CrimsonSilver
Disclaimer: Please don't sue me PB.
Rebel Troubles
Alan and Trevor tried their best to make do without their red haired companion, as did everyone else. The lighting and electronic portions, Alan knew like the back of his hand. The place where Skye was needed was set design.
"Has anyone seen Skye? We really can't do this fight scene without the set pieces." Erin said.
Alan sighed. It had been quite a long time since he felt this kind of frustration and helplessness. He felt a strong need to help Skye, but he couldn't. He didn't even know where he was.
Alan looked up to follow Erin's gaze to Rory, who was practicing parries with a prop sword on a wooden chair.
Oh not again, Alan thought, sighing internally as Ajay walked up to Rory.
"Yeah I can see that. Rory, what did I say about standing on chairs?" Ajay spoke sternly.
Rory froze mid swing. "It's the closest we have to platforms-"
"Nope. No more injuries on my watch." Ajay shut her down. Rory stepped down. "Alright, people, put your swords away." Ajay spoke, face dropping, " We can't work this choreo any further without the set."
"I hope Skye's okay. It's not like her to miss rehearsals without telling anyone." Rory said.
"Everyone's supposed to let me know if they're sick or something, so I can plan around it… I wouldn't expect Skye of all to forget that sort of thing." Ajay said as well.
"I'd never let my cast down unless something really awful happened." Danielle said. She had a look of concern and surprise on her face, but Alan could tell easily she was faking it.
"What do you want, a prize for perfect attendance? This is about Skye, not you." Alex said, surprising Alan. He'd definitely grown more confident.
"I'm just saying I'm worried! Way to put words in my mouth." Danielle yelled, trying to cover up.
"That didn't sound like concern in your voice, but whatever you say." Alan calmly said, a coldness in his eyes. Danielle actually couldn't speak back for a second.
"Well, screw it. I'm gonna go look for her." Alan said, getting up and getting his bag, swinging it over his shoulder. "Rehearsal can't go ahead without her, and I'm not leaving her alone to deal with whatever she had to go through after that evening at the library. Anybody wanna join?" he asked, looking over everyone.
"I'll come!" Alex said.
"Me too!" Rory answered.
"Well, looks like this rehearsal is turning into a search party. I'm in." Ajay said.
"Well guess I'm coming too-" Danielle started.
"No, too many and we'll be inefficient. This is Skye we're talking about." Alan shook his head. "Erin, Danielle, hold the fort down. Help the others practice and rehearse their lines?"
"Took the words right out of my mouth." Ajay said. "We're off book next week, so practice up!"
"You got it." Erin nodded, while Danielle just huffed beside her. Alan knew she was salty because she didn't get to go with Rory, while Alex did. But he couldn't care less.
"Good luck, I hope she's okay." Natalie offered.
"Me too. Text us when you find her?" Trevor asked.
"We will." Rory answered.
"Let's go then!" Alex said.
"I'm going to need all your heads on this one. I don't exactly know where to start." Ajay said.
"Come to think of it, I have no idea what she does outside of school. She's pretty secretive." Rory said.
"Isn't there a place on campus where people like Skye hang out? You know, people with… black lipstick?" Alex asked.
"Yes, Alex. The makeshift skateboard park in the parking lot behind the school." Alan said. He'd been there a few times himself. It was one of the few places no one batted an eyelash if he smoked a bit there.
"Yeah, it is sort of the unofficial goth spot of Berry High." Rory nodded.
"Good thinking, Alex. Let's go." Alan said.
The group walked to the back parking lot. Tons of kids were there on skateboards, doing tricks, hanging out and socializing.
"Huh. Somehow, I expected something more impressive from the infamous rebel hangout." Ajay said.
"You know being a rebel doesn't always equate to spikes and leather and fire and stuff, right? It just means being different from the crowd enough that you stick out." Alan sighed.
"Yeah, no I wasn't-" Ajay began, when a girl in a black leather studded jacket and blue hair skated right past them.
"Check out my kickflip!" She yelled as she pulled off her trick.
"That's Morgan! She'll probably be able to point us in the right direction." Alan said.
"Right then, what are we waiting for?" Alex said, bounding off in Morgan's direction, waving his hands. Alan smirked and shook his head. "Hello, can I ask you something?" Alex tried.
"You talking to me?" Morgan asked.
"Yes, I'm looking for-" Alex began.
