Rose N Bud 6 – Frost Warning – Another city, another concert. Things finally seem to be going well, but Axl isn't entirely convinced…

….

Warnings – none

…..

A stifled giggle and a faint click broke Axl out of his light doze, and he cracked an eyelid, rolling it to the side to glare at the cause of the disturbance. Mel stood just barely in the line of his side-eye, hand over her mouth not even coming close to hiding her amusement.

Rosie had curled into him during their nap, one leg resting on top of his, arm draped across his chest, head nestled in the crook of his neck. His shirt was bunched up where she clutched it, her breath warm against his throat.

There was another faint click, and Axl turned his head more towards Mel, realizing she was taking pictures of the pair. Glaring, he gave her a one-fingered salute with the hand not pinned under Rosie, and she snickered, flashing a bright smile and a thumbs up as she lowered the phone and bounced away.

With a sigh, he rubbed gently at Rosie's shoulder.

"Alright, nice lady. Nap time's over."

Rosie took a deep breath, slowly lifting her head and blinking at him owlishly. She stretched a little, the feel of her body moving against his side, her leg sliding down his, made him suck in a breath, humming a little in the back of his throat, smile growing sharper for a moment.

She seemed oblivious to the effect, smiling back sleepily. Releasing his shirt to brush a hand gently over his chest, she levered herself upright, fingers drifting up to push loose hair out of her face.

"You can go upstairs if you want, get some more rest. We're not gonna be doing much but messing around with that tune, maybe some more practicing. You know, like paint drying but with a good soundtrack."

Rosie snorted as he playfully tossed her words back at her. She looked about to retort, till a jaw-cracking yawn got the best of her.

"Take any bed up there that doesn't already have junk on it. I think we'll be stopping in a few hours to gas up and get some take out. We don't usually get off the bus though – the roadies handle the orders, elsewise we'd get mobbed or wind up with a train of followers."

Rosie nodded, patting his shoulder as she made her slightly groggy way around the table and towards the stairs. Axl turned to watch her walk away, slowly rising himself to head to the back, Slash greeting him with a shit-eating grin.

"You have a good nap, old man? Where's your little cuddle buddy?"

"Eh, fuck you."

"Not sure I'm the one you really want…" Slash mimed a fuller chest and hips, eyes bright with humor.

Axl rolled his eyes skyward. "Fuck entirely off, Slash, and apologize to Mel while you're at it. Duff, Rich, what ya got so far?"

…..

Day and night on the bus ran together, the group flowing loosely between the practice space, the eating area up front, and the upstairs to nap as the convoy rolled on. Rosie spent time with Mel, the younger musician enjoying female company while she showed her new friend the depth the synths added to the songs.

One hazy pre-dawn morning as the bus rolled quietly along the highway, Rosie woke, disturbed by the buzz of a phone. Someone started muttering softly, a bed rustled and curtain clicked as it slid open, footsteps were moving past her then padding down the stairs.

She waited a few moments, laying back and closing her eyes, but sleep eluded her. Sighing, she got up, stepping quietly down the stairwell to see Axl plopping down in the sitting area with a grunt, phone to his ear, other hand ruffling his short, red hair into a wild mess.

"Yeah…I know, but it's worked out so far. What? Nah, nothing like that…I don't care what you've heard…or seen… It's fine, really. She's just a fan, that's all. No jackass, there's nothing more to it… You're kidding, right? Fuck you, of course there won't be any issues, that's the whole point, dickhead… Yeah, sure you were. Alright, that's enough. You're supposed to be the one keeping things quiet, not fanning the flames of the rumor mill… Whatever, I'm going back to sleep. 'Bye."

Rosie stood frozen; one hand gripping white-knuckled on the cabinet nearby. When Axl stood with a sigh she jumped like a frightened rabbit, racing back up to her bunk and slipping in as quietly as she could, entirely missing Duff peering out from his space across from her, expression thoughtful.

