Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer, my OCs belong to me.
Happy New Year all, and sorry it's been so long between updates. I'll try and get the next one up sooner.
This chapter is dedicated to Alphabloodwolf, WriterNMomma, Sarahkala444, Asherah Isa, maggiepie123 and rickaroo922
Robyn
We weren't doing anything, just resting back against my headboard. Addie had his arm around me and I was snuggled into his shoulder, but that was the extent of our intimacy. I wasn't about to push Dove, and I guess she had a point that we should respect her roof as much as we respect Liza's.
It just felt good to be this close to Addie again, I didn't need anything else at that moment, as long as I knew he was safe and by my side. Addie sighed happily as he pulled me closer for a moment to kiss my head. I guess he'd read my thoughts, but that didn't bother me, I was too busy trying to suppress my giggle.
"I can't get over the fact that you really got a beard." I mused as I sat up and leant into him as I reached out to stroke his whiskers, they felt prickly soft against my skin and nothing like as soft and warm as his wolf fur.
"I know. Guess that's what comes from not shaving for two days. I'll have to get rid of it before we head home, but I thought you might want to see it before I did." He said, looking into my eyes.
"Glad you let me." I said as I put my hands either side of his face and kissed his lips. "Shame we can't test it out more." I added and rubbed my nose against his before I sat back.
Well if we decide to spend a weekend up at the lake I could not shave Friday morning and Mam won't see much of me if we head straight up there. By Sunday morning I should have a bit of growth back. Addie thought toward me. I mean when we're back in school. Before then we could have a week up there. If we can get others to camp with us it won't be so bad.
We'll plan that when we get back to the Res. I thought as I ran my fingers through his curls before I started to get up. But now I need to get my stuff together for tonight.
Addie nodded his head as I got off the bed.
"What do you think I'll need?" I asked.
"Your toiletry stuff." Addie said and I was froze for a moment, caught by his blue eyes that looked even brighter in contrast to the dark beard that covered the bottom half of his face.
I shivered as I felt an electric chill down my back and I was ready to join him back on the bed stripping off and getting down and dirty with my guy, but I didn't want to make my mom mad and we had a concert to get ready for. I took a deep breath and turned away.
"What about clothes?" I asked.
"Whatever you feel best to jam in since we haven't got our costumes." Addie said and I felt a sad pang to think of the Victorian freak show inspired costume Leda had made especially for me.
"I wonder if I can find something Victorian freak showish as an example." I mused as I started going through my wardrobe.
"I guess, but the rest of us haven't got anything like that." Addie said.
"Then maybe we should just go casual tonight and we can bring our costumes at Christmas." I decided.
"We'll have a bigger audience then." Addie said.
"Yeah." I said and smiled as I pulled out my best jeans and t-shirt combo. "It'll be good practice for next summer."
"You think we'll be gigging then?" Addie asked.
"We'd better be gigging then. We'll be graduated and even if we have to get a day job, getting our name out there as soon as possible is the best way to go."
"Do you think they'll let me?" Addie asked, looking worried.
"Well if they don't ask your age then we don't have to tell them, and if they do, well as long as we don't drink they got no reason not to let us play. As long as we're a registered band." I replied.
"Right. That's the next thing we need to do. Register the band name. When can we do that? Am I too young?"
"Well as long as you don't mind Leda and Loki being the main signatories since they're 'over eighteen' then we can do it as soon as we get back. We'll still be on the contract as minors and will have to get our parents, or in my case my guardians, to co-sign with us, but as soon as we turn eighteen we can sign again for ourselves. The only thing we won't be able to do is tour before we're eighteen because of child labour laws."
"Ok." Addie said, nodding his head, as he looked thoughtful, it was the first time we'd really discussed this side of having a band, but now we wanted to become professional then we needed to work the business angle.
"Of course, if we get an agent they'd handle all the business side, but unless you want to end up with a bad deal we're better off waiting until there's a little buzz around us and have an agent come to us. That way we're more likely to get a better deal." I stated.
"Have I ever mentioned how glad I am that you're a Hollywood brat?" Addie said with a grin, and if it had been anyone else I would have ripped them a new one, even if they were joking like Addie, but I really didn't mind Addie doing it. Weird.
"Did I mention how much I hate that fact?" I said crossing my arms and giving him the evils.
