughts about Andre. Him being a perfectionist I agree with you, but he's a dick to his own family and doesn't give his respect unless they're doing something with their lives." Inching closer towards Melody in the studio rolling chair he spoke in a near whisper, "But get this- I think he's jealous of Margaret."

"Jealous? Why would he be? He runs things around here Mags doesn't." Melody said.

"Look closely next time we're recording, Margaret is better at mixing and producing music than he ever could. I can see it in his eyes and demeanor, the way he tries to police her deals with other people in the underground scene and what does he do? He slaps his name on her work and gets all the credit. For a while Margaret spilled to me about each artist she worked with that he stole from her. She can't leave because, well, she can't afford studio time."

Feeling sad for her friend she couldn't help but remember all the times growing up and seeing her friend Margaret being a musical talent through the years, but it always did seemed to be controlled by her cousin.

"Both of her maternal grandparents are in hospice, she has no choice but to live under her cousins rule. I hate that for her..." Melody frowned, which made Sonny realize he had to change the subject to not further upset her.

"Hey I'm sorry for bringing this shit up, let's focus on our music okay?" He smiled positively.

Looking up at him melody thought "our music?"

"You mean you really want my name on this album. Really?" She asked in disbelief.

Laughing Sonny responded, "Yeah, you really inspired me when I heard you sang, I knew I needed you on this. This album is gonna mean a lot to me, and you have just the right voice for it to me."

Melody saw his eyes, lips, and hair that made her heart fluttered. It wasn't right that she felt so much for this man after not knowing him long enough. However she felt as if this was all destiny in the making.

"I can't help it"

"What do you got for me?" She asked.

Digging in his notebook Sonny replied, "Its gonna be a sample version from a song I think you're gonna like." He then handed her a folded up piece of paper.

Reading it Melody surprisingly recognized the song and got up into the recording booth. "Sounds okay?" She asked putting the headphones on.

"Yeah, go ahead!" Sonny said raising a thumbs up. Talking a deep breath, Melody began to read and sing the lyrics.

"What'll I do

When you are

Far away

And I'm so blue?

What'll I do"

Looking beyond the glass, Melody felt a connection to Sonny as she sang. Strangely it was as if he new her whole story the way he looked at her with strong and expressive eyes. It was almost like he carried her heart in those eyes. Even as her heart skipped a beat, she couldn't help but ask herself. "Is this love?"

...

"What'll I do

With just a photograph

To tell my troubles to?

When I'm alone

With only dreams of you

That won't come true

What'll I do?"


Back at Mordehaus, the band gathered around as Pickles tried to dial his dethphone to listen to a voicemail coming from...someone he couldn't stand.

Nathan grumbled, "Pickles, its your dildo of a brother Seth. I thought you went over shit with him and buried whatever was between you two when you were sober."

Tapping the table in anxiety, Pickles bit his lip, "Dude I know, but he just never leaves a message. I feel like its somethin' bad."

"Wells, we won'ts knows until you open it Pickle." Skwisgaar added.

Taking a deep breath in, Pickles opened his voice-mail and put it on speaker.

"Hey buddy! It's your brother, Seth! Listen i just want you to know Australia's gonna be liquidating some more assets to me but don't worry about it we'll get around to it soon yknow? Heh, heh, but hey, guess what? You're gonna be an uncle again! Got another rascal on the way so me and the family and the rest of Dethkloks family gonna come over soon I dont know when but ill keep you posted. Anyways later cock-sucker!"

All members frowned and groaned in agony realizing it was gonna be another bullshit reunion with families they hated.

"Do they scheriously dont aschk jack schit about what the hell we're doing firscht?!" Murderface yelled out, "God I want thesche people to fucking die already!"

"You're fucking tellings me, that womans and I been strained relationships ever since last time going to Swedens." Skwisgaar said angrily while plucking at his guitar.

Rubbing his forehead, Nathan sat down, "They do this shit at the most unexpected time. Ugh, my parents are probably gonna be asking me the same fucking questions like 'whens the wedding?' And 'where are the grand kids at?' THE FUCK SHOULD I KNOW?!"

Moving slightly so to remember not to slip in a catatonic state again after hearing about his mother coming over, Toki asked in a small voice to Nathan, "Doesn't they knows earths ams over-popsculateds? Why more peoples heres?"

"Overpopulated, Toki remember sound it out slowly." Pickles reminded.

"You can blame half of the over population on Schkwisgaar for that." Murderface said slyly.

"Why yous always gots to involve me in some forms of insult? At leasts I have illegitimate goofballs from getting laid, how's about yous?" Skwisgaar snided back.

Murderfaced aggressively lashed back, "If you need to be reminded, I get lotsch of pusschy! Unlike you I wrap my shit at least 2 times!"

Pickles groaned, "Ugh calm down Murderface again you don't need ta prove anything, Jesus guys please don't make another bet again."

"Guys, guys, listen," Nathan interrupted, "We also have Charles cousin on our hands. Remember, what little people know about her the better, at least for now until Charles can find a way to have her slowly introduced with the rest of the world without triggering them to follow us again."

The room fell silent as the band understood the implications, they had to try their best separating Melody from their families but not knowing when they'll be coming would prove difficult to hide.

Toki spoke up finally loud enough to be heard, "The less they knows the better, right Nathans?"

Lifting his head from a resting position on the couch Nathan also had to keep enough about Melody from the rest of the band, they all and Melody shouldn't be aware of what she could be too soon.

"Yeah uhhh, less they know the better. By the way have any of you seen her?" Nathan asked.

"Oh, Skwisgaar and I drops her off at a friend's house. We supposed to picks her up at 10." Toki responded.

Skwisgaar sucked his teeth, "Ohhhh no Tokis! Can we please justs gets the klokateers to picks hers up?!"

"Oh wow hahaha, thatsch rich! You driving around Missch Daisy now huh? Wonder if thatsch the fatherlyness in you?" Murderface cackled.

"Please shuts the fucks up about that, I'm sick of hearings abouts bastards already." Skwisgaar said playing his guitar in frustration.

"Hey why can't any of us go pick her up?" Pickles asked loudly which took Nathan by surprised.

"Why the hell would we do that I dont want to drive I hate driving." Nathan grumbled, "Besides, Skwisgaar and Toki are gonna go pick her up anyways."

Sighing heavy, Skwisgaar put down his guitar and checked the time. It was just 20 minutes til 9 and figured he had no other choice. Not wanting to fight anymore the Swede conceded.

"Fines...afteralls Toki will be studyings for his license anyways. Then I wonts have to drives a 14 years old again."

"I thoughts she was 13? Nathans?" Toki asked confused.

The lead singer started to get confused too, trying to think back to Charles conversations he had with him, "Uhhhh...I can't remember. Charles knows but I dont wanna ask. And I dont want to ask her."

"Jeez, and I thought I didn't give a schit." Murderface said smugly.