Duff watched as Axl came back up, walking slowly past them with a tired sigh before climbing into his own bed and pulling the drape, the sound of him settling in turning quickly to muffled snoring. Duff waited, sliding his own curtain open quietly, rolling to sit on the edge of the bed, listening carefully as Rosie's breathing hitched in ragged rhythm.

…..

They rolled into the next town well after dark, with showtime the next evening.

Axl had again requested a double suite, riding with the rest of the band to the top floor and guiding a seemingly tired and quiet Rosie to their entrance. It was late, and he went eagerly to the door of the larger bedroom, opening it and turning with a bright smile, only to see the door to the smaller room close as Rosie disappeared inside.

He stood, mouth agape, shoulders falling slowly, finally sighing and turning in, the door snicking shut behind him sounding far too loud in the quiet space. Leaning against it, he ruffled his short curls, glancing around the large and empty room before shuffling off to the on-suite to get ready for bed.

….

It was crawling towards noon when Rosie finally emerged, fully dressed, heading straight to the bathroom without even a glance at the gang now sitting around the large and well-picked over breakfast table. Duff could see her eyes were puffy despite her freshly scrubbed face as she sat down opposite him.

"Hey there, sleepyhead. Thought you were fixing to sleep the clock around."

Axl brightened visibly as she sat next to him in the only open chair, pouring her a cup of coffee, deflating almost as quickly as she flashed a pale smile, barely glancing his way. He threw an arm over the back of her seat, but Rosie didn't seem to notice as she sat quietly, pulled in on herself.

"You feeling ok, Rosie? Should we get Doc up here?"

Shaking her head, she took a sip of her drink before answering, her voice low and a bit rough. "No, really. I'm fine. I looked at the wound already. It's fine."

"You have allergies or something?" Duff interjected, and Rosie stared at him, face blank. She blinked slowly, and shrugged, eyes falling away as she took another drink of coffee.

Axl frowned, watching the interchange, glancing at Duff when Rosie looked away. Duff just twitched an eyebrow, head tilting slightly Rosie's way before he took a swig of his own beverage.

Axl watched Rosie nurse her coffee. He perked up suddenly, leaning closer.

"How about we work on your voice practice today? I've got to warm up anyway. I'll be using one of the backstage rooms while the rest of the gang hits the main stage, so we'll be able to hear ourselves over these noisy bastards."

"Maybe a little later, ok? You go ahead though."

He deflated again, covering it quickly with a soft smile as he rubbed Rosie's good shoulder.

"Alright nice lady, no pressure. Come see me whenever you're ready."

"Yeah, ready to hear an old man make funny noises."

"Fucker." Axl slugged Slash with a grateful grin. "If she wants that she can stay on stage with you."

Rich nearly snorted in his coffee, Mel patting Slash's other shoulder in commiseration, though she winked at Axl. Duff stood abruptly, motioning to Frank.

"Day's not getting any earlier, might as well head to the bus and hit the stage, get down to business."

The two left the table, Rich and Mel rising to follow. Mel cast a soft look at Rosie, head tilted and blue ponytail swinging.

"You wanna come with me, Rosie? I could show you some more of how the synth works."

Rosie smiled back, though it made her look more frail than cheerful. "Thank you, I'd like that."

The ladies left together, Mel waving her hands wildly as she described the sounds and effects she used for the shows. Axl and Slash were left at the table, the singer staring into his tea quietly.

"Hey old man, whatcha thinking so hard about?"

Axl huffed out a deep sigh, brushing his short hair back needlessly. "I don't know, Slasher. Just, does Rosie seem alright?"

Slash clapped his friend on the shoulder, giving him a friendly push as he scraped his chair back.

"Eh, relax man. Ladies get moody all the time. Don't get your panties in a bunch just 'cause hers are."

Standing up, Axl tossed Slash a sour look. "Why do I even bother asking you for advice."

Slash just smiled and shrugged, moving to the door. "My years of experience, of course. Could always get her some chocolate or some shit like that. Always seems to make 'em smile."

Axl hummed thoughtfully, pulling out his phone to fire off a few texts before heading down to the bus.

