On The Edge
Chapter 39
DON'T LET ME GO
"Oh thank fuck!" Bucky exclaimed in relief as Addison and Zed walked back into the house close to three in the morning. "Addie-loo, I'm so sorry!"
"Addie-loo?" Zed snickered.
She flipped him off and turned to her step-brother. "Don't. I haven't slept a wink in the last 65 hours. In that time I've played a show, I've had to deal with my mother and the board, and I've been through the emotional fucking wringer. I'm exhausted and do not have the mental capacity to sort out my feelings regarding you right now. All I want to do is fuck my boyfriend and then pass out."
Bucky blanched, but let her walk past him to the stairs. "Zed, a word?"
"What part of what I just said did you not hear?" Addison snapped. "I can't fuck him if he's down here with you!"
"Could you stop!"
Zed bit back a laugh and wrapped his arms around her as he nipped her nose. "I'll be right up."
She rolled her eyes and kissed him. "If I'm asleep, don't you dare wake me up. But you owe me morning sex."
He chuckled silently. "You got it, Baby… I won't be long. I love you."
"Mmhmm… I love you, too" she kissed him sleepily and continued up the stairs.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to that…" Bucky muttered under his breath.
Zed squared his shoulders and turned towards him, bracing for whatever came next.
"Beer?" Bucky asked motioning towards the kitchen.
Zed shrugged his shoulders. "Sure… Where's E?"
"Sleeping," he said as opened the refrigerator and grabbed two bottles out. He closed the door and walked over to the kitchen island, sitting down on one of the stools and cracking open his beer.
Zed sat down across from him and reached for the other bottle.
Bucky grabbed his arm when he caught a glimpse of his hand. "You got another tattoo?!" He exclaimed as he examined the bright red flower freshly inked on the back of his hand.
"Yeah… Adds and I both did."
Bucky let go of his arm and cursed under his breath. "I've been sitting here worrying all fucking night that my sister ran off again and the two of you were getting fucking tattoos?!"
"Not that it's any of your business, but yeah. I wanted to get something to honor our daughter, and when I told her what I was thinking, she decided to get one too."
"Jesus… I'm all for honoring Penny's memory, but how the fuck are you two going to hide matching tattoos on tour?"
Zed popped the top off of his own beer and lifted it to his lips. "What does it matter, I'm fired… remember?"
"You're not fired," he said shaking his head. "My sister would kill me and I couldn't hurt her like that. She doesn't throw around the L-word easily. If she said it, she means it."
"Thank you… And relax, Adds got hers on her bicep."
"They're still bright ass red flowers."
"First off, they're poppies," Zed clarified.
"Whatevs."
"Not whatevs… It's from a line in Penny Lane. Not to mention they also symbolize remembrance."
Bucky held his hands up in surrender.
"And secondly, we have multiple matching tattoos already."
"You do?"
"Yeah. This is our like sixth… I think."
"Sixth?! Jesus…" Bucky dropped his head down onto the island. "You two aren't going to make this easy, are you?"
"We've managed to keep our involvement with each other from you for five months. I think we were doing a decent job of being discreet… kind of like you and Eliza… how long have you two been together, anyway?"
"For over a year now… I'd really appreciate it if you didn't share that little tidbit with everyone else...and the whole Addison being my step-sister thing as well. I need to at least appear to be a professional."
"Your secrets are safe with me."
"Thank you… Speaking of secrets, who else knows about you and my sister?"
"No bullshit?"
Bucky snickered, "Christ… you sound like Addie."
Zed smiled and shook his head as he thought, "Um… now that you know… everyone but Lacey and Jacey."
Bucky dropped his head back down. "Fuck…"
"I mean, Bonz knew the second he saw her and he's dating Bree, and Tracey walked in on us… Oh! And I think this is also probably a good time to tell you that I've known the pack my whole life..."
Bucky picked his head back up. "What?"
Zed nodded his head. "Yeah. Wyatt and I are actually the ones that started the band. Wynnie was my neighbor growing up. They even came to the graduation party Dale threw for us here."
"Fuck this is a lot to process…" he looked down at his beer. "I think I need something stronger than this…"
Zed chuckled and walked over to the liquor cabinet and grabbed a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.
"You know, it's super weird to see you so comfortable in this house."
Zed laughed again as he set the glasses and bottle down between them. "Yeah… I could say the same about you."
"Touche…" Bucky said holding his glass up. "Sorry about the shiner."
"Sorry for yours too… and I'm sorry you had to find out the way you did that I've been nailing your sister...again."
