sorry it took so long this week sucked ASS i think i spent like 4 days writing this jfc
"Hey, Logan, you remember that we have that gig tonight right?" Gene asked, his eyes on the sidewalk in front of them. Neither of the boys were sober enough to drive, but sober enough to make it downtown by foot. "Crap, you're right…" the blonde replied in annoyance. Logan was never interested in the music career path, it was just a hobby for him. All he knew how to do was sing and play guitar. Gene, on the other hand, was a different story. He knew from the day he first got his keyboard he'd be set on the music path for life. From Louise's fourth grade science project to student films, the dark haired college student had tremendous experience in composing music. While he mostly had experience with general, happy go lucky music that one would hear in a cheesy romance comedy, Gene's true passion laid in house music. At first, the whole family thought he was just joking as usual, but eventually they caught on that it wasn't an act. He found inspiration through a wide variety of music, but the musician that mainly caught his eye was a Welsh singer with a fascination with breaking hearts and robots. Gene made it a point to use makeup to apply a small black heart near his left eye every gig they had.
"You gonna be okay to perform? I mean I can sing, but…not very good," Gene laughed quietly. Rubbing his head and nodding, Logan looked up at the sky. "Yeah, I'll be fine. We're gonna do the song I kept bugging you about, right?" The chocolate haired boy snickered, "Well, we're gonna have to otherwise you'd probably kill me, so yeah." He pushed open the door to the small restaurant, the chatter of Linda and Mort the only sounds present besides the sizzling of the grill. Looking up from the grill, Bob smiled at the sight of his son. The man hadn't changed a bit as far as appearance goes: he still sported his signature nose cozy and somewhat combed hair, hair trying to cover up the bald spot still intact.
Gene smiled back. "Hey, Dad. How's it going?" Flipping a single burger for Mort, Bob managed to tear his attention from the grill for a moment. "Good, how about you, Gene? Still, uh…with Dylan?" he said a bit uneasy. It was still sort of a struggle for Bob to grasp his son's homosexuality. He had absolutely no problem with it, nor did any other members of the family, but Bob was not prepared for something like that. They never taught you how to deal with a gay son or daughter in all those stupid parent seminars Linda dragged him to while she was pregnant with Gene. Linda had noticed how shy Tina had been as a toddler at that time, and Linda was worried it might have had to do with how she raised her daughter, hence the grueling hours of various seminars.
The somewhat short gay man scoffed while leaning over the counter, "Hell no, I been done wit dat asshole." Bob laughed quietly; it wasn't unusual for Gene to let out his inner ghetto, but it sure was something that the father found humorous. Logan sat down next to Mort, not saying much of anything. The glasses-donning mortician turned to the blonde, "Hey, Logan, you don't look so good. What's on your mind?" Logan sighed before answering that his problem was girls. "Ah, girls, the age old mystery. If you find anything out, let me know, okay? I've been stooping to such a personal low, going as far as hitting on funeral guests. And let me tell you, most of them are not under 75," Mort shuddered. Linda cut in, "Mort, why are you here so late in the day, anyway? You're usually here for the lunch lull. Teddy was going nuts tryin' to find you in here. He thought we were playin' a game or somethin'."
Mort chuckled a bit, "No, I was next door the whole time, obviously. There was a wake for a set of triplet sisters who were a famous circus act around here in the 60's. It lasted three hours since there were so many people, oh my God it was insane." Linda poured herself a cup of coffee. "Circus act? What kind of stuff did they do?" Bob set Mort's plate on the windowpane of the pass through. "Let me see…uh, I think they were acrobats that ate fire? Something like that. I heard that one of the sisters would upchuck the burning stick into another sister's mouth." Linda took the plate and set it down in front of Mort. "Ooh, I hope they didn't have too many spicy foods." "I think they were Hispanic, actually," he said before taking a bite of his burger. "Oh. Well, I'm sure their hospital bills were less than stellar."