"I can barely hear you over my skateboard! Hold up, gotta focus." Morgan interrupted, going off on her skateboard. Doing a swerve and a jump.
"No, don't skate away, I need your help!" Alex tried again, but in vain.
"That's now how you get the attention of someone like that." Alan said.
"Maybe we should ask someone else." Rory said.
"No, I think she's a good lead. I've heard she tends to know things." Ajay spoke, catching up.
"You heard right. She's one of the most informative people here." Alan said.
"How do we get her attention then?" Rory asked.
Alan sighed. "Uhh, it's been a while, but…" he trailed off, before going to a kid who was currently sitting with his skateboard in his lap. "Hey, can I borrow your board. I'll pay it I break it."
"Um, okay sure." He smiled and gave Alan the skateboard.
Alan took it, then promptly rolled on the ground and skated off in Morgan's direction.
"You can skate?!" Alan heard Ajay yell behind him. It had been several months since he last skated, but he could still handle himself. Besides, this was the only way a punk skater would give anyone their time. If they prove themselves worth it.
"Yo Morgan!" he yelled out when he was a few feet behind Morgan. "We need a word!"
Morgan sped up, before jumping over a rail. Alan groaned inside, but he sped up as well, then jumped over the rail himself. A few people exclaimed in the background, clearly watching the chase. Morgan now went down the side of the skate bowl, coming up on the other side. When Alan tried to take the same route, another skater was in his way. Alan quickly swerved, coming up at a different point, only a rail away from Morgan. He flipped his board, before nose-sliding his way across the rail and skidding to a stop in front of Morgan.
A few people clapped as Morgan nodded at him. "You can handle yourself."
"Thanks. Now, answer a few questions?" Alan smirked confidently.
"Sure, what do you want to know?" Morgan answered.
Just then, Alex, Ajay and Rory came up running behind Alan. "That was so cool, Alan!" Alex said as he came up.
"I didn't know you could skate like that." Ajay said.
"Lot of things you don't know about me." Alan smirked. "Anyway…"
"Aren't you in my physics class… Ajay, right?" Morgan asked Ajay.
"I'm surprised you remember, considering how often you actually go." Ajay smiled.
"Touché. What are you doing here, Ajay from Physics class, cool skateboarder and… others?" Morgan asked.
"Name's Alan. We're looking for a friend of ours, Skye. Red hair, black lipstick, goth." Alan quickly said.
"She wasn't at theater rehearsal today, and we're worried." Rory spoke
"Before you blow a fuse, I can see you're more of a punk and I'm not generalizing. But this is kind of the unofficial rebel spot, and you're Morgan, someone I've heard is in the know." Alan said.
Morgan sighed before speaking, "Fine, I don't know Skye, but you should try Cryptic Looks. If you're looking for a goth chick skipping something important, that's where she'd hang out."
"Cryptic Looks, of course."
"Cryptic… Looks? What do people do there, stare cryptically?" Rory asked.
"Look it up, that's what phones are for. I'm out!" Morgan said and quickly skated away. "We should hang more later, Alan!" she yelled back at Alan from a distance.
"What's Cryptic Looks then? You seem to know." Alex asked.
"It's a clothes store. Only it sells gothy clothing. I've been there more than once, but I didn't know they had an outlet here." Alan said, not looking up from his phone as he was already on it, typing away to find exactly where it was. "The mall. Let's get going." Alan said, quickly rolling the borrowed skateboard in the direction of the boy he borrowed it from, waving at him to let him know.
"To Cryptic Looks!" Ajay announced as they took off on their way to Erin's car.
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After a quick drive to the mall, the group went up to the top floor. The lift was being slow, and Alan wanted to take the stairs instead of waiting, but saner heads prevailed.
The store was situated in a moderately secluded corner of the floor. Alan breathed a sigh of relief, though making sure the others did not see it. Though the mall was spacious, it was still crowded enough to somewhat unnerve him.
Finally, they entered the place. Hard rock music was playing on the speakers. There was a variety of dark clothing, ranging from almost normal to spiky or corseted outfits. Alan was refraining from shopping now, as he had a friend (or something) to find.
"This has to be it. This place has Skye written all over it." Alex said, smiling.
"And that salesperson has 'love is dead' written on her shoulder. Permanently." Rory said, eyes wide.
"Well, I can't see Skye anywhere, so let's ask around if she came through." Ajay said.
Everyone looked around a bit before going up to the register.