"Dude!" Bucky yelled, standing up and nearly knocking over the barstool he had been sitting on. "Are you trying for another?"
"No! I'm trying to apologize. I know I have a shit reputation. But…" he smiled and stole a glance towards the stairs, "I love Addison. I always have and I always will. Every other girl I have ever been with was just a piss poor attempt to get her out of my head."
Bucky sighed and ran his hands through his hair as he sat back down. "I have a feeling someone else has been doing the same thing...You know, I even joked with her when she first landed in New Hampshire that you were basically the male version of her."
Zed chuckled quietly. "Yeah… we get that a lot…"
"Of course, I also told her to not sleep with you… Should have known she wouldn't listen to me."
"To be fair, she doesn't really listen to anyone," Zed laughed as he took a sip of his drink. "So… are we okay?"
Bucky ran his hand through his hair again. "That depends."
"On?"
"Look I'm not going to pretend that you two being together doesn't have the potential to blow things up spectacularly. But, I love my sister and she loves you… so… I'll do whatever I can to protect her happiness."
"Wow, B… thank you…"
He held up a hand. "I'm not finished… I talked to Bree after you two left. She filled me in on everything about Missy being the one behind your breakup and that you didn't actually hurt her the way I thought. But…" he sighed and looked Zed in the eyes. "I was the one who picked up the pieces years ago. I have never in my life seen anyone as broken as she was. And this was before everything happened with her dad and the accident. If you ever hurt her...Well...let's just say I have some family in Brooklyn that you'll be meeting. Capiche?"
"Did you just mob threaten me?"
"Don't know what you're talking about...but yes."
Zed swallowed loudly and nodded. "Scary threats aside, I'm not going to hurt her. I love her more than life itself." He stood up and stretched. "Alright, I'm heading to bed. Hopefully, she's still awake."
Bucky gagged. "Could you not? She's my sister!"
"She may be your step-sister, but she's the other half of my soul. She's had a hell of a day and I know all too well how she deals with stress. And quite frankly, I'm dealing with a hell of a lot right now as well."
"Fuck my life…" Bucky mumbled.
"Sorry, B."
Bucky sighed and stood up as well. "One more thing…"
Bucky slammed his hand against the center console and turned to look at Addison. "The other day when you answered the door in lingerie?"
She nodded, not taking her eyes off the road as she continued to drive through the crowded streets of downtown Los Angeles towards the Bamm! Offices. He had been grilling her all fucking morning since he so rudely woke her up earlier than necessary, ruining any chance she had of getting laid. "Yup…"
"Gross…" he sighed and threw his head back against the headrest. He quickly sat back up straight. "Wait… when exactly did you two 'officially' get back together?"
She turned into the valet line. "I already told you. Christmas. Do you want a fucking play by play or something? Fuck!" She turned and smiled politely at the parking attendant who was standing there with a shocked look after her outburst. "Sorry," she offered as she got out of the car. "My brother is annoying the hell out of me this morning."
Bucky quickly got out of the car and followed her towards the front doors. "No, I don't need a play by play! Ugh… I'm just trying to figure out why the hell you told me that you slept with Wyatt when the tour started back up in January?"
She rolled her eyes. "Because I did."
"But you just said you and Zed got back together at Christmas."
She stopped and spun around to face him. "Yeah… Zed was there too."
"Wait… what?! You mean… Oh god!" He dropped his head into his hands.
Addison rolled her eyes at his theatrics. "It wasn't the first time we've had sex with Wyatt, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answers to, Brother-dear." She turned back around and opened the heavy glass doors. She quickly strode through the marble lobby and flashed her ID card to security on her way to the elevators, not bothering to wait for Bucky.
Jamie was already waiting for the elevator when she walked up.
"Oh! Well isn't this a pleasant surprise!" he said as he held his arms wide for a hug.
She smiled as he embraced her. "Sorry about yesterday."
"Don't be. I know it's asking a lot… But, I'm glad you agreed. It wouldn't feel right to do this without you." He looked up as Bucky approached. "Jesus, Bartholomew. What the hell happened to your face?"
"He finally 'met' my boyfriend…" Addison said with a smirk.
Bucky rolled his eyes. "Turns out, he's a friend of mine that I've known for years."
"I knew him first..."
Jamie shook his head and laughed as the elevator doors opened. "Sounds like you kids had a fun night."
"Yeah…
it was a blast," Addison said dryly as they stepped on.