"Sorry." Addie said, but his grin suggested he'd read my mind about not minding him calling me a Hollywood brat.
"You're just lucky I love you." I said, and blew a kiss to him.
"I love you." Addie said as he gave me an earnest look with his blue eyes.
I couldn't help my smile, it was an automatic response to know that whatever else happened, Addie loved me and he always would. I felt in a real good mood as I started going through my wardrobe, picking out a few things I could go through with Leda, see what she thought we should wear tonight. As I was doing it I started humming a tune, didn't know what it was, but I just felt like humming it.
"Where did you hear that?" Addie asked.
"What?" I asked, a little distracted as I looked up from putting clothes into my bag.
"That tune, where did you hear it?"
"I don't know, it's just in my head." I said with a shrug.
"Thank god for that." He said as he brushed his hand over his forehead.
"What do you mean?"
"I thought it was cultural osmosis then. I've been working on this song in my head for the last week or so, ever since I imprinted on you, and when you started humming it I thought I must have picked the melody up from somewhere else. Guess I just unconsciously transferred it to you when I was thinking it earlier."
"Well that will make learning it a whole lot easier." I said, going for a positive because seriously, just having the tune suddenly in my head was a little weird.
"It's a little softer than our usual stuff if that's ok." He said anxiously.
"All bands need their ballads." I said as I went back to the bed and sat down beside him. "So, what are the lyrics?" I asked as I leaned closer to him.
I may be young, just a boy
But I know you're the one to bring me joy
With strawberry sun, and eyes of blue
Your butterfly kiss will see us through
"You can't put that lyric in." I gasped.
"Why not?" Addie asked.
Because Dove will know you've seen my little butterfly. I thought toward him.
She already knows we've had sex. Addie thought back with all the certainty of a mind reader.
Still, it might not be the best idea to rub it in her face.
Then we won't sing it tonight. We'd have to rehearse it anyway. And we'll never play it when our parents might be listening, it could be our live only song. Some bands have them, you only hear it if you see them live on stage.
I glared for a moment, not sure if I liked this, but as long as we didn't play it tonight I guess it was ok. I'd wait until we were really alone before I heard the other lyrics though.
You can tell me the rest when we're alone. I thought and kissed his lips, then got caught up in the tingles and started kissing him for real.
Addie carefully pulled away from me as he said, We wouldn't do this back home.
I guess you're right. I said, sitting back and pouting.
Of course, over at Tregarran will be another matter entirely. He thought toward me as he wiggled his eyebrows.
I grinned and kissed his forehead. You're right. So when do we leave?
Addie pulled his phone from his pocket; he'd stopped wearing a watch since he'd started phasing.
"About another quarter of an hour." He said.
"Then we might as well go down to the sitting room and wait for Dove and Simon."
Addie nodded and we got up off the bed. I went to grab my bag and I saw Addie's hands twitch out of the corner of my eye. I knew he wanted to carry my bags downstairs, but since he'd be hauling Dove and Simon's luggage over to Tregarran I didn't want to over burden him, and I could carry my own bags anyway. Which was why he didn't actually offer to carry them down in case I snapped at him.
We went down to the sitting room, the private one that was just for family, and sat down on the love seat to wait for Dove and Simon.
Leda
I stirred from my nap, checking my watch through partially closed lids to check the time. I had been napping for an hour and a half. It was wise to rise now. I heard Loki murmur slightly in his sleep and his arm tightened about me, pulling me in closer to the warmth of his body. I hummed and cwtched into him deciding I could lie here a little longer with him, enjoying the comfort and thrill it brought me being so close to him.
We could just pretend we slept through. Loki thought toward me as he kissed my head.
We could, but it would negate our reason for stopping here. I replied.
I guess. Loki said sadly.
I sat up and looked down into his face until he opened his eyes. I smiled and leant forward to kiss his lips lightly before I sat back up.
"Perhaps we should take Auntie Jane up on her offer." I said.
"But I thought you wanted us to do it all on our own?" He said as he sat up too and took my hand.
"Yes, but we earned this money. If Auntie Jane paid it to us would we not use it to get our own place?" I reasoned.
"Yeah." Loki agreed.
"Then why not allow her to set it up in a way that will reduce the temptation to spend it frivolously? Just think, if we accept Auntie Jane's offer then we'll be in our own place within a month."