"Maria from the Homecoming Committee!" Alex exclaimed as they saw Maria manning the counter.
"Alex? Rory? Other Enchanted Kingdom people? Are you lost?" Maria gasped. "Well, not you, Alan, but…"
"Nice to see you too, Madam President." Alan smirked.
"For the 73rd time, Alan, call me Maria." Maria deadpanned.
"For the 74th time, no." Alan snorted. "Remember I said an extra no last week."
"Shut up. What are you guys doing here though?" Maria asked.
"We're here on purpose." Rory said.
"You work here? Also how do you know her Alan?" Alex asked.
"She helps me with Comparative Literature." Alan shrugged.
"You, the nerd, study Comparative Literature?" Ajay asked.
"Oh shove off, dorks." Alan smirked.
Alan loved to write, so Comparative Literature was an elective subject he'd chosen on his own. Problem was, he didn't have anyone he knew in that class. On top of that, he needed help with certain aspects, but was too unsocial to ask anyone for help, until one day, he'd accidentally bumped into Maria. He'd remembered her from his first day at the theatre, and through an eventual conversation, Maria had made up her mind to help him with the subject.
"Yes, I do, and I'm so happy you're here. I haven't seen color since my shift started." Maria said.
Another boy walks up to the counter, smirking. "Hey Maria, did homecoming stress finally push you over to the dark side?"
"I'm here to save up for college, Michael." Maria deadpanned again. "The people are actually really nice, once you get past the terrifying makeup. Plus, this was the best option."
"I doubt they were anywhere near as nice as our dear Madam President." Alan smirked.
"I like this guy." Michael said, looking at Alan as Maria shot Alan a mock glare. "Besides, you look like J. Crew got dressed for a Sunday Brunch and got lost in a graveyard."
"First, J. Crew is a band, not a person. Second, are you just here to make fun of me?" Maria frowned. "And why did you two have to come up to me at the same time?" she looked at Alan.
"Okay okay, but we really do need some help." Alan said as he tried to get Maria to focus.
"Well I see everybody who comes through. Describe your friend?" Maria smiled.
Red hair, a little on the smaller side.." Alan said.
"She dresses like she could be an advertisement here." Alex added. "She also doesn't smile. Much."
Alan was about to retort when he reminded himself that Skye was much less open with everyone else than she was with him. And that she was even less open with people she didn't know. The theatre group still got to see a lot of Skye.
"She was here just an hour ago. She said she was headed to see a show… what was the name of the band…?" Maria squinted to remember. "Dara and the…"
"Darya and the Delinquents?!" Alan near yelled. "They're performing here?"
"Yeah that's the one. She said she was going to see them perform." Maria said.
"Michael, do you know where they're performing?" Alan asked.
"Yep." Michael smirked, before showing Alan a poster on his phone.
"Thanks. Let's go." Alan nodded to his group.
"Hang on, you guys can't go to a show dressed like that." Michael pointed at the other three people. "You'll stand out as much as Maria here."
"Damn, he's right." Alan said. He wasn't exactly wearing the most goth clothes himself, but he would pass through, dressing dark enough to count, and his combat boots were certainly a bonus.
"You should go ahead." Ajay said. "Make sure we don't lose her there too."
Alan was actually thinking the same thing, but didn't want to say it. Now that Ajay had suggested it for him, though, he didn't hold back. "Alright, you guys catch up. Use your phones. I'll let you know." Alan quickly stated before running off.
Alan made his way down the mall stairs with blinding speed. Once outside, he ran into the alleys. Rory's car was no help. The keys were still with her, and she was getting outfitted. Besides, he could make it to the place in 10 minutes tops. He just had to run and jump his way through several alleys.
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Alan wiped some sweat off his brow as he made his way into the venue. He could already hear the sweet sound of the electric guitars and drums. He quickly made his way inside, the man at the door letting him through, a few people complimenting his black bomber jacket, or his boots, or just the black and silver color of his hair.
He took a deep breath and steeled himself, as inside the hall, there was a sea of people. He could feel his heartbeats speeding up. Crowds really freaked him out. Especially at something like a concert, where the sound was so loud, no one could hear his voice, not even himself. It was like that day at the supermarket all over again…
Alan shook his head and pushed on. Skye needed him, and that was all that mattered to him at this point. He was indeed crazy about her, as he'd admitted to himself.
His phobia began to subside, although only slightly, as he thought he could see that familiar red hair in the distance. He weaved through the crowd, using the newfound energy to the fullest, making his way to her.