….

Pulling into the stadium, the band grabbed their stuff, ready to head in and get to practicing. Duff picked up a couple of bags, slinging the larger one over his shoulder.

Rosie cocked her head watching him, coming up as the bus pulled into the dock.

"I could help?"

The tall blonde smirked down at Rosie. "Axl would be pretty pissed at me if he saw you carrying my stuff, little lady, and so would my wife. Especially with your injury. Thanks for asking though."

Rosie huffed. "I'm not exactly an invalid, you know."

Duff patted her head. "I know. But the answer's still no."

They stepped down off the bus, heading up the ramps that lead to the main stage. Rosie was falling behind as Duff and Frank made long strides. Slash gave her a friendly wave as he walked past.

"Try and keep up now, Rosie."

"Eh fuck it. Y'all can walk with me or wait for me. There's no way I can keep up with a damn thirty-six-inch inseam."

Duff stopped and turned, grinning. "How do you know my inseam?"

Rosie snorted. "Mine's thirty, and so was my husband's. I know what six inches looks like."

Duff barked out a laugh. "My condolences." Everyone started snickering.

Rosie paused, blinking, then her eyes went wide. She snorted dryly.

"Guess I walked into that one."

Duff grinned wolfishly. "That's what she said."

Rosie nearly choked. "Oh my god."

Slash piped up, winking and flashing a wide smile. "She said that too."

A garbled wheeze bubbled out of Rosie and she nearly doubled over as she shook, making the rest of the gang laugh harder. Axl came over, rubbing her back as she untucked, holding her stomach and gasping for air.

"Gotta watch these animals, Rosie. They're barely civilized at the best of times."

Drawing a deep breath, she patted his arm as she wiped at her eyes.

"No worries, Axl...whew, heh! I can handle it. I haven't laughed that hard in ages."

"Even if it's twenty-four-seven? I don't think these assholes ever stop."

"Speak for yourself, Red. I'm a total gentleman."

"Blondie, you're a total something, alright."

"Alright everybody, if we're done being children, can we get to the stage already?" Mel strutted past, rolling her eyes, smirking loftily.

Rosie snickered, following her. Coming up by Duff, she glanced at him slyly.

"So, Duff…how's your kidney function?"

He shot her an odd look. "Eh, fine? I guess?"

"Oh. Good." She thumped him lightly low on his back with her fist as she passed.

"Ow, hey!"

"Fair warning, there's lot of vital, unprotected organs in easy reach of this short person, Stretch."

Axl coughed a laugh as Rosie winked over her shoulder, then turned to trail after Mel. He came up and clapped Duff on the back, smirking at the tall bassist.

"Gives as good as she gets, yeah?"

Duff grinned. "Sure does. Good luck with that." He rubbed his back. "And watch your kidneys."

With a little more banter, the group split up, Axl roaming towards the back rooms to start warming up his voice as the rest headed up top.

…

A bit later, Axl made his way back to the main stage, pausing to lean against a stack of equipment trunks to watch Rosie watch the band practice. She sat on a stool next to Mel, smiling and swaying as the blue-haired woman danced in place, keeping time with 'Shadow of Your Love' as her hands flew over multiple keyboards.

The song ended and Mel turned to Rosie, leaning in to talk and gesture at the keyboards. Rosie was nodding, and her face lit up as Mel pulled her off the stool.

The band started up 'Live and Let Die', Duff taking the lead on vocals. Mel placed Rosie's hand on one of the keyboards, laying hers on top to guide the other woman's fingers.

When she was sure Rosie had it, she moved back to her other keyboard, making adjustments as they played. Axl had to move further towards the stage to see Rosie, who stood completely still, fierce look of concentration on her face as she kept up her part.

Stifling a wicked thought, he caught Mel's eye, and seeing her smile back he made his way up to their platform. Coming up behind Rosie, he was almost laughing too hard to keep going.

Frank kept looking over, smiling like the devil and shaking his head, but Rosie was so caught up she wouldn't have noticed if she was on fire. In one swift move, Axl reached over, bringing both hands down on the keyboard on either side of her.