As the three of them rode up to the top floor, Jamie filled them in on the agenda laid out for today. By the time the elevator doors opened again, Addison could feel her chest tighten with anxiety.
"I'll see you, kids, in there," Jamie said with a smile as he stepped off and walked towards the board room.
Addison was practically in a daze as she followed him off the elevators, completely oblivious to what Bucky was saying to her until he grabbed her shoulder.
"You okay?"
She shook her head. "Not at all… I feel like I want to vomit… Why the hell did I agree to do this?! Fuck! I think I'm going to have a panic attack."
He turned her around and met her eyes. "Hey… what do we say about anxiety?"
"My anxiety is chronic, but this ass is iconic?"
"Um, no…"
"B… I can't do this."
He sighed and took a step away from her. "You know, I thought it might come to this…" he said as he pulled out his phone.
"What are you..."
"Shhh...I'm on the phone..."
"Who are you..."
He held a finger against her lips, silencing her again. "Hey, where are you?" He nodded at whoever was on the other end. "Perfect. Plan B...you know what to do." Bucky hung up the phone and looked at her with a smirk.
"Do I want to know what plan B is?"
He looked down at his phone and smiled before grabbing her hand. "Come on." He dragged her back to the elevator and hit the button for the lobby.
"Don't ignore me, Bartholomew...what the hell is plan B?"
"You'll find out in a second. Chill…"
She tapped her foot and glared at him as they made their way back to the lobby. "I swear to god, Bucky…"
The elevator doors opened, revealing Zed waiting for them.
"Sis...Plan B."
Addison looked between the two of them. "How did you...When did you..."
Zed smiled and stepped onto the elevator. "I left right after you. Bucky thought you might need some additional support," he said pulling her in for a kiss.
"Understatement." She mumbled against his lips as she jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist, kissing him harder.
"And here is where I start to regret my decision..."
Addison and Zed both flipped him off as they continued to make out against the wall of the elevator.
"Why can't you two just say 'hello' like normal people?"
"This is how we say 'hello'," she giggled.
"Well break it up," Bucky groaned as the elevator came to a stop. "We're now late."
Zed set Addison back to her feet but held her close as they walked out the elevator and down the hall.
"You going to be okay, Baby?" he whispered, placing a soft kiss behind her ear.
She nodded her head. "I will be...as long as you're by my side."
"Always. I love you so fucking much, Adds."
"I love you too."
"Zed," Bucky said quietly as they approached the board room. "Remember...Try to keep your temper in check. Missy may be pure evil and deserve to rot in hell for all eternity, but she's still a member of the board."
"I'll be on my best behavior," he promised, tightening his grip on Addison's waist.
"Alright… let's do this."
"Oh...one more thing," Addison said just as Bucky opened the door. "Pierce is my new Step-Dad, and is holding my board-seat."
"What?!" Zed looked around at the faces suddenly starring at them.
"I'm sorry, I walked out yesterday," Addison said calmly, ignoring all the eyes on them as they walked into the room. Zed sat in her chair and pulled her down to sit in his lap. "Mother...I believe you remember Zed."
"You! What is he… This is a private meeting!"
Pierce jumped to his feet. "What is he doing here?"
Bucky smiled and leaned over to whisper, "That look on Missy's face right now may make me a little more okay with all this."
"Judging from the matching black eye, I'm guessing you're the boyfriend?" Jamie laughed.
Addison smirked. "Yes, I know this is a private meeting. But, as the member of this board responsible for compiling the playlist for the induction ceremony, as well as one of the performers I feel it's necessary to have my guitar player's input as well."
"Wait, Zed's performing too?" Bucky asked quietly.
"I don't know! I had to think on my feet…" she whispered. "Besides, we're blowing things straight to hell anyway, why not?" she glanced at Zed, silently asking for his opinion.
He shrugged his shoulders and nodded.
"He most certainly will not be on that stage!" Missy exclaimed standing up and slamming her hand down on the table. "I will not allow my ex-husbands legacy to be besmirched like this! All performers have to be voted on!"
"Since when do you give a shit about Daddy's legacy?!"
"Missy...sit down," Jamie said rolling his eyes. He turned his attention to Addison. "Make your case, kid."