Tuning them out, Logan got up and slipped into the kitchen. "Logan, you're not on the grill today. Actually, you don't even have work today," Bob said while taking the last of the fries out of the fryer. "I'm not here for work, Mr. B," Logan looked down at the floor. Pulling a plate out, Bob emptied the fryer basket full of a handful of fries then set it down on the cutting board. Putting some salt on them, Bob continued, "Then why did you come back here?" Logan looked back at his boss sheepishly, "Uh, it's about Louise…"
Bob started to snack on the fries. "Yeah, what about her? Did she kick you in the balls again or something?" Logan laughed a bit before shaking his head no. "No, actually, it's about, um…Louise and Alexis," he said, a bit worriedly. Bob's head perked up at the sound of Alexis; it wasn't something he knew enough about to judge just quite yet. "Oh, her," he said in between fries, "Yeah, she's sorta…I'm not too happy about her dating Louise, but there's not much I can do about it, I guess." Rubbing the back of his neck, Logan sighed. "I was texting Louise last night and she was at Alexis's apartment and she was talking about the place seeming sketchy, and the way she was talking made it sound like she was freaking out. I tried to calm her down, but she never responded. Did she get home last night?"
"Yeah, she did, but it was pretty late...and Alexis was carrying her," Bob looked at the plate of fries, "I didn't get a good look at Louise, but she was asleep. I'm sure it's nothing." Logan nodded. "Alright, Mr. B. I hope you're right," he said, not convinced at all.
As if called on from heaven, Louise walked into the restaurant, Tina trailing behind. Instead of Louise's usually green or aqua colored shirts, she was wearing a large, baggy hoodie. It sort of made her appear smaller and somehow it depressed Logan. Her bunny hat still in place, Louise walked up to the counter. "Hey, Mom," she said, "are the Wonder Twins here?" Linda started to speak up before a loud, muffled voice coming from the bathroom across the room. "I LOOK NOTHING LIKE LOGAN!" Louise stared at the bathroom door, "Well, that answers my question." She turned to her mom as Logan stepped out of the kitchen. "Hey, Louise," Logan said quietly. Getting the hint, Linda turned away from the counter and went into the kitchen. "Oh…hey…" Louise mumbled. She knew she would have had to talk to Logan eventually, but she wasn't exactly ready to. She wanted to tell him about the abuse, but decided against it. Louise could manage this on her own. Besides, in some, sick twisted way, I still kind of like her a lot…
Gripping the sides of her head in shock of her thoughts, Louise stepped backward and almost tripped, if not for Tina there to catch her. Tina looked down at her sister, still concerned. "What was that?" she asked Louise. "N…Nothing. I had a weird, um…flashback," she lied. As gulliable as ever, Tina fell for the tiny white lie. Before Logan had a chance to ask if Louise was alright, Gene stepped out of the bathroom, looking at his phone. "Hey, Log, it's time to hit the road. You sobered up enough yet?" Blushing, Logan punched him in the arm, hissing, "You didn't have to tell them that!" Rubbing his arm, Gene retorted, "What? It's not like you spent all night cryi-"
Grabbing Gene's wrist, Logan head straight for the exit, "Sorrygottago," being mumbled at the girls. Louise watched the two go, putting her hands in the front pocket of the hoodie, sighing. Tina just stared, confused. "Louise, what was that about?" The youngest shrugged, "Hell if I know. Wanna go to the pub?" Tina jumped a bit in shock, "Louise, you're not old enough to drink." Raising an eyebrow, Louise smirked, "So what? That hasn't stopped me before, you know that. Remember New Year's?" Tina cringed. "I'd rather not. Fine. Do you have one of those fake ID things?" "Of course, I do, never go anywhere without it," Louise beamed.
Do you believe in fate?
Do you believe in destiny?
Would you believe me if I told you,
you complete me..?
I don't say this lightly…
So don't take this lightly!