Rosie jumped like a caught rabbit, nearly launching the both of them off the back of the platform. Axl was prepared though, anticipating her surprise, firm grip on the synth in front of them to keep them and it from falling forward or back.

Everything ground to a halt, and he could feel Rosie panting hard against him even as the sounds of laughter bubbled up all around them. He caught her quick glance as she looked over her shoulder, and a quick but thankfully restrained elbow to his stomach that made him whoof and step back.

"Asshole." Rosie muttered, turning to face him. Her face was stern for all of a second before she rolled her eyes and chuckled.

"That's 'Axl', ya know. Couldn't help it, you looked far too serious up here. This is supposed to be fun, sweet lady. Smile and enjoy yourself a little."

"I was enjoying myself, till you snuck up on me." She eyed him, one eyebrow arched high and a smirk on her face.

Axl could hear Slash making noises and he turned a quick glare the guitarist's way. "No comments from the peanut gallery, fucker! Hey!"

Rosie had slid past him, making him jump as she gave his side a pinch. Everyone was still laughing as Frank waved Rosie over.

"You can sit with me, Rosie. Axl won't bother us up here."

"Yeah, that's 'cause you almost knocked me out with a flying drumstick last year. Careful Rosie, there's good chance for blunt trauma around Frankie!"

"She'll be fine! I tossed that stick on purpose."

"I KNEW IT! Mad bastard!"

Rosie came up behind Frank, giggling madly at Axl's rant. He waved her closer with an easy grin.

"Don't mind him, he just likes to make noise. Now, if you stand right behind me, I can give you a stick and you can help out. How are you at keeping a beat?"

Rosie gingerly patted Frank on the back, shaking her head. "Ah, pretty sure I'm terrible at it, really. I'm fine just watching, you're like a tornado when you get going. It's stunning to witness."

"Flattery will get you everywhere with me, little lady." He glanced over his shoulder to give her a wink. She winked back, rolling her eyes as Axl called out.

"I saw that, Frank! No rubbin' another man's rhubarb!"

"Ya snooze, ya lose, buddy!"

Frank suddenly tapped out time on a rim, the guitarists picking it up and rolling right into 'Paradise City'. Axl shot Frank the finger, but came down to stand center stage, grabbing the mike and launching into the vocals right on cue.

Rosie watched the drummer for a while, patting him again lightly on the back again as she stepped down off his riser, waving as he nodded. Coming around the stage, she stood off by the side watching the musicians jam out the song, coming together and moving around the set in a synchrony bred of long familiarity.

Duff ground out a heavy beat, working his way toward center from stage right, noticing Rosie standing back below Mel's platform, watching Axl sing. From his vantage point he saw her expression change, soft look falling away to something so lost and broken he fumbled his rhythm in surprise.

Axl turned his way, eyes flashing in amusement. The redhead kept turning, looking up at Frank, brows furrowing when he realized Rosie wasn't there. By the time Axl noticed her below Mel, Duff could see she was smiling again, swinging along with the music as Axl strutted in her direction, singing the refrain.

Wrapping an arm around Rosie, Axl pulled her along, striding back to the center. Motioning at her, he got her to start singing along, their voices in perfect sync despite being a full octave apart.

Axl finished the song, brushing Rosie's hair back from her face with a light hand.

"You wanna pick the next song, Rosie?"

She looked pensive, brow furrowing before she looked back up.

"Could we do 'Since I don't have you'?"

"You bet." Axl waved at the gang, the guitarists all pausing a moment to swap out instruments, taking seats around the stage. "You wanna go solo?"

Rosie ducked her head, giving him a tentative smile. "I don't remember the whole song."

Axl eyed her slyly. "So, 'Estranged' you remember word for word, but this one you don't? You're a funny lady, Rosie. You could always pull it up on your phone."

She rolled her eyes. "Well…yeah, that'd be the words well enough, but you put your own thing in it and I don't remember what you do."