She stood up to address the members of the board. "The album that Daddy and I were working on when he became sick was a deeply personal record. Every song was inspired by one individual...my high school boyfriend...the love of my life...Zed." She looked down at him and smiled. "In the letter that was left to Jamie by my father, he requested that I sing one of the more heartfelt songs from those sessions..." She took a deep breath before continuing. "A lot has happened since those songs were recorded, and I am not the same person I was then… I can't perform them alone…" she reached out and took Zed's hand. "My Daddy loved Zed, and was almost as heartbroken as I was when we were forced apart," She turned and looked at her mother, letting her know without saying a word that they had figured everything out. "... He would have loved that we found our way back to each other, and I have to believe that he would insist we perform together in his memory."
"I thought you looked familiar," Jamie said with a smile. "I met you at the graduation party. The green hair threw me off!"
"What qualifications does he have?" Bob asked.
Addison smiled. "He graduated second in his class from Seabrook High for the Performing Arts and attended Julliard on a full scholarship. He's also the lead singer and guitarist for a band currently on a sponsored national tour."
Bob nodded as Harrison held up a hand.
"Any label involvement? I don't want to deal with the paperwork if he's under contract elsewhere."
"No."
"Good… can we hear you play?" Harrison asked addressing Zed directly.
"Um… does anyone have a guitar?"
"What kind of musician doesn't have their instrument?" Pierce replied snarkily.
Addison rolled her eyes as Zed stood up and rounded his shoulders. "I knocked you out in High School, don't make me do it again."
Addison bit back a laugh and leaned over, pressing the call button on the speaker in the center of the table. "Sylvia?"
"Yes, Miss Donnelly?" a voice called out.
"Can you please bring me the acoustic guitar hanging up in my office?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Addison sat back down on Zed's lap and crossed her arms in satisfaction.
"You have an office?" Zed whispered into her ear.
She nodded. "Maybe I'll show you around later," she whispered back with a mischievous sparkle in her eye.
"Knock it off… you're making this awkward for everyone," Bucky said quietly.
"You mean for you," Addison teased.
"Yeah…." he replied as Sylvia walked in carrying a vintage acoustic guitar.
Addison stood up and took it from her. "Thank you."
"Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"No. That will be all." She handed the guitar over to Zed. "That was Bob Dylan's. Don't fuck it up."
Zed's eyes widened for a moment as he stared down at the piece of rock history in his hands. He looked back up to Addison. "Sing with me?"
"Always," she smiled as she sat down on the table facing him.
He slowly started to strum out a melody, staring into her eyes.
"I've been havin' dreams
Splashin' in a summer stream…"
"Trip and I fall in
I wanted it to happen..." she joined in smiling at him.
"My body turns to ice"
"My body turns to ice"
"Crushin' weight of paradise"
"Paradise"
"Solid block of gold
Lying in the cold
I feel right at home..."
The people around them disappeared as they stared into each other's eyes.
"Wait if I'm on fire
How am I so deep in love?
When I dream of dying
I never feel so loved."
"I almost forgot how beautiful your voice is," Jamie said softly, bringing them back to reality. He stood up and looked around the room. "All those in favor?"
Everyone in the room raised their hand except for Missy who had grabbed Pierce's raised hand and pulled it back down.
"Well, Addison...it looks like we now have two performers locked in...who else do you have in mind?"
Addison smiled victoriously as Zed smirked over to Missy and Pierce.
"Well… since my father requested a song from the last album he produced, I feel it's only fair that we have representation from his first."
"We are NOT having Guns 'N Roses!" Missy nearly screamed.
Addison rolled her eyes. "Mother, if we didn't include bands with members you've slept with, we wouldn't be able to put together a show."
Even Bob had a hard time not smiling at her comment.
"I highly doubt we can get them anyway," Harrison chimed in as he scrolled through his phone.
"We may not be able to get everyone, but I know Slash will do it at the very least," Addison offered.
"And how do you know that?" Pierce scoffed.
Zed glared at him and flexed his arm, making Pierce flinch.
Missy rolled her eyes, "Because he's her Godfather..."
Jamie smiled. "I can put in a call this afternoon...who else, Addison."
"Um...obviously we can't get Nirvana..." she made the sign of the cross and pointed to the sky, blowing a kiss, "but we could have Dave play drums, although that would probably rule out Courtney participating…" She stood up and walked over to the window as she thought. "...Maybe instead of multiple bands playing we just form a supergroup of sorts..."
"That could work," Jamie smiled. "What about any of the guys from Metallica?"
Addison nodded, deep in thought.
"Or Nine Inch Nails?"
Harrison asked.
She nodded again. Suddenly her head snapped up, she spun around and reached across the table for the notepad and pen sitting in front of Zed. She quickly jotted a few notes down. When she finished she walked back around the table and sat down on Zed's lap, motioning for him and Bucky to read it over. "What do you think?"