"I like the sound of that." Loki said as he placed his hand to my waist and pulled me close to kiss him once more.
I obliged, why wouldn't I? I loved kissing Loki and would do it every moment of my life if it were possible. But we had to live and we had to work to make a living. I ended the kiss gently and smiled at him.
"Would you care to join me in a shower?" I asked.
"More than anything, but we really shouldn't be naked together in my grandparents' house." Loki said, blushing.
"You're right of course." I said and kissed his cheek. "I will shower first so I may dry my hair."
"Ok." Loki said and kissed me one more time before I got up from the bed.
I collected some clean clothes and went into the adjacent bathroom. It felt good to shower, but I didn't linger knowing Loki needed to shower. I got out, wiped, dressed and stepped out into the bedroom.
"Shower's free." I said, before sitting down at the dressing table where Tobias had ensured a hair dryer was available.
"Won't be long." He said and kissed my cheek before he disappeared into the bathroom.
I began with drying my hair, a long and tedious task that lasted longer than Loki was in the shower. Of course that meant he could observe me and it made me thrill a little to know how much allure he found in such a mundane task.
Loki and I made our way downstairs once my hair was dry. We found Essie and Tobias in the library ready to greet Addie, Dove and her parents when they arrived.
"Did you have a good nap?" Essie asked.
"I feel much better now." Loki said as he dropped down into one of the love seats and I sat next to him.
"As do I. A nap and a shower was all I required to feel like me once more." I stated happily.
"So you up for a concert?" Essie asked.
I nodded while Loki said, "Yeah."
"Great, cause Addie will be here in about five minuets. I guess he didn't figure in how long it would take to walk through the trees with humans."
"Which is ironic when one thinks about it given that he was once limited to such a pace." Tobias observed.
"I don't know. I can't really remember being human slow." Essie said with a shrug. "How about you?"
"As all vampires, most of my human memories have degraded, especially ones as mundane as to what it's like to move at a human pace." Tobias replied.
"Yep." Essie said with a smile as if she'd won an argument.
"Perhaps part of not realising such distances is due to Auntie Liza's use of the papoose whenever we went out running when we were children." I reasoned.
"That could be it too." Essie said with a nod. "Although let's not bring it up in front of him hey? No need to embarrass him in front of his in-laws."
"His secret is safe with me." Loki said promptly.
"And me." I added.
"Need you ask?" Tobias replied.
Essie smiled for a moment before saying, "Any new songs since the last time you played for us?"
"One or two." Loki replied. "You know how Addie is with them songs buzzing around his head, and Leda wrote a couple."
I nodded.
"I can't wait." Essie said rubbing her hands together. "And I was thinking, since Dove and Simon are heading over anyway and there's still a load of wolves left here you want to make your audience a little bigger?"
"The more the merrier." Loki said with a shrug.
"And perhaps you could invite Hunter and Olwen as well as Granny Ness and Grandpa Jake." I suggested.
"It will mean rearranging the dining room if you intend to use the grand piano." Tobias said with a frown.
"I got a keyboard here, we could maybe do it in the informal sitting room." Loki suggested. "Didn't that used to be the ballroom anyway? The acoustics would be better."
"It was part of the ballroom along with the library, but yes I suppose that is a point, and a much easier room to rearrange. Perhaps once Addie and Robyn has arrived the four of you can accompany me to decide which part of the room you would like me to set up as a stage. If I require help I could call in the wolves. They have nothing to do at present given that the emergency is over."
"Maybe you should show Dove and Simon up to their room first so they can get settled in." Essie suggested.
Tobias nodded his head before he turned his head to the front of the house.
"Are they coming to the front door?" He asked.
"Yeah." Essie confirmed as she got to her feet.
"We'll go greet them then return here with Addie and Robyn." Tobias said as he and Essie left the room.
Loki put his arm around me and I leant into him.
"Will you be ok performing for so many people?" He asked.
"As you said, the more the merrier, besides, it will be good practice for when we're selling out arenas." I mused.
Loki chuckled before he kissed my temple. I turned my face to him and kissed his lips, falling into the kiss for a moment before we were aware of the others coming back to the room.
We sat up a moment before Essie and Tobias returned with Addie and Robyn in tow.
