On The Edge
Chapter 47
HUSH HUSH
Zed's eyes widened for a split second before the shock of what he was seeing was replaced with a murderous rage. There was only one person that could have gained access to the video on his phone and to their flash drive. "I'm going to fucking kill him!"
Addison nodded. "I just might let you." She flung herself back onto the bed and stared at the ceiling. "How did this get from Jacey to my mother?"
He laid down next to her, curling himself around her. "I have no idea," he whispered into her ear, kissing her softly, trying to calm the anger coursing through his veins.
She let out a ragged breath. "We have to tell Bucky."
ZzZzZzZzZzZ
Bucky paced in front of Addison and Zed as they silently sat on the couch, mumbling profanities under his breath as he waited for reinforcements to arrive. He finally stopped when there was a knock on the door. "Thank fuck…" he muttered as he dashed across the room and swung the door open. "Took you long enough!"
"Sorry, I had to call room service and ask if I could get popcorn," Tracey said as he skipped into the room, immediately plopping onto the sofa with Zed and Addison.
Mason chuckled. "Yeah… he's not lying. He actually called them… They should be sending some up shortly."
Bucky rolled his eye and looked at Eliza. "I thought it was just going to be you?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I was in the gym with those two when you called. They knew something was up."
He looked to Bree and Bonzo. "Were you guys in the gym as well?"
"Nope," Bree smiled, pinching his cheek. "Mason called."
He threw his head back and groaned.
"What?" Mason asked with a shrug of his shoulders. "Your girlfriend is literally the only one who hasn't seen them have sex. It hardly seems fair that you'd ask her to watch it."
Eliza let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, like you weren't racing to get up here."
"Enough!" Bucky shouted. "Jesus fucking Christ! This isn't a laughing matter! It's bad enough they were dumb enough to make the goddamn video. But then Missy had to get a hold of it?! I need to know how bad this is and I sure as shit am not watching it myself!"
"It's Zeddison," Mason said as if it was obvious.
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Bucky…" he sighed and shook his head. "The two of them could make a porn star blush without even trying."
"And it was Valentine's Day…" Addison added.
He glared at her. "I thought I said I didn't want to hear a word out of you."
"Shutting up again…" she whispered, locking her lips and focusing back on the notebook she was writing in.
Tracey stood up. "Where's your laptop Honey-bunny?"
"On the bed," she sighed.
He walked off to retrieve it. "Bucky, you can wait outside," he said as soon as he walked back into the room.
"What?"
"If you can't handle watching this, then go outside. We'll let you know when we're finished."
Bucky scrubbed at his eyes. "Just... call me when it's done."
"Oh! And let room service in!"
ZzZzZzZzZzZ
Thirty minutes later, Tracey closed the laptop. Slowly he turned back towards Zed and Addison. "You two…" he shook his head and let out a breath. "That was just… muah! Chef kiss!"
"I'm so glad Bucky stepped out, he'd be traumatized for life," Eliza added, patting them on the shoulder. "I'll go get him…" she stopped at the door and turned back. "Oh, and by the way, Addison, you're totally teaching me how to do that."
Addison and Zed both let out a laugh.
"Get in line," Zed said with a proud smile. "Wills asked first."
"Who knew waterworks would be in such popular demand," Addison giggled. "I should totally teach a class or something."
"We'll just be… in our room" Bree mumbled, grabbing Bonzo's hand and pulling him towards the door. "Give us an hour."
Mason chuckled as he watched them. "After watching that, I'm surprised they only want an hour…"
"That was easily a weekend's worth of inspiration," Tracey giggled, hugging both Zed and Addison.
Zed cracked a smile. "It's a good thing neither of us embarrasses easily." He glanced over to Addison, "You okay, Baby?"
She nodded her head and smiled. "Yeah, I'm okay…" she bit her lip and looked up at him through her lashes.
"Uhoh… I know that look," Mason teased, tossing a handful of popcorn at her. "You're such a kinky bitch."
Addison grabbed one of the throw pillows from the couch and threw it at him. "Says the guy who raced up here to watch and brought everyone with him!" She rolled her eyes and stood up. "I can't help it if I get off on the idea of other people watching me!" Her eyes widened as a smile spread across her face.
Zed laughed. "And I know that look. Need me to grab my guitar?"
"I've got it," she smiled, already sprinting into the bedroom.
"I get off on you
Getting off on me…" she sang out as she strummed.
"I give you what you want
But nothing is for free
It's a give and take
Kinda life we make
When your line is crossed
I get off…"
Zed, Tracey, and Mason were all on their feet applauding as Bucky stormed back into the room.
"I'm glad to see everyone taking this seriously," he sneered. "Everyone else, out… I need to talk to my sister… and Zed," he added, still wanting to strangle him.
"But… But… I have so many questions!" Tracey pouted.
"Ask them later," Bucky said, holding the door open for them.
Addison rolled her eyes. "I'm done keeping secrets, Bucky. Mason, Tracey, and Eliza are family… and it's not like they haven't seen the damn video," she laughed as she set her guitar down.
"This is so not funny."
"It kind of is," she said. "I let you throw your temper tantrum earlier, but now you need to get the fuck over it."
"How the fuck am I supposed to get over the fact my sister was stupid enough to make a sex tape?!"
"Dammit, Bucky! I told you because you're our manager, so start acting like it and not as my over-bearing idiot step-brother! I'm pissed my mom got a hold of it somehow and is blackmailing me with it. But I will not apologize to you or anyone else for making that tape. I have nothing to be ashamed of!"
"She has a point," Eliza mumbled.
Bucky sighed in defeat and plopped down onto the couch, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine… we can't change the fact that the tape exists… but how the hell did Missy get it?"
"Jacey," Zed said matter of factly.
Tracey let out a gasp.
"How the hell could Jacey have gotten it?" Bucky asked.
"He had my phone… and he was by the bunks just before Adds noticed the flash drive was missing… and let's not forget the sketchy shit in Seattle."
Tracey gasped again and grabbed Addison's shoulders, "Didn't he invite you to the Beverly Hills Hotel?!"
"That is where Missy has been living since you two torched her house!" Mason finished, looking between Bucky and Addison.
"Oh, he is sooooo out of the band after the next show!" Tracey exclaimed.
"If I don't kill him before then…" Zed said murderously.
"Show first, then you can beat the shit out of him with my blessing… we need him…" Tracey looked back at Addison, "So we've established that Jacey is a no good, two-faced, backstabbing bastard, but I still don't get why your mom would even bother releasing that tape, Doll-face."
"Let me ask you a question, Trace… did anyone really know who Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian was before their tapes leaked?"
"No… but they were…"
"Heiresses," Bucky finished for him. "Just like my sister. Missy can ruin Addie's image before her career even really starts, especially if the performance tonight gets any publicity. The story will automatically become the tape," He rolled his head back onto the couch. "That part is the easy one to understand. What I still don't get is how Jacey would even have a clue about your bitch of a mother?"