"Skye!" Alan yelled over the music of Darya playing up on stage. He wished he had time to admire the song, the voice, the instruments, but right now he had more pressing matters.
Skye took one look at Alan, panic on her face, before diving through the crowd away from him.
"Wait, Skye!" Alan yelled again, as he dove in after her.
Skye was better than Alan at weaving in and out of the crowds, as Alan was learning, slowly left behind. Plus, Alan was starting to feel dizzy. It was like his body wasn't fully obeying him. This was why he never went to concerts despite liking the bands. The crowd was so loud, the music, so loud. Further, the nail in the coffin was the fact that he couldn't hear himself yell after Skye. The feeling of strain in his throat, but no sound of his own voice entering his ears. Like he'd been drowned out in the sea of people that he was presently swimming through.
Finally, he could see Skye stop to look back, and that was his chance. He dashed forward to catch up to her, now standing right in front of her.
"Skye-with-a-E Crandall, don't you move." Alan panted. His breathing was incredibly uneven.
"What are you doing here?" Skye said, her face scrunching up. "Leave me alone!"
"You had us worried sick! I was this close to having an anxiety attack, you know." Alan spoke.
"I'm done with the show. I can't go back. You weren't supposed to notice I was gone." Skye said, looking away.
"Skye… how the hell do you expect me not to notice? I've been everywhere with you, remember?" Alan said, a sadness rising in his heart.
"Well, I can't stay here. See her up there?" Skye pointed to Darya on the stage.
"Yes, I saw Darya. We've listened to her songs together before, remember?" Alan said.
"Well, now I'm going with them. She always said leaving behind everyone's expectations and going free is the best thing she's ever done." Skye said, still not looking at Alan.
"Skye" Alan said softly, causing Skye to look at him. Alan could see the pain in her eyes. "If that is really your plan, I won't stop you." He couldn't stop some of his own emotion pouring into his words. "But will you at least tell me your plan?"
"I'm gonna join them when they leave after their show is done." Skye shrugged, looking away again.
"So Darya knows of your plan, right?" Alan asked.
"No… but she'll approve. She wouldn't tell me her stories otherwise." Skye argued.
"So you hang out a lot with her then?" Alan asked. He was still panting a little, the push through the crowd having done some damage.
"No, just after shows." Skye said.
"So it hasn't occurred to you that she's only talking to you, being friendly with you, as a fan?" Alan asked. "Which doesn't make her a bad person, but you're just reading this wrong, maybe?"
Skye sighed deeply, blinking back tears. "God, I'm such an idiot. I can't believe I convinced myself that… that a band member was my friend… just because she talked to me after a few shows."
"Hey, it's okay-" Alan tried but was interrupted.
"No it's not!" Skye near sobbed, tearing up. "I can't do this anymore. I just need something to change." Her voice was shaky. "You saw how my parents when they found me helping Ajay study at the library. I go through that almost everyday."
"I know… I'm sorry. I know I can't do much about it, but…" Alan spoke.
"When they yelled at all of you just because I was helping, it pushed me over the edge." Skye said, gritting her teeth. "I thought I could keep home and school life separate, but my parents had to go scream at my friends. They even brought your parents into it! I can't have a life without them screwing everything up! I… I didn't know what else to do other than leave." Skye's lip quivered, a few tears sliding down her cheeks.
Alan reached forward to wipe them off, his hand shaking still. Skye brought her hand up to put over his. "I'm sorry. Especially when they said that about you, I just snapped. I never want you to get hurt because of me, I…" that was when Skye noticed Alan was shaking. "Oh no, the crowd! Come on." She took his hand and pulled him through the outskirts of the crowd, into the bathroom.
"I always seem to be depressed in bathrooms with you." Skye said.
"And you always seem to be protecting me from crowds." Alan chuckled, his breathing heavy.
"God, I'm so sorry. You had to go through that sea of people for me. I just keep hurting you." Skye said, looking down.
"Skye, look at me." Alan said, his voice sincere, both hands on her shoulders. Skye looked right at him, surprise on her face, her icy blue eyes still a little shimmery with tears. "You didn't hurt me in any way. I'd go through that crowd again to find you. And your parents, well they certainly tried, but they didn't ruin anything, I promise. Not with me or with anyone else. Everyone at the theatre was worried about you. Well, except Danielle, because she's just a… witch." Skye snorted a bit, her lips curving up into the earliest stages of a smile. ". Ajay, Alex and Rory were actually with me in finding you. I just came ahead a bit. They're at Cryptic Looks."