"Wait, Axl put his thing in it? And you don't remember? When'd I miss that?"

Without missing a beat, Axl and Rosie turned heads toward Slash and yelled in unison. "Fuck off, Slash!"

Slash's look of surprise almost matched theirs as they turned toward each other. The whole band and any crew in earshot were practically rolling on the floor, except for Slash, who just shook his head, flashing a bright grin.

"Better watch out, Rosie. I think Axl's rubbing off on ya! And not just in the fun way!"

"SLASH!"

It took a few minutes to get back on track, and Slash went and sat close to Duff as everyone readjusted and got ready to go. He started the intro, picking out the melody as he leaned on Duff's shoulder, tilting his head up and giving the blonde a sappy look, batting his eyes.

Duff just shook his head, smirk twitching at his lips. Rich sat on the stage riser in front of Dizzy, kicking his feet like a little kid and waving at Mel.

Axl let Rosie start as they traded off lines, keeping his voice low to match hers and turning the song closer to the original version instead of the band's usual wild cover, Slash strumming low-key on his guitar with a teasing lilt that softened Rosie's bittersweet tones. At the end, everyone joined in for the final choruses, the singer's arm slung over Rosie's shoulder as they shared the mic.

Hugging Rosie as the song ended, Axl kissed her forehead, smiling as she dipped her head.

"We should do that more often."

"Can you at least turn this way so we can get a good view?"

Rosie went from blushing to rolling her eyes. "You wouldn't happen to have a fly swatter, would you?"

Axl's eyes glinted with mischief. "Whatcha need that for?"

She pinned Slash with a glance and a smirk. "Nothing big. Just a little pest control."

Duff chuckled, pushing Slash off his shoulder to stand up. "Good luck with that. We've been trying for years."

Slash looked about to retort just as chatter came over their ear pieces, one of the crew saying lunch was ready. He settled for flashing his perpetual grin and giving everyone a one-fingered salute as he headed off in search of food.

That seemed to be a signal, and the band took a break, the show now only a few hours away. Axl was ready to walk with Rosie, but Duff snagged him before they could leave.

"You got a minute, Ax?"

Axl looked at Rosie, but Mel called over. "Rosie, come on with me. We gotta get to the buffet before Slash eats it all."

Rosie nodded, and the two left the stage, Frank, Rich and Dizzy following.

"What's up? Something with the sound?"

"Nah…" The tall blonde rubbed at his arm, scratching thoughtfully on a tattoo. "I just wondered if you and Rosie were ok?"

Axl gave Duff a questioning look. "Why? Did she say something?"

Duff shook his head. "She hasn't said much to me at all. I thought maybe you'd had an argument on the bus or something? She just seems a little off."

Looking a little stunned, it was Axl's turn to shake his head. "No, we haven't argued at all." He shrugged. "I thought she was a little quiet too. Don't know why."

Duff sighed. "I've got a bad feeling about this."

"I've set up dinner for tonight, for all of us. Thought that might help?"

Duff gave Axl a dubious look. "Couldn't hurt, I guess." He scratched the back of his neck. "You know, Susan's pretty good at this stuff. If you've got any questions, maybe she can give you some advice?"

"Thanks, Duff…that'd be great."

"For what it's worth, old man, I hope this all works out…for both of you."

"Hmmm, yeah. Me too."

….

For a change, the concert went off without a hitch, Axl on fire, teasing Slash, Duff and Rich as he pranced and strutted around the stage. The crowd was lit, and poured their joyful energy right back at them all night long.

He couldn't help but grin every time he looked at Rosie. Standing stage left out of the crowd's sight, she was dancing and swaying the whole concert, eyes half-closed as she lost herself to the music, singing along with every song just as she had the night he first saw her.

Axl wasn't the only one that noticed. Slash wandered her direction during 'Estranged', jamming hard on a solo that saw her mirroring his rolling hips, blissful smile going wide as he hit the high notes and drew them out.