"No idea, Brother-dear…"
He closed his eyes. "I've already put in a call to hotel security to get the tapes of Missy coming up here… I guess I'll put a call into Angelo and see if one of his guys can get a hold of security tapes from the Beverly Hills…" he rolled his head over to the side and looked up at Addison. "But first, I have to ask… what do you want to do about the show?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well… your Mom just threatened to release your sex tape if you went ahead with performing tonight… so…."
"If you think for a second that I'm going to give in to my mother and her fucking crazy, then you're even crazier than she is."
"Even if it means that tape gets released?"
She threw her arms in the air. "So what if it fucking does? I told you, I'm not ashamed of it."
"It was pretty hot," Eliza mumbled again.
"And you know what they say," Mason added in. "There's no such thing as bad publicity…"
"But it's your name, Sis… there would be no hiding anymore."
"There was no hiding after tonight anyway. I'm done hiding. And I'm done with my mother's threats. Tonight is about Daddy. Not me, not her… I'll be damned if I let her ruin something else for him."
He sat up straight and smiled. "Damn, Sis… I haven't seen you this fired up in a long time."
"I told you, I'm done hiding."
"Then I guess we're doing the show!"
"Damn right we are!" Zed said, wrapping his arms around Addison and kissing her.
Bucky stood up and cracked his neck. "Now that I've got the manager shit out the way…" He walked over to Addison and pulled her in for a tight hug as he kissed the top of her head. "You know I love you, Addie-loo, right?"
She nodded against his shoulder.
"Good… because that is the only reason your boyfriend is still alive."
Zed swallowed loudly as Bucky glared over towards him.
"Okay, on that note… everyone out," Addison said with a laugh as she pushed Bucky away. "I need to shower and get ready for final techs. I want a solid run-through before Uncle Saul gets there."
"I'm serious."
"And so am I," she said, continuing to push him towards the door. "Now unless you want to see the live-action version of that tape, I suggest you get out."
Bucky froze. "Yup, time to leave… E?"
"Right behind you."
"Can I stay?" Tracey asked, holding up his hand.
Zed and Addison both exchanged a quick look before shouting in unison, "OUT!"
"Fine, fine…" Tracey kissed her cheek and grabbed Mason's hand, pulling him out as well.
Addison closed the door and leaned back against it, letting out a deep breath. "Well… that was fun... think they bought it?"
Zed chuckled and stalked towards her, trapping her against the door. "You were pretty convincing, I think I was the only one who noticed you shaking. You okay? No bullshit." he breathed out against her lips.
"Not even close," she answered breathlessly as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "But… the show must go on."
"So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight…" he whispered, quoting the Great Gatsby as he kissed her softly.
"At least we'll go together."
"I like it, I'm not gonna… crack…" Addison sang before stopping abruptly. She pushed her sweaty hair away from her face and turned around. "What the fuck Mase? You're an entire quarter beat slow!"
He wiped his forehead on the back of his hand. "Sorry… Let's try it again…" he shook his wrist out, trying to hide the grimace on his face as he did so.
Addison and Zed exchanged a quick look before walking over to his kit.
"You okay?" she asked.
"I'm fine."
"Mase… what's wrong with your wrist?" Zed asked quietly.
"It's nothing… really… I'm just not used to playing this much anymore. It's been getting sore all week. It'll be fine though."
Addison grabbed his arm and carefully touched his wrist, making him flinch. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because this is fucking important and you've got more than enough shit to deal with. I'll be fine."
"Mase…can you play tonight?" she whispered.
"Adds, I…"
"No bullshit."
He sighed and shook his head. "I'll make it work."
She smacked him upside the head. "Don't be an idiot. You grew up drumming, your Dad is a drummer, you know just as well as I do that you can't play with tendinitis."
"I never said I had...Ow!" he exclaimed as Addison pressed her thumb against the side of his wrist.
"You were saying?" she asked with a knowing smirk.
Mason sighed and rolled his head back in defeat. "The show's tonight… I can't leave you scrambling to find a replacement."
Addison rolled her eyes. "I'd rather find a replacement than have you cause permanent damage to your wrist."
"What about Eliza?" Zed asked.
"She does know the entire set… better than I do," Mason said with a shrug. "She's been giving me pointers all week."
Addison gnawed on her lower lip and nodded before walking back to her microphone. "Hey, E?" she called out into the audience where they were all watching.
Eliza cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled back, "What?"
"Can you come up here?" She could see the look of concern cross Bucky's face even from her spot on the stage. He stood up and followed Eliza, which made Tracey, Bonzo, and Bree follow as well.
"What's up?" Eliza asked when she reached the stage.
Zed bent down and helped her up. "Mason's wrist is acting up."
"Shit…" she said, looking over to him still sitting behind his kit.
"Think you could take over for him tonight?" Addison asked.
"What?!" Bucky exclaimed as he pulled himself up onto the stage.
Addison sighed and rolled her eyes. "Mason's wrist is sore. We need Eliza to play… if she wants."
"Oh, she wants!" Eliza said excitedly.
"Try not to look so excited, Eliza," Mason groaned.
She turned to him and gave him a sympathetic look. "I am really sorry your wrist is strained. Been there, done that. It sucks."
"Wait, E gets to play? So not fair…" Tracey pouted.
"But you get to play nurse and take care of your boyfriend," Eliza offered.
Tracey smiled and pondered the idea. "True… but still."
Addison took a step back and looked around. "Hey!" she called over, getting the attention of the backup musicians they had been working with all week. "How much are you guys getting paid for playing tonight?"
"A grand, why?" one of them answered.
"How about I double it and you sit out?"
"Seriously?" the other one asked.
She nodded and smiled. "Yeah."
"What the fuck are you doing?" Bucky asked her, practically pulling his hair out.
"What I should have done to begin with," she answered, turning to look at him. "I trust Tracey and Bonzo to play with us more than the studio musicians the label arranged… no offense," she said turning back to them. "You guys have been great, I just really need my guys behind me tonight."
"No offense taken."
She turned back to Bucky and gave him a small smile. "Please?"
He rolled his head back and looked up to the rafters. "I really hope you know what you're doing…"
"Wait…" Bonzo said. "Does this mean…"
"We get to play tonight?!" Tracey screeched excitedly.
"I mean… if you want…" Addison said non-nonchalantly.
Tracey and Bonzo exchanged a quick look before they both started to jump up and down excitedly.
"Alright, alright…" Bucky said, trying to get everyone's attention. "You two, I'm going to need your info so I can wire you the money," he said to the two studio musicians who were already packing up their gear. "And you guys…" he said turning towards the rest of them. "Well… you guys know what to do… do not fuck this up!"
"Um…" Bree said, holding up her hand. "Are you fucking insane?"
They all stopped and looked at her.