"So we got ourselves an audience?" Addie asked.
"Yeah." Loki replied.
"How big?" Robyn asked.
"Fairly big." I said as I stood and went to take her hand. "But fear not, won't it be great to have the experience before we stand in front of paying customers?"
"A captive audience?" Robyn asked.
"A captive audience." I confirmed with a grin.
"So how many?" She asked.
"Not sure yet." Loki replied. "But we're gonna set up in the informal sitting room."
"Yes. If you would all care to follow me and we can decide where you'd like to perform." Tobias said, gesturing to the door that separated the library and the informal sitting room.
We all followed him through and I looked about thoughtfully.
"What about by the window?" Addie said, moving over to the bay window.
"I guess it'll give us a stage." Loki said, stepping into the bay and looking out at the room.
"Will you require a platform?"
"This should do." Addie said. "We'll go get the instruments and set up here."
"Very well. If I know your set-up it will help me glean the best place to put the chairs."
"Just remember to leave room for dancing Fang Boy." Essie said as she bumped him with her hip and he chuckled.
"I don't think we're good enough to get people dancing yet." Addie said as he awkwardly ran his hand through his hair.
"You never know." Essie said with a shrug. "You need help hauling your equipment?"
"I guess it would get done quicker." Addie conceded.
Essie and Tobias therefore accompanied us down to the basement room we had been given for practice when we were visiting Tregarran. It took half an hour to bring everything up to the informal sitting room and set up the equipment in the most optimal positions.
I spent time setting up the drum kit. It was different from the one I had at home and it took a lot of fine-tuning to have the relevant percussions in exactly the right place for optimal rhythm. After which we went through three songs to ensure we were calibrated before it was time to prepare for our performance.
As we left the sitting room Robyn took hold of my arm, making it clear she wished to speak with me, thus leaving our boyfriends to trail behind as we made our way up the main staircase.
"What are you gonna wear?" She asked.
"I haven't really thought about it." I replied.
"Well, what do you think we should wear?"
"I haven't got many clothes with me. Come to my room and I'll show you what I decide to wear." I suggested.
"Ok. I'll grab my bag and you can help me choose." She said with a hopeful smile.
"Of course." I said, flattered that she valued my opinion so much.
"Guess that means we're changing together, hey Bro?" Loki said with a chuckle.
"Yeah." Addie agreed.
"No." I said, as I felt a sudden need to coordinate. "Or perhaps yes, once I agree on your clothes."
"We should at least look a little organised." Robyn agreed.
"Even if it's to ensure the right type of impromptu ensemble." I stated.
"Organised chaos?" Loki asked.
"Yes." I said with a nod as we reached the landing.
"We'll grab our stuff then and come to your room." Addie said as he offered his hand to Robyn.
"Ok." I replied as I took Loki's hand and we parted company with the other couple to go to our room.
"You're not going all Auntie Liza on us are you?" Loki teased as he placed his hands on my hips and looked into my eyes. I felt the delightful shiver take my body.
"No. I just want our performance to go well. I wouldn't have thought of our outfits if Robyn hadn't asked me. But now that she has I might as well make it a job well done."
"I guess you have a point." Loki conceded before he kissed me. "So what have I got to wear?"
"I'm not sure. I'll decide when I've thought out the outfits for Robyn and I."
"Ladies first I guess." He joked as he kissed me again and this time I parted my lips to turn it into a full kiss.
Loki broke the kiss a moment before there was a knock at the door. It was opened immediately and Robyn and Addie stepped inside with their bags. It took ten minuets to decide on what outfits we should wear whilst Robyn and I also agreed on hairstyles before she left for her own room with Addie in tow. All that remained was for us to dress.
Keelie
"Where are you going?" Dad asked as I was about to step out the door with Olly.
"We're going for a run." I replied.
"Ok. But try to be back by six." He said.
"Why?" I asked with a frown since my curfew was ten.
"Because the Freaks are gonna put on a concert at seven. We're all heading over to Aunt Essie's for dinner and a show." Dad replied.
"We'll be back in time." I promised and checked my watch, it was eleven in the morning.
"See you both later." Dad said with a wave.
Me and Olly said goodbye before we left the house. I took his hand and led him into the trees.
"Will we be back in time?" He asked.