By the time they were finishing up their final encore, Rosie looked as wrung out as he was, maybe more. The band assembled and took their final bows, the lights going dim as they turned to head off stage, and Axl wandered her way, laughing when she nearly tackled him with joyful hug.

"So, was it good for you, too?" he drawled, deep voice lilting suggestively.

He felt her giggle, and she smacked him lightly on his chest as she pulled back.

"Impossible imp." She glanced up, smile bright on her face. "That was amazing! I can't thank you enough for letting me be here."

"I bet I can come up with some ideas for how you can thank us." Slash chimed in, leaning over her shoulder. He let out a surprised 'Oof' when she spun and gave him a fierce hug.

"Beast!" Rosie tugged at a strand of his hair, laughing at his exaggerated wince as she let go of him. "You were fantastic tonight…but that's still all you'll get from me."

"Playing rough and hard to get, you really do know what I like." His eyebrows waggled above his low-slung shades, wide smile turning halfway to a leer. She giggled again as he let her push him away.

"Hey, somebody giving out free hugs over here?"

"Duff! Oh, you were so good! I can still feel that bass in my bones."

Duff smirked, elbowing Slash. "Well, you know what they say…bass players do it deeper."

Slash flipped him the bird, and Rosie cackled, taking Axl's arm and pulling Duff into a side hug as they headed off backstage. They caught up with the rest of the group as they scattered to grab their things from dressing rooms, meeting up again at the busses.

Axl smiled as he stood on the steps to the band bus, looking over everyone, enjoying the light mood and energy leftover from good show. He clapped his hands and whistled loudly, getting the band and crew's attention.

"Alright, great show tonight everyone! Damn, don't I wish they all went this well. We're gonna head back to the hotel for a minute, let everyone clean up and change, then we're going out to eat. I've got special reservations for a private late-night meal at one of the better local spots."

There were cheers and clapping all around, people piling into the busses for the quick trip to get ready for dinner. The band bus was buzzing cheerfully, Mel leaning close to Rosie, clearly relaying something amusing as the both of them broke out in laughter.

"Alright, break it up you two. I can tell you're up to no good." Axl loomed over the two ladies, teasing tone ruining his attempt at haughty side-eye.

"We're being perfect angels, thank you very much." Rosie snapped back, though her mouth twitched with a poorly hidden smile. Mel was hunched over, shaking with laughter.

He reached over to ruffle their hair, chuckling deeply as they both squawked. "I ain't that young and ladies, and I ain't naïve."

…

Dinner was a loud and friendly event, the restaurant hosting them closed to any other customers, so the whole, large group could spread out and walk around freely. Axl dragged a happy Rosie around, making sure everyone got a chance to say hello, many of the crew thanking her again for her bravery against the shooter.

She held hands and gave hugs to nearly everyone. Axl was pleased to see her kind and gentle demeanor was, if anything, even brighter around the hard-working crew than with his own bandmates.

When they finally sat down to eat, the waiter for their table offered a drink menu, looking a little surprised as the group started shaking their heads. Next to Axl, Rosie cleared her throat, looking a bit embarrassed as everyone turned her way.

"Ah, I'd like to see it, if that's ok?" She glanced at Axl shyly.

He patted her hand, eyes twinkling. "I'm not gonna have to carry you back to the hotel, am I? Not that I'd mind."

Rosie snorted. "Not unless it was one of your own that roofied me and plans to try again. I may be small but I can hold a single drink."

Chuckles came from around the table as the waiter handed her the board, and her eyes lit up. "Oh, I'll take the rose-infused one, please."

Axl laughed. "Just can't get enough, hmm?"

She poked him gently in the ribs. "I like trying new things."

Food came out, large dishes of savory pasta and meat and roasted vegetables that everyone passed around as they talked. The waiter was back with her order, a sparkling pink concoction in a rocks glass with several rose petals sliced and arranged artfully on the red-sugared rim.

She tasted it and smiled as she turned, catching Axl staring as she licked the sugar off her lips. She held the glass up.

"Want a taste?"

Axl's eyes brightened, and he leaned in close, voice low and velvety. "Don't mind if I do."