"I don't have time to restyle everyone!"
Addison smiled and hugged her best friend. "Deep breaths, Bree… You're a styling rockstar, we'll make it work!"
"Besides, it's not like Slash is going to let you style him anyway," Zed added.
"This is true," Addison agreed with a nod. "You get what you get with him."
Bree gave her an unconvinced look. "Fine… but I'm moving everyone's start time up an hour, and I'm going to have to dig into your extra outfits to find something that moves easier for Eliza to wear."
"Fair enough," Addison giggled, kissing her cheek.
"I'm going to go call Jamie and get a few more access passes…" Bucky mumbled. "Get to work."
Mason handed Eliza his drumsticks. "Do me proud."
"I will," she said, taking them and pulling him into a hug.
Zed draped his arm around Addison, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "This feels right."
"It does, doesn't it," she smiled up at him.
"What are you guys waiting for?" Bonzo asked as he put one of Addison's bass guitars on and plugged in. "We practicing or what?"
Addison smiled and pulled Zed in for a quick kiss. "Let's do this!"
ZzZzZzZzZzZ
Bucky, Bree, and Mason watched as Tracey, Eliza, and Bonzo picked up the set perfectly.
"They're really, really, fucking good together, Big-Bro…" Mason said as he kicked his feet up onto the seat in front of him.
"I agree…" A voice called out from behind them.
The three of them turned around to find Jamie and another man sliding into the row behind them.
"Mason, why aren't you up there?"
He held up his arm. "Wrist was crapping out. Besides, Eliza is a way better drummer than I ever was."
"You're not wrong," Bucky said with a laugh as he stood up to shake Jamie's hand.
"Here are your new passes…" Jamie said, handing him three lanyards.
"Thanks for getting them over so quickly."
Jamie shrugged. "I was on my here anyway… this is Sam, he's a reporter with Rolling Stone."
Bucky shook his hand. "Bartholomew Buchanan, nice to meet you. This is Bree Jeffery, and Mason Turner," he said, introducing them.
"Pleasure to meet you all."
Bucky looked over to Jamie, arching his eyebrow.
Jamie let out a low laugh. "Sam was asked to cover the induction ceremony and do the write-up piece, but…"
"But?"
"But I quickly figured out there was a better story," Sam said with a smile. "Mind if I sit and watch rehearsals for a bit?"
Bree grabbed onto Bucky's hand, realizing the significance.
Bucky looked back at the stage and smiled. "Be my guest…"
Sam pulled out a notepad from his back pocket. "So… tell me a little about Addison Donnelly."
ZzZzZzZzZ
As Addison hit the final chords on the piano and the sound of Zed's guitar started to fade from the amplifiers, the small audience stood up and began to applaud.
"Sounds great you guys," Jamie called out. "Even better than yesterday!"
"Thanks, Uncle Jamie," Addison said into the mic. She looked at everyone on the stage and smiled. "He's right… thanks, guys. I couldn't do this without you."
Tracey bounced over and sat down next to her on the piano bench, planting a loud kiss on her cheek. "Thank you! I was stoked for our show at the Troubadour tomorrow night, but this…" he said gesturing all around. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
She hugged him tightly and looked back into the audience. "Any word on when Saul will be here?"
Jamie looked at his phone. "He texted a few minutes ago. He's on his way over."
Addison nodded. "Not enough time to run through the set again… want to try out something new with me?"
Tracey nodded enthusiastically as he stood back up and grabbed his guitar.
Zed just shook his head and leaned over to kiss her. "One of the songs you wrote this morning?"
"Yup," she said with a laugh against his lips.
"Play us in, Gorgeous…"
She stood up and picked up her guitar as she walked up to her microphone.
"Naked pictures on my telephone
All my secrets that you weren't supposed to know
But I sleep fine every single night
'Cause I got a film tape that you will never find…"
"You better be fucking joking!" Bucky hollered.
She shrugged her shoulders and smiled coyly.
"Not funny!"
"It's a little funny…" she said with a giggle.
He pulled at the ends of his hair in frustration.
"Fine, fine, fine…" she grumbled, taking off her guitar and moving back to the piano. "I'll play something else." She rolled her neck and cracked her knuckles before beginning to play a soft mournful melody on the piano.
"I will always fall and rise again
Your venomous heroine
'Cause I am a survivor
Yeah, I am a fighter…
I will fall and rise above
And in your hate I find love
'Cause I'm a survivor
Yeah, I am a fighter
I will not hide my face
I will not fall from grace
I'll walk into the fire, baby…"
Zed and Tracey picked up the slow melody, followed almost immediately by Eliza and Bonzo building the rhythm.
"All my life
I was afraid to die
And now I come alive inside these flames…"
Jamie shook his head as he watched the five of them create a new song. "She's incredible…" he whispered to himself.
You don't want me to love you
You don't want me to bite you
You don't want to look at me for you will turn to stone
Bucky nodded in agreement. "Yeah… it took a lot of work to get her back onto a stage and find her voice again, but once she did…" he smiled to himself, "there's no stopping her now."
You don't want me to hurt you
You don't want me to bite you
You don't want me or my aching soul
Jamie patted his back. "Dale would be proud of both of you…"
"I'm just doing what I promised him I would do," he whispered as he continued to watch.
"I will always fall and rise again
Your venomous heroine
'Cause I am a survivor
Yeah, I am a fighter…
I will fall and rise above
And in your hate I find love
'Cause I'm a survivor
Yeah, I am a fighter
I will not hide my face
I will not fall from grace
I'll walk into the fire, baby
All my life
I was afraid to die
And now I come alive inside these flames…"
The sound of applause coming from the side of the stage made Addison open her eyes. "Uncle Saul!" She stood up and ran across the stage, launching herself into her godfather's arms.
"Hey there, kid. I missed you too," he chuckled as he held her tight.
Tracey grabbed onto Zed. "That's Slash… Addie is hugging Slash… Fucking guitar god Slash!"
"Breathe, Trace," Zed laughed. "You knew he was going to be here."
"Yeah but… but… now he's here!"
Addison overheard him and laughed. "I guess I should introduce you to everyone."
"In a minute," he said pulling away to get a good look at her. "I have something to give you first." He motioned for someone behind him. "I've been trying to get in touch with you for years…" he turned around and took the case from his assistant. "Before your Dad passed away, he asked me to work on something for you."
Addison inhaled sharply as she watched him set a Gibson case on top of one of the storage crates and flip the latches.
"It was supposed to be an album drop present, but… I thought maybe you could use it tonight." He opened the case and took a step back.
There lying before her was a custom painted purple Les Paul guitar with gold frets, and ivory scroll inlays. Her fingers traced the intricate details. "It's beautiful," she said breathlessly.
"I was going to go with pink, but… purple is pink with an edge… Reminds me of you. Wanna test it out?"
She turned back to look at him, throwing her arms back around her neck. "Of course I do!"