"Adds…" Zed whispered looking up into her eyes. "This set would be epic." He pointed to something written on the page. "Are you sure though?"
She nodded her head. "Yeah… The three of us just feels right, don't you think?"
He nodded and stole a quick kiss.
Bucky rested a hand on her shoulder. "It's perfect. Dad would love it."
"Oh for Christ's sake...What are you three whispering about?" Missy snarled.
Addison silently passed the paper over to her uncle Jamie. He read it over and smiled. "Addison...if we can pull this off it will be talked about for years to come...I can't think of a better way to honor your father's legacy...He would be so proud of you." He passed the list around for the other board members to read.
"What about any of the Pop acts he worked with?" Bob asked as he read it over.
"Daddy always said, 'Pop pays the bills, but Rock feeds the soul'," she offered in response as Bob passed it to Harrison for review.
Jamie stood up and straightened his suit jacket. "Well, I guess all that's left to say is...all in favor?"
"Two studios in two days," Zed said softly as he pulled Addison down onto the piano bench with him. "A guy could get used to this."
She giggled and kissed him softly. "I do miss being able to record with you all the time… too bad we're back on the road Monday."
"Ugh," he said with an exaggerated sigh. "Back to reality."
"Yup… but hey, at least now we don't have to worry about Bucky finding us!"
"Yeah… I just need to worry about your step-brother firing me or worse, making me sleep with the fishes."
She threw her head back and laughed before pulling him in for another kiss. "His dad would never approve a hit that would hurt me. If anything, you're safer now that he knows."
He kissed her back and cradled her face. "I don't know about that."
"Well, I do… I love you."
He smiled and kissed her again. "I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing you say that again… I love you, too. Forever."
"And after…" she whispered before pulling away. "We need to stop or we're going to get carried away and I really need to stay focused for this."
"Alright, alright…" Zed chuckled as he leaned in to nip her nose playfully. "Think he'll show?"
"Are you kidding me?" she laughed. "He's been begging to collab in person since I started sending him songs. All I had to do was finally agree. Besides, this is his studio. He's got to show up at some point!"
"And what song did you lure him in with today?"
She sat back, suddenly defeated. "Shit… I didn't think that far…"
Zed chuckled and kissed her cheek. "I doubt he'll even remember when he sees you."
"No…" she shook her head. "I promised him a new song… It's the least I can do.." she whispered.
He could practically feel the stress rolling off of her in waves. "Adds, baby… It's going to be fine."
She eyed him skeptically, making him chuckle.
"You're too fucking cute sometimes…" He ran his hand through her hair and pulled her in for a heated kiss. "And I just so happened to start writing something last night while you were snoring. Maybe we can work on it?"
She scoffed in indignation. "I do not snore!"
"You do, and it's adorable," he said, nipping her nose again as his fingers found the cool ivory keys and began to build a soft melody. "Oh, I… had a lot to say.
Was thinking on my time away
I missed you and things weren't the same
'Cause everything inside it never comes out right
But when I see you cry, it makes me want to die…
I love how you kiss, I love all your sounds
And baby the way you make my world go round
And I just wanted to say, I'm sorry…"
"Z…"
He leaned over and kissed her, cutting her off as he played the bridge. "Every single day,
I think about how we came all this way
The sleepless nights and the tears you cried
It's never too late to make it right
Oh yeah…"
She pulled him to her, crashing her mouth against his as she re-positioned herself onto his lap. All thoughts of the song he was playing were quickly forgotten as her finger wove through his hair, pulling him to her harder. His hands slipped under her shirt, cupping her breasts roughly as their kisses grew frantic.
"Fuck, I never thought I'd be so happy to walk in on the two of you..."
Both of their heads snapped over towards the plexiglass divider.
Addison quickly straightened her shirt and gave him a shy wave. "Hey, Mase."
She could see him laugh from the other side of the glass before he walked into the sound booth. "Really? It's been years, and all I get is a little wave and a 'hey, Mase'?" He held his arms out wide and motioned for her.
She hesitantly stood up and walked over to him. The second his arms wrapped around her in a tight embrace, her tears started to fall. "… I'm so sorry."
"Shh…" he whispered, kissing the top of her head. "Nothing to apologize for, Adds."
She cried harder, burying her face deeper into his shoulder.
Mason looked over her head towards Zed. "A little help with weepy here?"
"That depends… are you going to punch me?"