Throughout the noisy tavern, the female singer's vocals were the loudest. Louise had to look around to find where exactly it was coming from. A short blonde was the source, with the remaining band members consisting of reasonably tall males. Louise froze as she sang, watching the blonde catch her eye and winking in response. Smiling a bit, Louise was yanked back into reality when she felt Tina tug on her arm. Turning to her sister, slightly annoyed to be taken from the performance, Louise sighed, "What is it, Tina?" The older sister kept glancing around before mumbling, "I saw Alexis here." Quickly lifting her head and looking around, Louise didn't see anyone resembling her girlfriend in the slightest. "What the hell are you talking-" Louise glared at Tina who was staring in terror at the figure now behind the feisty girl.
"Tina, what's the matter, you look like you saw a ghost," a familiar voice chimed in, interrupting Louise. A tattooed arm was wrapped around Louise's waist by this point, startling the smaller girl a bit. Tina turned her attention to the floor, muttering, "Hi Alexis." Saying nothing, Louise looked away, crossing her arms and stepping away from the redhead, trying to get the lesbian's arm off, but it was no use. "Babe, talk to me, we're lovers right?" Alexis said, smirking and roughly clutching Louise's chin, forcing her to look in her direction. Scowling and using all her strength not to snap her teeth at the girl, Louise growled, "Hi, Alexis," which was rewarded with a sloppy kiss. Tina stood back a bit, gripping the ends of her blue jacket, too scared that she might get hurt as well.
Before Louise had the chance to try once more to escape Alexis's grip, a noise similar to patting the head of a microphone was heard, alerting her direction to the stage. This better be goddamn impor- The sight of Logan stopped her thoughts completely. She knew he was in a duo with Gene, but she had never actually seen them perform. The lights above the stage shone down on the blonde, giving his hair a prestigious shine. Gene was there too, of course, using the same blue keyboard he had worshipped all his life. There was also an extra guitarist, a friend of Gene's. Clearing his throat, Logan spoke up into the microphone.
"Alright, so, uh, we're gonna do a cover of a song; it's a song that I wanted to do because it reminds me of a special little lady, so here we go," Logan smiled as he spoke into the microphone. Looking down at his guitar, the blonde made sure his guitar was ready before beginning to play.
I'm in love with the girl I hate,
She enjoys pointing out every bad thing about me
I'm in love with a critic and a skeptic, a traitor,
I'd trade her in a second
As Gene used his keyboard, Louise watched Logan take a quick glance around the crowd surrounding the stage. The sight of pink bunny ears caused Logan's eyes to widen. Lowering his field of vision to the girl in the hat, Logan grinned mischievously the moment they locked eyes.
She's a backseat driver, a drama provider
An instant update of the world
She's a first class liar, a constant forgetter
She's attractive but bitter
At this point, Logan managed to catch Alexis's eye contact, who was now furious, looking like she was going to murder someone, her hands no longer all over Louise. He smirked.
Did you scream enough to make her cry?
It's a turn around, turn around
He turned to Louise.
Baby, don't return to me
If you think that I'm not worth your time
Logan looked angrily back at Louise's lover.
She's a lady, and ladies
Shouldn't be messed with
She's a lady, and ladies
Shouldn't be messed with
He looked ahead of himself, not looking at anyone in particular.
Take off your shoes, come in the room
He turned to Louise with a face plastered in sadness.
And baby, let's try not to argue
Turn out the lights, turn on the radio
How can we fight when I'm too busy loving you?
I'm too busy loving you, I'm too busy loving you…
Logan looked at the same people in the same order for the rest of the bridge and chorus.
Did you scream enough to make her cry?
It's a turn around, turn around
Baby, don't return to me
If you think that I'm not worth your time
She's a lady, and ladies
Shouldn't be messed with
She's a lady, and ladies
Shouldn't be messed with
As he did a guitar solo, Logan tried to fight back tears. He looked back at the wall across the room.
Here I am, there you go again
Again
And we will not ever be 18 again
Again
And I'm worn out of fighting
And every night you leave crying
And I could use some time
Here I am, there you go
Again
Logan kept trying to fight back tears, but failed. His tears running down his face, Logan kept a straight face and kept singing.