He chuckled and planted a gentle kiss against the top of her head. "Well then let's do this. Introduce me to your band."
She carefully picked up the guitar from its case and walked out onto the stage with him right beside her. "Guys, this is…"
"We know who that is!" Tracey exclaimed as Zed did his best to hold him back.
Addison shook her head and giggled. "Fair enough… That's Eliza on drums, Bonzo on bass, and Tracey and Zed on guitar."
"Nice to meet you all. You guys sounded great."
Tracey gasped. "Slash thinks I sound great!" He grabbed onto Zed's shirt and pulled him down, shaking him. "Slash thinks I sound great!"
"You'll have to forgive Tracey," Zed laughed. "He's a little excited.
"I can see that…" Slash smiled. "Zed… I've met you before, haven't I?"
"My high school boyfriend," Addison said with a dreamy sigh.
"And current boyfriend," Zed finished.
"Aww, that's adorable."
Addison rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, yeah… Let's play!"
Slash laughed and ruffled her hair. "Alright, kiddo… what do you want to play?"
"Um… the set?" she asked confused.
"Like you haven't practiced it a half a million times at this point, and I'm pretty sure I can play November Rain in my sleep… pretty sure I have now that I really think about it," he shrugged his shoulders. "Let's have some fun. Got anything new you want to try out?"
Zed let out a loud laugh. "Addie always has something new to work on. She's written a handful since just this morning."
Slash gave her an approving glance. "Damn..."
"What can I say? My mom pissed me off. I deal with it by writing," she shrugged.
"What did she do this time?"
"Way too long of a story…"
"It always is with Missy," he breathed out a sigh. "Go plugin and let's see what we can do." His assistant rushed onto the stage, handing him his signature guitar.
Addison gave him a nod. "I need to get one of those…"
Slash laughed and plugged in. "Guitar or lackey?"
She held up her new guitar and smiled making him laugh.
"Give it time kid, you'll get there… Now stop stalling and show me what you can do on that thing… Unless you're too chicken..."
She stood up straight and scoffed. "You did not just…"
"Cluck cluck…"
She narrowed her eyes. "Oh, it is soooo on, old man!"
Zed shook his head and smiled. "They're so cute when they get together."
Tracey's eyes widened. "How many times have you been in the presence of his royal bad-assness?"
"A few times," he said with a shoulder shrug as he re-adjusted his guitar. "And every time has been the same. They start out all sweet and mushy and it quickly dissolves into a pissing contest of guitar greatness."
"And I'm going to win this one, too," Addison snapped, leaning over to plug in her guitar.
"I think you're forgetting who taught you how to play in the first place," Slash laughed.
Addison stuck her tongue out. "I may have learned a few additional things on my own."
"Less yapping, more playing."
She narrowed her eyes again and stepped up to the microphone, sliding her fingers down the neck of her new guitar. "Black vultures circling the… Black vultures circling the… Black vultures circling the sky!" she practically screamed out before launching into a power chord progression. Eliza, Bonzo, Zed, and Tracey all jumped in quickly, helping her build an intricate heavy melody.
"Feels like the end of the world
But it's only the beginning of it all
Forget the things that you've heard
Been a survivor since I began to crawl
I'm falling down but I'm not out
The devils at my door…" She looked behind her to where her godfather was watching and threw him a wink as she began to tear into the chorus.
"I don't give in, I don't give up
I won't ever let it break me
I'm on fire, I'm a fighter
I'll forever be the last one standing
Black vultures circling the sky
Pick at the pieces
Scavengers wait for me to die
But I'm not defeated…
I'm falling down but I'm not out
I'm coming back for more..."
"I guess you have learned a few things on your own kid," he called out as a smile spread across his face and he joined in.
Bucky laughed as he watched them. "Good to know some things never change."
"I think I have everything I need," Sam said, standing up. "I'll send you the article before it goes to press… I'm really looking forward to the show tonight."
Jamie stood up and shook his hand as Bucky did the same. "Thank you."
As they watched him walk off, Bucky let out a sigh. "She's going to kill us…"
"Yup."
"Want to help me soften the blow?"
"Probably not the worst idea," Jamie said turning towards him. "What do you have in mind?"
"I know today is super busy, and this evening even more so… but I need you to do me, my sister, and Dale a favor."
"Other lives, always tempted to trade…" Addison sang softly as she sat on the edge of the bed and strummed her acoustic guitar.
"Will they hate me for all the choices I made
Will they stop when they see me again?
I can't stop now I know who I am…"
She looked up as the door to the bedroom opened up. A slow smile spread across her face at the sight of Zed decked out in the plum paisley suit they had picked out for the night.
"Now I'm all yours, I'm not afraid
And you're all mine, say what they may
And all your love I take to the grave
And all my life starts now…" she finished with a flourish before setting the guitar to the side and standing up, smoothing the chiffon of her skirt.
"Delicious…" Zed whispered walking over towards her.
"I could say the same to you, Handsome… that suit looks even yummier on you than it did when we picked it out."
He wrapped his arms around her. "How you holding up?"
"About as well as I can knowing that we're quickly reaching the point of no return."
"We can still back out."
She shook her head. "No… we can't. I meant what I said earlier. I'm done hiding… myself, our relationship… all of it. I'm playing tonight even if it does result in scandal." She let out a shaky breath and met his eyes. "Are you sure you're okay with it?"
He laughed and placed a gentle kiss on top of her hair, careful not to disturb any of the curls Bree had worked to create. "I'd scream from the rafters that I'm in love with you, you know that."
She rolled her eyes. "I know that… I meant the tape."
"I've watched that video several times since we made it. It puts Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson's to shame. I'd be damn proud to have it out there."
Addison giggled and hugged him tighter. "It is better… and you didn't even have to steer a boat with your dick."
"Ugh! Why does every conversation have to involve Zed's dick?" Bucky grumbled as he walked in.
"Because it's my favorite subject?" Addison answered with a shrug of her shoulders. "And this is our room, so… I'm pretty sure this is the appropriate place to talk about it."
Bucky pinched the bridge of his nose and mumbled a string of curses under his breath as he turned back around to leave. "And to think I actually came in here to tell you good news."
"If I promise not to mention my boyfriend's penis around you for the rest of the night will you tell me? I could really use some good news right about now."
He stopped in the doorway. "Promise?"
She nodded eagerly.
"Okaaaaay…" Bucky said wearily, walking back into the room.
Addison and Zed both leaned in a little closer waiting for him to share.
"I think Missy is bluffing… I don't think she'll release the tape."
"This is my mother we're talking about. I put nothing past her."
Bucky nodded in agreement. "This is true, but… what's the one thing she cares about most in this world?"
"Herself?" Zed asked quietly.
"Exactly! If she releases that video, how do you think the public would react to America's Sweetheart blackmailing her one and only child with an illegally obtained sex tape?"
Addison smiled as Bucky continued.