Mason rolled his eyes and smiled. "Looks like someone already beat me to it."
Zed shook his head, holding back a laugh, as he stood up and walked over towards them. "Bucky."
"Oh, shit. Big-bro finally figured it all out!… Get in here," Mason said, pulling Zed down into a hug as well.
"You're smooshing me…" Addison giggled through her tears.
"Tough shit. I'm not letting you go ever again… Either of you," Mason said as he squeezed tighter.
"That could get a bit awkward…" Zed laughed, pulling back enough to let Addison breathe between the two of them. "Wait… what did you mean about Bucky figuring it out?"
Mason glanced down at Addison and then back up to Zed. "No bullshit?"
"Always," they both answered at the same time.
With a dramatic sigh, Mason let go of them both. "Let's go talk…"
They followed him out of the booth and down the hall into his office.
"Wow…" Zed said as he plopped himself down on one of the plush sofas and looked around. "Looks like Bree was right. You are doing pretty well for yourself."
"Thanks to Addie."
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked as she sat down next to Zed.
"Adds…" Mason chuckled and shook his head. "Let me lay this out for you. My best friend, who was emotionally distraught after losing her dad, disappears off the face of the fucking planet after a coke binge relapse. No one can find her, no one can get in touch with her…"
"I think you forgot a part…"
"Trust me, I could never forget that…"
Zed tensed. "I already owe you a few punches. Sleeping with my girl maybe just the excuse I need."
"She wasn't your girl then."
"She's always been, my girl."
"Really guys?" Addison interrupted, looking at both of them.
Zed sighed and motioned for Mason to continue.
"As I was saying… best friend goes awol then all of a sudden I'm being contacted by Bamm!'s lawyers and I find out I'm now the owner of all this," he said, waving his arms around. "And then, I start mysteriously receiving these amazing fucking songs from a songwriter who no one else in the industry has ever heard of who just so happens to have the same name as said best friend's ex-boyfriend and dad's middle names…" he shrugged and met her eyes. "We've known each other our entire lives. I was the first person to hear the first song you ever wrote. I helped produce your album… I know your writing style better than almost anyone."
"Well, when you say it like that…" she mumbled as she rolled her eyes. "If you knew, why didn't you say anything?"
"Because I know how stubborn you are."
She scoffed. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"It means, I knew you were probably freaking out about us sleeping together and then leaving. And I knew you'd be overthinking everything and beating yourself up over it all, and I knew you were trying to find a way to make it up to me, even though you didn't need to."
She rolled her eyes.
"I know I'm right, and so do you…"
"Whatevs… you still haven't told me why you didn't say anything."
"I didn't say anything because I figured you needed it… And as much as it hurt that I couldn't talk to you every day like we used to, I at least had you in my life in some way other than the updates I begged off of Bree."
"Fucking Bree," Addison laughed. "I should have known."
"Yup… she told me all about the two of you reconnecting and how everything went down… And don't think I'm not pissed you two decided to skip my New Year's party."
Addison shrugged. "I didn't think your party was the best time to have this conversation."
Mason laughed and sat down on the couch next to them and hugged them both the best he could from his position. "Maybe. But like I said, I've missed you… both of you."
"I missed you too," Addison whispered, resting her head against his shoulder.
"So did I," Zed said as he turned ever so slightly so he could close in their hug.
Addison sighed. "As much as I'm enjoying this, we still have a lot more to talk about."
"Like?" Mason questioned.
She pulled away as much as she could and smirked up at him. "Like the fact you didn't tell me you were gay!"
Mason threw his head back and laughed, catching Zed's eye above Addison's head. "You told her about that, huh?"
"Yeah… It just kind of slipped out when she said you two hooked up."
Mason chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "Sorry I didn't tell you myself… I was still trying to figure everything out… Still am honestly."
"Still?"
He nodded his head. "Yeah… I thought I was gay, and then bi, and now…" he shrugged his
shoulders. "I don't really know… pan… maybe."
"Why use labels?" Addison shrugged.
"Good point," Mason said hugging her again. He exhaled in relief. "So… your turn. Why'd you decide to come clean today?"
Addison sighed nervously. "Um… Well… Daddy's being inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame…"
Mason jumped off the couch. "NO FUCKING WAY!"
"Way."
"That's so fucking awesome! Daddy Dale is going to be enshrined!"
"It gets better…" Zed chuckled.
Mason arched a brow in question. "How could it get better than that?"
"Do you still play drums?" Addison asked.