So here I am and I'm dying
He picked up the microphone from the stand. Tina's eyes widened, catching onto Logan's antics. "He's singing for you," she whispered into Louise's ear, pushing her younger sister forward.
And I'm waiting for you, waiting for you
"Wait wh-" Louise didn't get to finish because it was at this point that she was directly inches away from the stage, Logan already on the edge of it, squatting and reaching out for her hand.
Come back, come back to me
Louise placed her hand in Logan's, trying not to cry.
And I'll take you gladly
The two smiled at each other.
And I'll take you in again
Alexis yanked Louise away angrily, steam practically coming out of her ears. Logan smirked through his tears, facing Alexis, their faces almost level.
Did you scream enough to make her cry?
It's a turn around, turn around
Logan stood up, going back to the microphone stand.
Baby, don't return to me
If you think that I'm not worth your time
Did you scream enough to make her cry?
It's a turn around, turn around
Baby, don't return to me
If you think that I'm not worth your time
She's a lady, and ladies
Shouldn't be messed with
She's a lady, and ladies
Shouldn't be messed with
There was a brief silence before Logan heard the applause of the audience. Waving a hand to the crowd, he and the others left the stage. Louise watched them go. No, Logan, come back… "Louise, Alexis is gone," Tina spoke up. Louise looked around then bolted to the entrance backstage, getting in after threatening a large buff security guard.
Setting down his guitar next to Gene, Logan quickly looked around before frantically telling Gene that he had to leave. "What? You're seriously gonna pussy out after you pretty much told the whole tavern you're in love with a girl with bunny ears for a hat?"
"…Yes."
Gene rolled his eyes. "Alright, whatever dude, just go. I'll take this shit back to the car, I guess." Logan punched Gene lightly in the shoulder. "Thanks, man, I owe you," the blonde called out as he went out the backstage door that led to the alleyway. "I WANT A LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP TO THE GAY BAR, THAT'S WHAT YOU OWE ME, AND LOTS OF STRIPPERS WEARING NOTHING BUT A CONDOM AND A HAT," Gene screamed before he felt a small fist hit his arm.
Rubbing his arm in agony, Gene turned only to face his little sister. "Hey, Louise, Logan just left, so…" She stomped her foot. "Goddammit, where'd he go?" An arm grasped Louise's, pulling her back out of the room. "Louise, we gotta go, it's way past twelve and we've both got classes tomorrow," Tina said, confident in her leadership skills for once. Before she could protest, Louise was already out of the tavern and down the street.
Kicking a lone beer can, Logan looked down at his shoes, thinking of the performance. He grinned.
She smiled...
A sudden noise in the alleyway startled Logan and he turned around feverishly. "Is somebody there?" he asked aloud, looking around nervously, a handful or so feet away from the sidewalk. He started to back up, until he bumped into something, causing the sound of chains clicking against each other. He turned around.
"Oh, sor-" Logan started to say, before realizing who it was. The figure tossed a cigarette butt onto the ground before grabbing Logan's arms and slamming him into the brick wall of the tavern, his stomach pressed up against the building.
"Get off of me, bitch!" Logan struggled to get free. The redhead leaned forward, whispering into his ear.
"You fucked up, Logan. If I see you make another move on my girlfriend, you're dead, fucko," she grinned as she whispered. "And just to make sure you understand…" She pulled out a switchblade, cutting open Logan's jacket at the hem of his left sleeve. The blonde panicked, still struggling to get free. Why is she so fucking strong? Goddammit, I gotta get-
His thoughts suddenly stopped at the feeling of Alexis dragging her switchblade down his arm, the cold metal piercing the skin. "FUCK, what the fuck is wrong with you?! Why do you fucking hate me so much, you cunt?!" The female grabbed the back of Logan's head, smashing it against the brick. Alexis kept going until she felt the man in her hands go limp, tossing him onto the ground. She looked down at the unconscious blonde, smirking and squatting next to him. Running her finger across his now bloody forehead, Alexis licked her finger clean before getting up and walking away. The alleyway went silent as the blonde's forehead and arm stained the pavement with red.