"And not to mention, she would lose her seat on the board."
"She would?!" Addison gasped.
Bucky nodded. "Yeah…I had this sent over from Bamm! Legal," He held up his phone, showing her a copy of the contract Missy had signed when she assumed her position on the board.
"I highly doubt she read it… I know I never read mine," Addison laughed taking the phone from him to read it herself.
Zed shook his head. "Now I kind of wish she would release it…"
Addison gasped again, "She could lose her seat now! As in right now!"
Zed's head snapped over to her. "What?"
She nodded and handed him the phone. "It's an anti-blackmail clause! She doesn't have to release the tape to lose her seat! She's already blackmailing me."
Bucky's smile spread from ear to ear. "Exactly… All the lawsuits she's filed, the votes she's trying to gather, none of it means anything anymore…" he shook his head and chuckled, "You two idiots making a sex tape might have been the best thing ever."
Addison rolled her eyes. "Okay, so what's the plan?"
"We wait."
"Ugh… I was worried you were going to say that," she groaned.
"I still have a few moves up my sleeve for tonight," he said with a wink.
"Do I even want to know?"
"Nope! But be ready," he said with a wicked glimmer in his eyes. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "We're leaving in fifteen. See you in the lobby."
Addison and Zed were both silent as they watched him walk back out the door.
"You know… I'm slightly terrified of him at the moment," Zed finally whispered.
"Yeah… me too," Addison giggled. "But, at least he's on our side!"
He chuckled and pulled her back into him. "I know Bree will castrate me if I ruin your makeup, but I really want to kiss you right now."
"Is that all you want to do?" she breathed out, running her hands up the fabric of his crisp white shirt.
"Not even in the slightest," he smiled, "But… I kind of want to keep my anatomy intact to use later tonight."
Addison bit her lower lip and looked up at him through her lashes. "I won't tell if you don't…"
"I'll know!" Bree called out from the sitting room.
"Dammit…" Addison sighed.
Zed chuckled again and held her close. "You ready to go out there and be a hotter than Hades, bad-ass rocker babe?"
"I've always been a hotter than Hades, bad-ass rocker babe."
"True…" he said brushing a kiss against her lips. "But are you ready to show the world?"
She pulled away and gazed into his eyes. "With you by my side… yeah… I think I am." She smiled and kissed him softly. "What about you?"
"I learned a long time ago that I can do anything if I have you by my side."
As Bree meticulously checked over every detail of Eliza's new outfit, Addison checked her lipstick in the dressing room mirror.
"This night ain't for the faint of heart
For the faint of heart, for the faint of heart
This night ain't for the faint of heart
'Cause the faint of heart gonna fall apart…"
"That's for damn sure," Zed said as he picked her eyeliner up and started to rim his eyes.
"Dammit, Zed! That was not part of the look!"
He rolled his eyes and continued to apply. "Sorry Bree, I can't help it if I look good in guy-liner."
"He's not wrong," Addison giggled.
"I didn't wear it on the red carpet, but I'll be damned if I go out on stage without it."
Bree threw her hands up in frustration. "Whatever… just don't fuck with your hair. I spent way too much time on it for you to go and mess it all up."
Zed winked at her in the mirror.
"Keep your obnoxious charm, for that one," Bree snipped.
Bonzo laughed and pulled Bree in for a hug, "Oh, relax Babe… deep breaths… you've done an amazing job."
"You really have," Bucky agreed as he watched everyone from the couch. "Everyone looks great. We couldn't have done this without you."
"Speak for yourself," Tracey said as he straightened his jacket. "I always look good."
Everyone, including Bree, laughed as he started to pose.
"Well… Aren't you all a lively bunch this evening."
Addison froze at the sound of her voice. She knew it was coming, but she had been cautiously optimistic. Slowly her eyes met her mother's in the mirror.
"Everyone out, I need to speak to my daughter. Alone."
Silently, everyone except for Bucky and Zed filed out of the room.
Missy cleared her throat. "I said, everyone."
"And I'm not leaving my sister alone with you," Bucky said, setting his phone down on the coffee table and standing up.
Zed wrapped his arm around Addison's waist protectively as they turned around to face her.
"You're not even her step-brother any longer, why you insist on calling her your sister is beyond my comprehension."
"Bucky is more my family than you have ever been," Addison responded, squaring her shoulders and preparing herself for their face-off.
Missy rolled her eyes. "I don't have time for this, I need to get back to my seat… I just stopped by to remind you of exactly what you have at stake if you decide to go out there tonight."
"And what exactly is that, again? I was really hungover this morning when we spoke last."
Missy walked up to her, lowering her voice to a dangerous level. "Do not test my patience, Addison. I meant every word of what I said. You step out on that stage tonight to do anything other than accept that stupid award, I will not hesitate to release that video. Your career will be over before it even begins."
Addison smiled. "Ooooh, that… now I remember."
"You are as insufferable as ever."
"It's genetic," she said sweetly. "Speaking of that video… how exactly did you get it anyway? And my flash drive for that matter."
It was Missy's turn to smile. "I have my ways. It's amazing what people will do for you when you throw a little money and a few false promises their way."
"False promises?"
Missy shrugged her shoulders coyly. "Just a little white lie… you'll find out soon enough, Darling."
Addison's eyes met her brother's for the briefest of moments. He nodded his head and smirked.
"Well…" she said, clapping her hands together. "As always, Mother, this has been a great conversation. We should do this more often… Now if you'll excuse me, I have a show to finish getting ready for."
Missy took a step back. "So that's how it's going to be…" She looked at Zed and then at Bucky. "Enjoy tonight. It's the closest any of you will ever get to your ridiculous dreams. By the time this makes it to air, that video will be all anyone will remember you for."
"I highly doubt that."
They all looked to see Jamie standing in the doorway.
"Thanks for having me on speaker, Bartholomew."
"Thanks for getting here so quick," he said, sitting back down and smiling up to Missy.
"Jamie…" Missy sneered.
"Missy," he smiled back holding out a legal-sized document for her.
"What is this?" she asked, taking it from him.
He shrugged as he walked over to sit down next to Bucky. "Oh, nothing really… just a copy of the contract you signed when you joined the Bamm! Board… you might want to flip to the highlighted section."
Missy eyed him warily but did as he said.
Addison let out a frustrated sigh as she watched her mother slowly flip through the pages. "Ugh! Let me help you out. There's an anti-blackmail clause in all of our contracts."
"What?!" Missy gasped, looking up to meet her daughter's eyes.
Her smile widened as she nodded. "Yep. And guess what we have you on tape doing?"
Missy looked back down to the contract in her hands and furiously continued to flip through the pages until she finally reached the section that had been highlighted. She quickly scanned through it, her eyes growing wider with every word. "This can't be…"
"It can," Jamie said. "You violated your contract, Missy."