"That I'd like to see. Alex and Rory fumbling with goth clothes." Skye's lips progressed a bit further towards forming a smile. "And you can curse at Danielle if you want, I won't judge."
"I know you won't, but not yet. I rarely start, but if I do curse, I go full power." Alan shrugged. Skye let out a breath that sounded like a light laugh. Alan felt better already. "But none of your friendships are ruined, I promise. And I'd always come find you." He let one of her shoulders go and took her hand in his. His deep black eyes stared straight into her icy blue ones. "And I'm so sorry. Forget you, even some of the worst kids deserve better parents than that."
Skye looked down, frustration built up inside her. "I don't want too much, but they can't even just leave me alone. Whether they care about me for real or not, I wish they'd show it like a normal family."
"It's not the yelling that's the worst part, is it?" Alan asked.
"No. It's the fact that they don't even make an effort to see me. They don't talk about feelings, they don't even remember I do theatre, even though they go to Brian's games. They even threaten my college fund when I wear the so-called 'tar' on my lips." Skye near yelled.
"Threatening your entire future over black lipstick. Why am I not surprised." Alan muttered through his teeth. "I hate your parents a lot more now." His grip wasn't loosening around her hand. He was surprised neither of them had really noticed it till now.
"And that fund is a drop in the bucket for them, but they do it anyway." Skye angrily spoke, before wilting. "I used to try to be part of the family. I used to work so hard for their approval. But after a while, I just…" Skye sighed, tired, "I gave up and focused on staying out of their sight instead. I just didn't want to get ganged up on anymore." Alan slowly ran her other hand over her arm. Skye sighed again, leaning into his touch just a bit. "The worst part is, I can't seem to stop caring. Sometimes, I still wish that one day, I'd wake up and they'd, I don't know, give me a hug and we'd make pancakes. Is that silly?"
"Absolutely not. It's only normal, for everyone to want your parents to care for you. It's nowhere near silly." Alan said, smiling sadly. "I know I'm no replacement, but what if I made pancakes with you. I can, you know that." He tried lightening the mood. Skye let out a light chuckle and it damn near melted him. "I am serious though. I may not be able to replace your parents, but if there's anything you need, ever, tell me. I'll do my best." He said, tightening his grip around her.
"I believe you, especially after you came all this way for me." Skye smiled.
"Of course I did. I…" Alan trailed off. Was he sure this was a good idea? "This probably goes without saying, but I… I care about you, Skye. A lot." Now he'd done it.
Skye's cheeks went as red as her shirt. She quickly cleared her throat, stammering to speak. "I… well… I mean, um… I care about you too." She spoke softly, smiling at Alan.
Alan smiled at her, wanting nothing more than to lose himself in those icy blue eyes, no less bright and beautiful than sapphires, as they bore into him, into his deep black eyes, that resembled a bottomless abyss. He didn't even know how or when, his arms had already snaked around Skye's waist, hers clinging tightly to his shirt, their faces inches away from one another.
He could hear his heart in his ears, louder than any music being played outside. It didn't help that Skye's eyes were right across from his, or that her breath was hot on his face, or that she was close enough for him to feel her body heat.
All those thoughts melted away as he felt Skye's soft, warm lips on his. His mind went completely clear, and he pulled her closer, close as physically possible. Their lips moved in unison. Alan knew it was anatomically impossible, but it seemed to him as if their lips fit together like puzzle pieces.
What are the chances, Alan sarcastically said to himself, somehow managing to still.
Skye's hands let go of his shirt, and snaked around his neck, one hand going up and tangling itself in his hair. She breathed out, in relief and comfort, over the feeling of safety she got with Alan. Like he'd never do anything to or let anyone hurt her.
As they parted, Skye was looking at Alan with a wonder he'd never seen in anyone.
"I want you to know, I'm always going to be there for you." Alan softly said.
Skye teared up again, this time hugging Alan tightly, burying her face in the crook of his neck, her arms still tightly around his neck. Alan pulled her in, his arms still around her waist, as he brought one up to rub soothing circles on her back.
"Thank you." Skye whispered into him.
They stayed that way for a few minutes, basking in each other's warm embrace, taking each other in.