"Yes…"
"How would you feel about playing the tribute show with us?"
Mason's jaw dropped open. "Me?"
"Yes."
"Play on stage?"
"Yes."
"In Cleveland in front of a crowd of Rock legends?"
"And also recorded for broadcast," Zed added.
Mason let out a slow breath. "With you two?"
"And a few special guests we're working on."
He nodded his head and slowly sat back down as he thought it over. "I'll do it on one condition."
Addison smiled and threw her arms around him. "Name it!"
"We finish the track."
She instantly dropped her arms. "Mase…"
"What track?" Zed asked.
Addison sighed and looked over to him. "We never finished the last track for the album. Daddy wanted it to be a duet, but I…" she shrugged her shoulders. "I just couldn't bring myself to sing with anyone else."
Zed chuckled and pulled her in for a quick kiss. "You know… duets are kind of our thing… I could help you out if you want."
Mason nodded excitedly.
"No!" Addison said suddenly.
"Why the hell not?" Mason asked, throwing his hands up in the air.
"Because it was about our fucking break up! I don't want to re-visit that shit!"
Mason rolled his eyes. "Adds, the whole fucking album was about how hurt you were. Wouldn't it be fitting if the last track was a redemption?"
"Are you saying we re-write it?"
"Duh… You have to admit it would work."
She thought it over as she gnawed on her lower lip. "And if I do this, you'll play the show?"
"I said I would."
"Fine… but we're doing it back at the house."
"YES!" he said kissing her cheek. "Deal!"
"BUCKY!" Mason exclaimed as he ran into the house and jumped onto the couch where Bucky and Eliza were napping.
Bucky shot straight up. "WHAT THE!" he shook his head as he woke up enough to realize what had happened. "Christ, Mason! You scared the shit out of me."
Zed laughed as he and Addison walked into the room. "So weird to see them together… 'Sup E?"
Eliza yawned and looked around, trying to figure out what was going on.
"Babe, this is Mason," Bucky offered. "He's like the obnoxious little brother I never wanted."
"Aww, big-bro, you know you love me!"
"Something like that," Bucky yawned looking over to Addison and Zed. "I'm guessing he said yes?"
"Yup."
"Tell him the best part!" Mason called out as he jumped over the back of the couch and headed towards the kitchen.
Addison rolled her eyes. "He's making me finish the track."
Bucky's eyes widened in surprise. "As in the last track for the album?"
She nodded her head and sighed. "Yup… Z and I are heading upstairs to re-write it."
"Why? That song was awesome."
"Because I'm not having my boyfriend sing about ripping my heart out!" she snapped as she grabbed Zed's hand and drug him towards the stairs.
Eliza looked between the four of them. "I am so fucking lost."
Bucky chuckled and draped his arm around her. "Don't worry I'll catch you up to speed."
"And while you do that, I'm going to go keep them on task," Mason said around a mouthful of Doritos. "If I don't they're going to be naked in about two minutes."
"Damnit, Mase! That's my sister you're talking about!"
"And I'm just saying it like it is! I've walked in on them way more times than I can count. You better get used to it!"
Bucky dropped his head into his hands and cursed as Eliza pat his shoulder comfortingly.
ZzZzZzZzZ
Mason adjusted the volume and readied the backing track that had been recorded years ago. He leaned over and pressed the button for the intercom. "Whenever you two are ready…"
"Dude… It is so fucking weird to see you behind that deck," Zed laughed. "Dale used to flip out every time you'd get near that thing."
Mason laughed and flipped him off. "Lucky for me Daddy Dale finally admitted his feelings for me and taught me everything I know… Now are you ready or not?"
He nodded and looked over to Addison. "You ready baby?"
She re-positioned her headphones and sighed. "I think so."
He squeezed her hand and put on his own headphones before turning back towards Mason. "Let's do this then."
Mason hit record and started the track. The soft piano melody filled the room as Addison stepped up to the microphone.
"Love that once hung on the wall
Used to mean something, but now it means nothing
The echoes are gone in the hall
But I still remember, the pain of December
Oh, there isn't one thing left you could say
I'm sorry it's too late
I'm breaking free from these memories
Gotta let it go, just let it go
I've said goodbye
Set it all on fire
Gotta let it go, just let it go…"
"Damn," Eliza said as she sat up a little straighter to listen more closely. "This is good."
"The album would have been a hit. There's not a doubt in my mind," Mason replied as he adjusted the tenor as Zed picked up the next verse.