"But I…"
"You are hereby relieved of your duties as a member of the Bamm! Records Executive Board. Your seat as well as the one you have been holding for your daughter are now back in her position."
"You can't do this to me!"
"Yes, I can," he said with a smile. "Furthermore, if that video were to be released, criminal charges will be filed. Is that clear?"
Missy narrowed her eyes. "This is not over."
"Yes, it is," Addison said taking a step closer to her. "I can't think of a better way to honor Daddy tonight, can you?"
"You'll be sorry… all of you," Missy sneered as she looked around the room one final time before turning and storming out the door, slamming it behind her.
Addison let out a deep breath, practically falling into Zed's arms.
"Well, that went well," he laughed, smacking a loud kiss onto her cheek.
"I can't believe that worked," Bucky whispered.
Addison turned to look at him and her Uncle Jamie. "Is she really off the Board?"
"She sure is" Jamie answered with a smile. "Having Missy on tape just now admitting to everything sealed the deal." He stood up and straightened his suit jacket. "Congratulations, Addison… you now hold the majority."
"I can't believe this," she squeaked out.
"Believe it…" he said walking up to her and giving her a hug. "Just do me a favor."
"Anything!"
"The next time you decide to make a sex tape, keep it under lock and key."
"Fair enough," she giggled, kissing his cheek.
The door slowly creaked open as five heads poked into the room.
"We saw Missy storm down the hall…" Tracey whispered. "Is it safe to come back?"
"It's all good," Zed told them, motioning for them to come in.
Jamie looked down at his watch. "Woah… okay, you guys need to start heading to the stage, like now!"
"Already?!" Addison asked just as the stage manager walked in to give everyone the ten-minute warning. "Well… I guess it's time," she said looking around at everyone. "Let's do this!"
They all nodded and started for the door.
"Wait," Jamie called out. "Shouldn't you be leading some pre-show prayer or something? You know, for luck?"
They all stopped and gave him a questioning look.
"Um… none of us are particularly religious, but I could give it a try," Addison said with a shrug.
They held hands and closed their eyes.
"Um...God, grant me the serenity to dig through the ditches… courage to burn through the witches… and wisdom to slam in the back of my Dragula… In the name of Rob Zombie we pray. Amen."
"Amen," they all said together.
"That was the most Addison Donnelly prayer I could have possibly imagined."
"You get what you get, Uncle Jamie."
He chuckled and pulled her in for a hug. "Knock 'em dead, I'll see you after the set." He looked over to Bucky, Bree, and Mason. "Let's get back to our seats."
Bree kissed Bonzo, whispering words of encouragement before she followed after Jamie as Mason did the same with Tracey.
Bucky stood there, looking at them all as a smile spread across his face. He wrapped his arms around Eliza and kissed her before addressing the rest of them. "I know you guys are going to be amazing. Thank you for doing this. I know Dale would absolutely love the show." He let go of Eliza and walked over to Addison. "And I know he'd be proud of you, Addie-loo."
She pushed him away and blotted at her eyes. "Ugh, you're going to make me cry you asshole."
"Love you too, Sis," he laughed.
"You know I love you, Brother-dear," she smirked. "Now hurry up and get to your seat before the producer flips out that he can't get the shot of you in the crowd."
"Just one more thing… I know you'll be fine once you're playing, but if you start to feel woozy or dizzy while accepting the award, don't lock your knees and… just remember the look on Missy's face from earlier."
She rolled her eyes and flipped him off as he threw her a wink and kissed Eliza once more before heading towards the door.
Zed took Addison's hand in his as the five of them walked towards the stage entrance.
"This is it," she whispered. "Last chance to change your mind."
He pulled her into him and bent her back as he kissed her hard. "I'll be waiting for you on stage," he breathed against her lips, gazing into her bright eyes.
"I love you."
"I love you, too, Baby. Forever."
"And after."
ZzZzZzZzZ
Addison watched the small backstage monitor nervously as Slash spoke over a pre-prepared video montage of her father's career. Her hands started to shake. She closed her eyes and started to count back from thirty.
"Miss Donnelly," the stage producer called out. "I need you on your mark."
She opened her eyes and nodded, silently following one of the stagehands. As she stood in the darkened wings of the stage waiting for the video to finish she closed her eyes once more. I AM Addison Donnelly. I was born for this. Music is in my blood…. She repeated it over and over until she heard her godfather say, "Accepting this award tonight is Dale's daughter. It is my pleasure to introduce my Goddaughter, Miss Addison Donnelly."
Her eyes opened and a smile spread as the crowd cheered her on. She walked confidently across the stage to where her godfather stood, holding her father's award out for her to take.
He hugged her tight, whispering, "They're all yours," as he kissed her cheek.
She stepped up to the microphone and let out a slow breath. "Thank you Slash, I know my Daddy wouldn't have wanted anyone but you introducing him tonight."
He blew her a kiss and held his hand up to his heart.
Addison looked down at the award in her hand, her thumb gently tracing the engraving of her father's name. With a smile, she looked out into the audience. "Growing up, it was a tradition that every year in early May my father and I would snuggle up on our sofa together with a big bowl of popcorn and watch the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame ceremony on TV. It didn't matter that most years he was here in Cleveland representing Bamm! Records at the actual ceremony… he still watched those specials with the same enthusiasm and love for music that he was known for. There isn't a doubt in my mind that he would be speechless tonight, knowing that his name would now be remembered forever among the legends that are enshrined here… No really, he'd be speechless, he never had anything prepared when it came to accepting an award," she joked as several members in the audience laughed. "But that was part of what made him, him. He wasn't big on speeches. He preferred to let the music speak for itself… He also seldom did things the way that was expected... So, in his honor, I'm going to do the same… This is for you Daddy..."
The spotlight followed her as she walked over to the darkened half of the stage. She set the statuette on the top of the glossy black grand piano and sat down on the bench.
"When I was a young boy
My father took me into the city
To see a marching band…" she sang softly as she played along.
"He said, "Son, when you grow up
Would you be the savior of the broken
The beaten and the damned?
He said, "Will you defeat them?
Your demons, and all the non-believers
The plans that they have made?
Because one day, I'll leave you a phantom
To lead you in the summer
To join the black parade"
The stage lit up, illuminating the rest of the band as they joined in. Addison stood up and picked up her guitar as she walked up to the microphone next to Zed.
"Sometimes I get the feelin'
She's watching' over me
And other times I feel like I should go…" She glanced over to Zed and smiled as he threw her a wink.
"And through it all, the rise and fall
The bodies in the streets
And when you're gone, we want you all to know
We'll carry on, we'll carry on
And though you're dead and gone, believe me
Your memory will carry on…"
The last chord was still echoing as Bonzo began to pluck out the deep baseline from Canonball by the Breeders. Eliza joined in, quickly transitioning into the next song. The crowd cheered as Zed stepped up to his microphone.