"You did kind of barge into my life, but I'm glad I met you." Skye said as they separated, smiling fully.
"I am too, Skye-with-an-E." Alan smiled, giving her hand a light squeeze, still having not let go as they'd parted from their hug. Suddenly, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Alan checked what it was. "It's the others, they're here Will you be okay to go now? Meet up with everyone?"
"Yeah. I have you, right?" Skye smiled, although it was smaller, softer. A smile of trust.
"Always." Alan smiled right back. He then took her hand and led her outside to meet up with everyone.
The group was standing a little away from the crowd, much to Alan's relief. Alex was wearing a black-grey leather jacket and black jeans. The converse were replaced by low top boots. There was a metal chain around his neck. Apparently he'd fully splurged at Cryptic Looks. The only thing changed on Rory was a dark navy blue blazer, while Ajay was the same. They all waved at Alan and Skye as they approached.
"Skye, you're okay!" Rory said as they reached the group.
"Okay is a strong word." Skye said. She shot Alan a small, grateful smile, imperceptible to others. "I'm, um… I'm sorry I made everyone worry. I didn't know what to do, and I didn't think you'd notice."
"Of course we'd notice, Skye. We need you." Rory said.
"And not just for the play. You're our friend, and you're important." Alex said.
"Thanks guys." Skye said, smiling brightly. "You came all this way, did so much to track me down here…" she trailed off.
"Don't mention it." Ajay said.
"Besides, we went into Cryptic Looks for the first time! It was an experience." Alex said.
"I had a feeling you didn't just have that outfit lying around." Skye said. "Was it terrifying?"
"Only at first. Some of the things were really interesting. I'd even go back!" Alex said excitedly.
"Should we get out of here?" Alan asked softly, a hand on Skye's shoulder.
"Yeah, let's go." Skye said. Everyone nodded and was about to walk out.
"Shame I didn't get to stay for Darya's performance." Alan said.
"Wait!" Alex suddenly spoke.
"What?" Skye asked.
"I think I see Darya over there. I wanna meet the person that Skye came to see while hiding away!" Alex said.
"She's the one that inspired Skye's running away idea." Alan smirked.
"All the better." Ajay said, smirking himself.
"What?! No no." Skye frantically said. "I can't face her now."
"She didn't know about your whole running away thing. Maybe let's just meet her and go?" Ajay proposed.
Skye nodded nervously, then felt a hand on hers. Alan's. She smiled at him gratefully, which Alan returned reassuringly.
The group walked towards where Darya and her band were hanging out, Skye taking the lead.
"Hey there, kid." Darya smiled as she saw Skye approaching. "Nice to see you again after a show. These your friends."
"Yeah. These are my very real, very good friends." Skye smiled.
"Killer show. We only caught part of it, but you rocked it up there." Ajay said.
"Thanks, it's what we do." Darya said, cheerfully.
"Did you rip your shirt yourself?" Alex asked.
"Yup, all DIY in the punk spirit. Looks like you went all out too." Darya said. "I've gotta go help the band load up our stuff, but it's good to meet your friends, Skye!" she spoke cheerfully.
"Actually, Darya, if you have a minute, I… want to tell you something." Skye nervously said.
"I've got a few minutes… what's up." Darya said, a little shaken from the serious tone in Skye's voice. Alan didn't do anything, but watched Skye closely, looking for signs that she needed help.
"You know all those stories you told me about how great it was leaving the normal path and following your music?" Skye began.
"Yeah! Skipping college was the best thing I ever did!" Darya said excitedly.
"Those stories stuck with me. I…" Skye continued. "I thought for a minute you were telling me I should leave school behind, too. I came here tonight, thinking I was going to follow The Delinquents on tour. These people all came to talk some sense into me." She took a breath. "I'm saying this so you know how good they are. And how much it means to me that you spent time talking with a kid."
"Damn, I totally didn't mean to put that in your head. In was just talking about my own life, you know?" Darya said, looking solemn, before suddenly speaking with a concerned tone. "I support leaving home and doing your thing, but wait til you're over 18, alright? Sorry if I made it sound like I was giving advice. I am not a role model."
"I get it." Skye nodded.
"And if these people tracked you down at my show just because you disappeared for a day… keep them, alright?" Darya added. "Real friends are tough to find."
"I'll do my best." Skye smiled.
"You're a cool girl, Skye. You're gonna do awesome things. Just hang in there for a few years first." Darya said. "I'll see you at the next show. The next local show."