"You came back to find I was gone
And that place is empty, like the hole that was left in me
Like we were nothing at all
It's not what you meant to me
Thought we were meant to be…"
"How the hell did I not figure them out?" Bucky sighed. "It's so fucking obvious when you watch them sing."
"Because A: you're her brother and you automatically hate anyone she's involved with, and B: because you're their manager and you want to keep the peace with Lacey," Eliza said as if it were the most obvious thing ever.
Mason shooshed them and slightly modified the echo.
"Oh, there isn't one thing left you could say
I'm sorry it's too late...
I'm breaking free from these memories
Gotta let it go, just let it go
I've said goodbye
Set it all on fire
Gotta let it go, just let it go…" Addison sang as Zed took her hand and slowly turned her towards him.
"I let it go"
"And now I know" he sang as he gazed into her eyes.
"A brand new life"
"Let's turn this around"
"When it's right"
"You always know"
"So this time"
"I won't let go," He ran a hand through her long white hair and smiled.
"There's only one thing left here to say
Love's never too late…"
"I've broken free from those memories
I've let it go, I've let it go
And two goodbyes, lead to this new life
Don't let me go, don't let me go" The emotion in their voices clear as they sang together.
"Don't let me go, don't let me go, don't let me go, don't let me go…"
As the outro began to play, he closed the small distance between them and kissed her.
She pulled back just enough to sing against his lips. "Won't let you go, don't let me go
Won't let you go, don't let me go…"
Mason clapped his hands together. "That's what I'm fucking talking about! One fucking take and they fucking nail it!" He turned and looked at Bucky. "How the hell do you not have them signed to a label yet? You're sitting on a goddamn goldmine!"
Bucky rolled his eyes without looking up from the email he was answering on his phone. "Adds won't let me send anything to Bamm! Wants it to happen on its own."
"Yeah… that sounds like Addie…" Mason laughed as he pressed a few buttons. He looked up to talk to Zed and Addison but stopped. "And… I think we should head out!" he said suddenly standing up and grabbing Bucky's hand to pull him out of the room.
"What? Why?" Bucky turned and caught a glimpse of Addison's shirt coming off before he clamped his eyes shut. "Damnit! What is wrong with those two?!"
"I told you, you're just going to have to get used to it," Mason laughed. "They've always been like that."
Eliza kissed Bucky's cheek. "Oh, ease up. They're obviously really happy together. Don't you want to see her happy?"
"Happy, yes. Naked, no!" he said as they walked back downstairs.
"Well, from a completely selfish standpoint, I'll take happy Zed over cranky asshole Zed any day of the damn week. He's a much better person and musician, happy."
"As her brother, I hate how good they are together, but as their manager…" he shrugged and smiled. "I can't deny that they create awesome music." He sat down on the sofa and flipped the television on. "Mason, you should have heard the fucking song they played the other night. I wish I would have recorded it!"
Mason swiped the remote from him and put on Sponge Bob. "Why don't we record it now?"
"Our bass player isn't here," Eliza said through a yawn.
"I thought Adds was playing bass?"
Bucky nodded. "Yeah, but she played lead guitar on this one."
"So. She can record both separately," Mason shrugged.
Eliza laid down on Bucky's lap. "Wouldn't feel right without Bonz."
"Bree's boyfriend, right?" Mason asked.
"Yeah. Wish he was here and not in Aspen with everyone else," she yawned.
"Aspen? Why the hell is everyone in Aspen?" Bucky asked suddenly.
Eliza sat up in a panic. "Shit…"
"I am so glad I wasn't the one who let it slip," Mason laughed. "I don't need Adds being pissed at me already!"
"Everyone is at the house?!"
"Um…" Eliza shrugged. "Not Lacey or Jacey."
Bucky threw his hand in the air. "Fucking Christ!"
"Wish I was in Aspen," Mason mumbled. "What I wouldn't give to work in that studio."
Bucky grabbed the remote back from Mason and furiously started to flip through the channels. He suddenly stopped, a slow smile forming on his lips. "What are you doing for the rest of the weekend Mason?"
"Nothing, why?"
"We're going to Aspen."
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Mason is back! Can't wait to have him in the mix with everyone else! Any who… Sorry this is late. Thanks to a late season major hurricane I didn't have power for a few days and it made me WAY behind where I wanted to be with updates. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
MUSIC USED IN THIS CHAPTER
Trampoline, Shaed ft Zayn
Sorry, Buckcherry
Let Me Go, Avril Lavigne ft Chad Kroeger