He put his hand over hers, drawing the glass up, his lips brushing her fingers as he took a sip. Her cheeks reddened, eyes going wide in surprise as he smiled wickedly.

"Dew on the Rose, is it? Deliciously sweet…and just a tiny bit salty…"

Wild hooting and cheering from around the table only deepened her blush, and she dropped her gaze, turning away. Reaching down, Axl took her free hand in his, chafing it gently as he leaned close to her ear to be heard.

"Are you alright? You can say if we're teasing too much."

She shook her head slightly, side-eyeing him, corner of her mouth tilting up. "I'm fine, really."

"You are indeed fine, Rosie. And the drink's not bad either."

She laughed outright, Mel and some of the others laughing with her.

"To Rosie!" Axl shouted, raising his water glass high.

"TO ROSIE!" came the thunderous response, from theirs and nearly a dozen tables across the restaurant. Rosie turned deep red, hiding her face behind her upraised glass.

…..

Coming back to the hotel, the mood was pleasantly subdued, the wired post-concert energy having gradually given way as the night wore into early morning. Axl had his arm around Rosie's good shoulder as the band made their way up to their floor.

Peeling off, they waved goodnight to the others as Axl opened the door, letting Rosie file in first. Entering, he reached for her hand, pulling her back around so they faced each other.

Moving close, he smiled down at her.

"I hope you had a good time tonight?"

Her eyes were bright as she looked up, nodding. "I really did, it was better than I ever could've imagined. Thank you so much."

"Should have been like this the first go-round, but I think we've got some real traction now. Only great nights from here on, right?"

Her gaze dropped for a moment, with a ghost of a sigh escaping her before she looked up again, smile a bit more watery than it had been. "Right."

"Are you ok, Rosie?"

Her smile grew stronger. "Yeah…I'm good…just a little …overwhelmed I guess."

Axl gathered her into a loose hug. "Ahh…in a good way, though?"

Rosie bit her lip, nodding again.

He cupped her cheek, running a thumb gently over soft skin. He could hear her breath catch as he bent down.

His lips brushed hers with the barest touch, drawing every so tenderly at her bottom lip before he retreated, smiling softly. She startled, drawing back and blinking slowly, a bright flush blooming on her cheeks.

"Too bold?"

She shook her head slightly, hand twitching as it touched his.

"Can I do it again?"

Her eyes locked on his, and he could feel her shiver slightly. She gave the faintest dip of her head, voice barely a whisper.

"Yes."

With more confidence, he pulled her close, teasing her lips with his own; pressing and nipping lightly, begging a response. He couldn't help but grin when her arms snaked around his neck, holding tight even as she yielded, melting against him.

They stood for long moments, wrapped together, sharing slow kisses, her fingers curling in his hair, his hands roaming gently up and down her back. He felt her start to shake, minor trembles that grew till her whole body vibrating with the force of them.

He pulled back, panting slightly, with a curious look. "Rosie?"

She was panting too, body still quivering. Looking away, she crossed an arm over her front protectively.

"Did I hurt you?"

She glanced at him in alarm, shaking her head wildly. "No! I…no. You didn't. I just…it's a lot to…" She sighed, head dropping as she crossed both arms over herself. "I'm sorry."

"Are you sure that shouldn't be my line?"

Rosie stared at the floor, shaking her head again.

Axl stood uselessly, at a loss for whether to reach out to comfort her or retreat.

"Rosie, do you not want this? Did I do something wrong?"

Her eyes were damp when she looked up, but she stepped closer, put a shaky hand on his chest.

"Axl…it's not…you didn't do anything wrong, really. That was…" she took a ragged breath "…that was…more wonderful than words can describe. A gift beyond measure."

Laying a hand over hers, he picked it up, kissing it softly.

"That could be just the beginning. You're the gift, Rosie. I could show you how much, if you'd let me."

He felt her spasm again, and he let out a long, steadying breath.

"When you're ready."