"Look at all those movie stars
They're all so beautiful and clean
When the housemaids scrub the floors
They get the spaces in between
I wanna live a life like that
I wanna be just like a king
Take my picture by the pool
'Cause I'm the next big thing
Beverly Hills
That's where I want to be"
"Gimme gimme, gimme gimme" Addison sang, unable to tear her eyes from his.
"Livin' in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills
Rollin' like a celebrity"
"Gimme gimme, gimme gimme"
"Livin in Beverly Hills…"
The melody changed again as Addison took back over.
"Now you know you're sure lookin' pretty
Like a lover not a dancer
Superboy take a little chance here…
Kool thing let me play it with your radio
Move me, turn me on, baby-o…
Yeah, tell 'em about it
Hit 'em where it hurts…
Hey, Kool Thing, come here, sit down beside me
There's something I got to ask you
I just want to know, what are you gonna do for me?"
Zed cut back in as the tempo picked up.
"Because I fell in love with the girl at the rock show
She said what? And I told her that I didn't know
She's so cool, gonna sneak in through her window
Everything's better when she's around
Can't wait until her parents go out of town
I fell in love with the girl at the rock show"
He blew her a kiss as he stepped back for her to sing.
"I got a lot to say to you
Yeah, I got a lot to say.
I noticed your eyes are always glued to me
Keeping them here
And it makes no sense at all
Crush… crush… crush… crush, crush… TWO, THREE, FOUR
Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than this…"
With a slight key change, the melody morphed as she continued to sing.
"Hey, hey
We're all watching you
Oh, baby, fly away to Malibu
Cry to the angels
And let them swallow you
Go and part the sea, yeah, in Malibu…"
Zed pushed his already sweaty hair off of his forehead as he stepped back up to the microphone. His eyes found Addison's once more.
"Tonight… tonight…
tonight… so bright
Tonight… tonight
We'll crucify the insincere tonight
Tonight
We'll make things right, we'll feel it all tonight.
We'll find a way to offer up the night, tonight
The indescribable moments of your life, tonight
The impossible is possible tonight, tonight
Believe in me as I believe in you
Tonight…"
"And I'd give up forever to touch you…" she sang softly as she stepped over to Zed's microphone.
"'Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now…"
The audience disappeared and all she could see was him.
"And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
And sooner or later, it's over
I just don't wanna miss you tonight
And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am…"
The music changed to a sexy, slow beat.
"You let me violate you…" Zed growled seductively.
You let me desecrate you
You let me penetrate you
You let me complicate you…"
"Help me, tear down my reason
Help me, it's your sex I can smell
Help me, you make me perfect
Help me become somebody else…" She purred.
They were practically nose to nose, the necks of their guitars nearly touching as they sang together.
"I wanna fuck you like an animal
I wanna feel you from the inside
I wanna fuck you like an animal
My whole existence is flawed…
You get me closer to God."
The music picked up once again as Zed turned back to his microphone.
"I'm so addicted to
All the things you do
When you're going down on me
In between the sheets
Oh the sounds you make
With every breath you take
It's unlike anything
When you're loving me..."
Addison's cheeks were starting to hurt from smiling.
"You come on like a drug
I just can't get enough
I'm like an addict coming at you for a little more
And there's so much at stake
I can't afford to waste
I've never needed anybody like this before…"
She tore into the next song as Zed started to sing.
"And I wonder
When I sing along with you
If everything could ever be this real forever
If anything could ever be this good again
The only thing I'll ever ask of you
You've got to promise not to stop when I say when
She sang…."
Addison walked back over to her own microphone as her smile fell and she began to pluck out a slow tune.
"You and me, we used to be together
Everyday together, always
I really feel that I'm losin' my best friend
I can't believe this could be the end
It looks as though, you're lettin' go
And if it's real, well I don't want to know…"
As Addison took off her guitar and sat back down behind the piano, Zed continued to play.
"And now my bitter hands
Cradle broken glass
Of what was everything
All the pictures have
All been washed in black
Tattooed everything
All the love gone bad
Turned my world to black
Tattooed all I see
All that I am
All that I'll be, yeah
Uh huh, uh huh, oh…."
Addison took a slow breath as the music around her faded. Slowly she began to play a sad melody.
"Maybe in another life
I could find you there
Pulled away before your time
I can't deal, it's so unfair
And it feels, and it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it feels, yeah it feels like
The world has grown cold now that you've gone away…" She fought back tears as she continued.
"Leaving flowers on your grave
Show that I still care
Black roses and 'Hail Mary's'
Can't bring back what's taken from me
I reach to the sky and call out your name
And if I could trade, I would…."
She closed her eyes as Zed strummed out the intro to the next song.
"Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
Wake me up when September ends
Here comes the rain again
Falling from the stars
Drenched in my pain again
Becoming who we are
As my memory rests
But never forgets what I lost
Wake me up when September ends...
With her guitar back on, Addison stepped back up to her microphone, screaming,
"I've become so numb
I can't feel you there
Become so tired
So much more aware
I'm becoming this
All I want to do
Is be more like me
And be less like you..."
Slowly the song changed again as Zed began to sing.
"I keep a journal of memories
I'm feeling lonely, I can't breathe
Fall to pieces, I'm falling
Fell to pieces and I'm still falling
Every time I'm falling down
All alone I fall to pieces…"
Addison continued the song, her eyes closed, feeling every emotion they were singing.
"All the years I've tried
With more to go
Will the memories die
I'm waiting
Will I find you
Can I find you
We're falling down
I'm falling…"
She lost herself in the guitar solo Slash had written, modifying the last few chords to transition into the next song for Zed.
"Oh yeah, we meet again
It's like we never left
Time in between was just a dream
Did we leave this place?…" he whispered into the microphone, looking over and willing Addison to look at him. When she finally did, a slow smile spread across his face.
"This crazy fog surrounds me
You wrap your legs around me
All I can do to try and breathe
Let me breathe so that I
So we can get together…."
Addison held his gaze once more as she sang the next song.
"How could anyone have you
How could anyone have you and lose you
How could anyone have you and lose you
And not lose their minds?"
He walked over to her microphone and faced her as he screamed out,
"I hate everything about you
Why do I love you
You hate everything about me
Why do you love me…"
"I like it, I'm not gonna crack…" she sang as the music changed once again.
"I miss you, I'm not gonna crack
I love you, I'm not gonna crack
I killed you, I'm not gonna crack
I like it, I'm not gonna crack
I miss you, I'm not gonna crack
I love you, I'm not gonna crack
I killed you, I'm not gonna….crack…."
As the music slowed, Zed stared into her eyes.
"And I need you now somehow
And I need you now somehow
Open fire on the needs designed
On my knees for you
Open fire on the needs designed
On my knees for you…"
"Can't ever keep from falling apart, at the seems
Can not believe you're taking my heart to pieces…" Addison sang, changing the song.