Darya walks away to join her band as they were packing things up. Skye immediately started blushing red.
"Skye, your idol said you were cool!" Alex squealed.
"Not so loud! I want her to keep thinking that!" Skye hissed.
"I'm proud of you, Skye." Alan said. Skye looked at him and smiled fully once again, and just as it did every time, his heart melted, smiling back. Slowly, they started walking out of there, back to Erin's car.
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Alan and Skye sat side by side as Rory drove her car, Skye's head resting on Alan's shoulder. They didn't feel like earphones at the moment, choosing rather to enjoy some silence.
A few blocks away from Skye's house, she spoke, " Stop here. I'll get out."
"What? No way, we're taking you all the way home-" Ajay spoke.
"I mean it." Skye cut him off. "I'm in enough trouble for staying out late. I don't need my parents to see all of you and blame you too."
Rory nodded, understanding, and pulled over at the sidewalk. Skye went to open the door, but hesitated. Alan could see her hand trembling slightly.
"Will you be okay?" Alex asked.
"I don't know…" Skye trailed off. "But… thanks for coming after me, for stopping me from doing something dumb." She gave everyone a small smile.
Alan sighed. "I'm going with her. I'll see you guys later."
"Wait, no-" Skye tried.
"You know I'm not listening. Let's go." Alan said, opening the door for her. "See y'all tomorrow."
"See you guys. Take care." Alex and Rory sounded off together.
As they got out, Alan and Skye walked back the few blocks to Skye's house, hand in hand. There wasn't a lot of doubt between them anymore, but that didn't stop them from being nervous with each other.
"Call me if you need anything?" Alan said as they stopped just short of Skye's mansion's curb.
"I will." Skye smiled gratefully. "Thank you."
"For what?" Alan asked.
"Ever since I met you, you've been there for me. You've never seen me as weird, or annoying-" Skye spoke.
"You're anything but annoying." Alan interrupted, chuckling slightly.
"Shut up and let me finish." Skye said, playfully punching his shoulder. "You've never judged me for being different than others. And you came all this way, you went into that crowd… I'm sorry you had to do that for me."
"I'm not. I'd do it again." Alan spoke, put his hands on her shoulders. "And I'm just as weird and different as you, but you didn't judge me either. There isn't a whole lot to thank me for. Like I said, I'm here for you. I care about you a lot, Skye. I don't fully know what that means myself, but I'd like to find out. With you." He smiled.
"I care a lot about you too." Skye smiled nervously, looking down. "And I'd like that." She slowly looked up. Her eyes were a bit swollen from crying, but it did nothing to diminish the beauty of her icy blue eyes. Alan had gotten lost in them everytime he looked straight at them, and that moment was no exception.
Suddenly, Skye surged forward, pressing her black, cherry lips to Alan's. Alan was taken aback, before responding to her kiss, as best he could through being short circuited. Skye was maddening to him. Never had he felt like this about anyone in his life. His hands were now on her cheeks as he rubbed his thumbs over them. He could feel her arms snake around his neck, her fingers tangle themselves in his messy hair.
They stayed like that for a few minutes, Skye breaking away first, completely dazed, same as Alan. They panted, out of breath, as they gazed at each other intensely.
"You know," Skye said between breaths, "I love your hair. How it has strands of gray or silver over the black."
"I always like red hair. So it's pretty obvious that I love your hair too." Alan spoke back much the same.
They looked at each other for a few seconds more, before Skye spoke. "See you tomorrow?"
"See you tomorrow. I'll pick you up." Alan said, smiling.
"Alright." Skye said, nodding. Finally, the two let go of each other, and Skye walked back to her house. She looked back once again, to see Alan waving at her. She waved back, and went into her home. She thought she'd be more scared of the inevitability of having to face her parents, but she wasn't. All she could think of was Alan's lips had tasted. How warm he'd been as they'd been all pressed up together. How safe she'd felt with him. She felt like she could take on anything, which she knew wasn't true, but it certainly made her mood skyrocket. She felt like, because of him, she'd be okay.
!-!-!-!-!
I feel like the chapters are getting longer in this fic, simply because I'm adding my own story to the already existing story of HSS. But hey, hope you like it!
To answer a particular review, No, and another chapter of that one is coming soon. Almost finished. I've just been dying from college. Sorry.
As always, please review to let me know your thoughts and suggestions. I'll see y'all in the next one. Peace!