Ever so slowly, he hugged her again, humming contentedly when she hugged him back, burying her face in his chest. She mumbled something into his shirt, and he was just barely able pick it up.

"Thank you."

"Ah, Rosie. Don't thank me just for not acting like the asshole I've been most my life. You deserve so much more than this."

He felt her head shake, small hand patting him gently on the back. Tilting, he kissed the top of her head.

"Would you…like to stay with me tonight?" He felt her freeze, and held back a sigh. "I promise, Rosie, you'll be as safe as before. I just thought it'd be nice to not be alone. I've missed you, these last few nights."

He felt her shudder and draw in a ragged breath. She squeezed him tightly, lifting her head but still not looking him in the eye.

"I'm…I can't. I'm sorry."

"It's ok, Rosie. Don't be sorry. I'll never pressure you. After all these years, even I've learned a little …patience…"

He felt her huff in weak amusement, and he chuckled softly himself. Carding a hand through her hair, he kissed her forehead again.

"Well, I'd best let you rest then. We've got a moderately early morning tomorrow, on our way to the next stop."

She nodded, casting a side glance at him and looking away again.

"I think I might shower tonight. Make it easier to leave."

Rubbing her back gently, he nodded.

"Not a bad idea. Alright, I'll let you get to it."

He stepped back, turning towards the larger bedroom. His gut twisted almost painfully and he let out a rough breath as he grabbed the door handle.

"Axl?"

He spun back around at Rosie's call. She looked small and frail as she stood alone, more like a lost child than the vibrant, happy woman she'd been a short while ago.

"Yes?"

"Thank you. For everything."

"There's more to come, Rosie. We have lots of time before the end of the tour."

"Yeah…I know. I just wanted to say it anyway."

Axl froze for a moment, taken by a sudden urge to run over and gather her up. He swallowed dryly, raking a hand across his scalp, already berating his own reluctance to act.

"G'night, Rosie. Call me if you need anything."

"I will. Good night, Axl."

He stepped inside the bedroom, taking another ragged breath and scrubbing his face with his hands. He heard the shower start out in the main suite, groaning as the memory of their happier moments tonight came roaring back.

The feel of Rosie's soft body pressed into his sank right into his groin, and he had to adjust himself as he sat down hard on the sadly very empty large bed. Head spinning as he toed off his boots and shucked his jeans, he tried to figure out where things went so wrong.

Finally crawling into bed, his mind was still chewing over the night's events, still at a loss for what triggered Rosie so badly. Duff's words came back to him, and he wondered what she wasn't telling him. The sound of the shower still running was a white noise in the background as he slowly drifted off.

…

Rosie stood under the water, carefully soaping and rinsing the flannel she'd borrowed from Axl, making sure it was clean before placing it on the hanger she'd grabbed from the closet, buttoning it up and arranging the collar so it would dry as neatly as possible.

Once that was done, she turned the water up, letting the hot stream paint her skin red as she shook, finally leaning against the wall for support as she cried. It felt like she stood there forever, till even the hotel water started to grow cooler.

She turned it off, stepping out and rubbing herself distractedly with a towel. Squeezing the excess water out of her hair, she threw her change of clothes on and walked back to her room.

Running her hands over the backpack, she pulled everything out, at least what little there was. She laid out the clothes and other stuff on the bed, folding and rolling everything up neatly and placing it back inside the bag, then laying it at the foot of the bed.

The bright orange rose lay wilting on the bedside table, and she picked it up, inhaling it's fading scent. Its sweetness brought back the memory of the huge bouquet, and the safety of Axl's strong arms wrapped around her.

She laid it down on the pillow, leaving the room as neat as if she'd never been there. Moving to the outer room, she paused by the desk, fingers brushing across a notepad.

Staring it at, she stood for long moments, pen hovering at the ready. With a deep breath, she started writing, scrawling out a few lines and dropping the pen to wipe at her eyes.

Leaving the note lying there, Rosie opened the balcony door, sliding it closed as quietly as she could behind her. Standing at the rail, she looked down at the city as it glittered brightly in the remainders of the dark night.