Zed continued, stepping even closer to her, "Hey child, stay wilder than the wind
And blow me in to cry
Who do you need, who do you love
When you come undone?
Who do you need, who do you love
When you come undone?"
Switching her guitar out for her favorite acoustic, Addison started to sing, allowing the love she felt for him to flow through the lyrics.
"I wanna hold the hand inside you…
I wanna take the breath that's true
I look to you and I see nothing
I look to you to see the truth…
Fade into you
Strange you never knew
Fade into you
I think it's strange you never knew…"
Zed picked up the melody, as Addison switched guitars again.
"I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I, never wanna say goodbye…"
She hip checked him, making him chuckle as she took control.
"I have loved all over the place,
But you have got my favorite face.
Your eyelashes sparkle like gilded grass
And your lips are sweet and slippery
Like a cherub's bare wet ass…" she smiled over at him.
"'Cause you're a human supernova,
A solar superman.
You're an angel with wings of fire,
A flying, giant friction blast
Your kisses are as wicked as an F-16
And you fuck like a volcano
And you're everything to me..."
Back at his own microphone, Zed began to sing as Addison moved over to the piano once more.
"If I ever lose my faith in you
There'd be nothing left got me to do
I ever lose my faith
Lose my faith in you
I could be lost inside their lies without a trace
But everytime I close my eyes, I see your face
If I ever lose my faith in you
There'd be nothing left for me to do
If I ever lose my faith
Lose my faith
In you…" He turned around to watch as Addison began to play a twinkling sad melody on the piano. The spotlight was shining on her, making her glow like an angel. She was breathtaking. Despite the emotional roller coaster the songs they had chosen were, he knew this song was the hardest for her to sing. Baring her soul, and her feelings in her own words. He watched her closely, ready to step in if she needed him.
"I didn't mean to kiss you
You didn't mean to fall in love
I never meant to hurt you
We never meant for it to mean this much
Hush, hush now…"
Addison closed her eyes as she continued, fighting back the urge to cry once more.
"I wanted to keep you
Forever next to me
You know that I still do
And all I wanted was to believe
Hush, hush now…
So go on, live your life
So go on, say good-bye
So many questions but I don't ask why
So this time I won't even try
Hush, hush now
Mmm hush, hush now
When I try to forget you
I just keep on remembering
What we had was so true
And somehow we lost everything
Hush, hush now
So go on, live your life
So go on, and say good-bye
So many questions but I don't ask why
Maybe someday but not tonight…
Hush, hush now
Mmm hush, hush now…"
The stage lights flashed and the tempo picked up as she continued to sing.
"Don't, don't, don't you ever say a word, word
of what you ever thought you heard, heard
Don't you ever tell a soul
What you know
I tried to hide but I still believe
We, that we were always meant to be, be
I could never let you go, oh no…
Hush, hush now…
So go on, live your life
So go on, and say good-bye
So many questions but I don't ask why
Maybe someday but not tonight
Hush, hush now, mmm
Hush, hush now, mmm
Hush, hush shhh…."
She blew out a deep breath and opened her eyes, her fingers banging the keys of the piano as she began to play the bridge from November Rain. Zed cut through with a sharp power chord planting his foot on the piano bench next to her and stepping up onto the top of the grand piano. Addison looked up at him and bit her lip. He looked every bit the rock diety that she knew he would be. He met her eyes and flashed her the crooked smile that had always belonged just to her.
The crowd went wild as Slash emerged from the curtains, donning his signature top hat and sunburst Les Paul guitar, joining in for the grand finale.
"Don't ya think that you need somebody?
Don't ya think that you need someone?
Everybody needs somebody
You're not the only one
You're not the only one
Don't ya think that you need somebody?
Don't ya think that you need someone?
Everybody needs somebody
You're not the only one
You're not the only one…"
Addison's fingers slid across the keys, perfectly recreating the chaotic energy and emotion of the original recording.
Don't ya think that you need somebody?
Don't ya think that you need someone?
Everybody needs somebody…"
Before Addison had even lifted her fingers from the piano, Zed had jumped down and lifted her off the bench, bending her over with a kiss that sent her entire body ablaze. It didn't matter that they were on stage in front of hundreds of people, or being filmed for a television special that would air for millions. Music was the force that brought them together, fused their souls, and wrote their destinies. This is who they were. No more hiding. When they finally gasped for air, he rested his forehead against hers and smiled, oblivious to the still cheering crowd, "You did it!"
"We," she corrected, running her hands through his hair. "We did it!"
"Damn right we did!" he said, kissing her quickly once more. "I am so in love with you."
"I love you, too."
"As adorable as you two are, you need to join the rest of your band and take a bow," Slash said, interrupting them.
They shared a quick glance before laughing and standing up straight.
"Oops," Addison giggled.
Slash smiled and shook his head. "That was a hell of a show… your Dad would have loved every second of it." He kissed her cheek and reached out to shake Zed's hand. "Treat her right."
"Always."
They walked to the center of the stage and linked hands with Eliza, Bonzo, and Tracey. All of them sharing a look as they soaked in the applause. They stood proud as they raised their joint hands high in the air. They had held their own next to some of the biggest names in rock and earned a standing ovation.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I have been planning this chapter (and setlist) for so long and then when it came time to actually write it, it took off in an entirely different direction, and I second-guessed every choice I had made… I've been all over the place with it and had a hell of a time trying to finish it
SONGS USED IN THIS CHAPTER:
-I get off, Halestorm
-Survivor, In This Moment
-Gonna Get Mine, Halestorm
-Black Vultures, Halestorm
-I'm All Yours, Metric
-Wicked Ones, Dorothy
SET LIST:
-Black Parade, My Chemical Romance
-Cannon Ball, The Breeders
- Beverly Hills, Weezer
-Kool Thing, Sonic Youth
-The Rock Show, Blink 182
-CrushCrushCrush, Paramore
-Malibu, Hole
-Tonight, Tonight, Smashing Pumpkins
-Iris, Goo Goo Dolls
-Closer, Nine Inch Nails (with a little bit of the In This Moment version thrown in)
-Addicted, Saving Abel
-Temptation Waits, Garbage
-Everlong, Foo Fighters
-Don't Speak, No Doubt
-Black, Pearl Jam
-Gone Away, Offspring (check out the Nocturna version)
-Wake Me Up When September Ends, Green Day
-Numb, Linkin Park
-Fall To Pieces, Velvet Revolver
-Dolphins Cry, Live
-Los Ageless, St. Vincent
-I Hate Everything About You
-Lithium, Nirvana
-Anna's Song, Silver Chair
-Come Undone, Duran Duran (My Darkest Days)
-Fade Into You, Mazzy Star
-Lips Of An Angel, Hinder
-Supernova, Liz Phair
-If I Ever Lose My Faith, Sting (I prefer the Disturbed version)
-Hush, Hush, Avril Lavigne
-November Rain, Guns N Roses