"We just won't go as far as I was planning, but if we start running now we should reach the perfect place to eat lunch and maybe spend a few hours alone before we have to come back."
"Then what are we waiting for?" He asked with a smile.
I smiled back before we picked up our pace and started running at our top human speed, which was about three times as fast as your average human, but no where near as fast as when I used the little spirit of winter and Olly used his wolf. But we wanted to run together for once without really having to rush anywhere. So ok, we now had a little bit of a time limit, but at least we were running for leisure and not because there might be some bad vamps about. Not that I feel bad that our patrolling was a bust. That's the best kinda patrol.
We ran for an hour, Olly following my lead since we were on my turf. I knew the perfect spot where we could eat in peace and we wouldn't be disturbed. It was a place high up in the mountains, hard to get to if you weren't a supernatural being, but it was shaded from the elements thanks to the high rocks that surrounded the little flat area that was comfortable enough when you had a handy blanket or two, which we did.
"This is it." I said, stopping right in the centre so the sky was a blue disc above us.
"I would have thought we'd have a better view being so high in the mountains." Olly remarked.
"Ain't nothing wrong with the view from where I'm standing." I said as I looked into his eyes.
Olly snorted and ran his hand through his hair self-consciously.
"Ok. So I got no complaints against the view, but I was referring more to the vista. The panorama."
"I know. I was teasing." I said lightly. "Yeah, the views not much, but it's pretty private here. We don't have to worry about anyone interrupting us."
"Oh." He said, "Really?"
"Yep." I said, stepping closer to him. "So let's eat lunch and talk."
"Talking's good." Olly said with a nod as we both dropped our backpacks from our backs.
I smiled at him as I pulled the blanket from my bag and spread it on the floor.
"Put yours on top." I instructed as Olly pulled a blanket from his own bag.
"Ok." He said and obeyed me.
"It's more comfortable." I said as I sat on one corner and pulled out my sandwiches.
"I guess it's better than sitting directly on the rock floor." Olly observed as he sat opposite.
I nodded as I took a bite out of my sandwich.
"Has Twain told you when you're heading back?" I asked, since he'd had to go for a pack meeting this morning.
"Not yet. All she called us in to say was that Essie and Tobias are back so we should be heading back soon." Olly replied warily. "She won't have a definite date until she's talked to them. So I guess we'll know at the concert tonight."
"So I guess we haven't got much time left." I said putting down my sandwich. I suddenly lost my appetite.
"It won't be forever. Not even a month. You'll be on the Res for your cousins' birthday right? Isn't it a special one this year so it's a great big get together?"
"Yeah. Although I'll be staying at the hotel. With so many of us there's not enough room at Liza's or my grandparents' house. Even if it used to be mine. I'd complain, but there's a chance I'll get my own room at the hotel. It'll depend on who's coming all together. Alfie's been nagging to bring Dusty along. He's one of the kids from the Heights and they're friends, but Dad's not so sure how the Elders will feel about another dhampir on the Res."
"They can get funny about that, but you know, I get a vote and Silver will go along with me." Olly said with a shrug.
"Well at least that's two votes for." I said. "Cause if Alfie does get to take a friend, I get my own room and well, I'll have my own room."
"Course if Alfie's friend doesn't make it I got my own room whatever and like I said, Mom works a lot." Olly said not quite meeting my eye.
"I won't be able to stay over night. Dad will know if I don't make it back to the hotel." I said with a frown.
"She's in work during the day too." Olly pointed out.
"That's good to know. I'm sure I can get away for an hour or two at some point. I mean I know the Res pretty well and there's no need for us to be inseparable just cause we're family. I'm sure Mom and Dad will want some alone time, and there's guys Alfie's age that he can hang around with."
"So we'll spend some time together? Alone?" Olly asked.
"We're alone and together right now." I pointed out as I felt my stomach roll with nerves as I moved closer to him. "But like Cinderella, we have a time limit. You wanna make the most of it?"
"Make the most of it how?" Olly asked, his voice squeaking a little as I got as close to him as possible.
"How hungry are you?" I asked as I took the remains of his sandwich from his hand and placed it back in the lunch box.
"Not that hungry." He said, and I smiled at him before I pressed my lips to his.
Loki
I was just pulling on my t-shirt when I sensed the mind enter my mental field and I groaned.
"Is something wrong?" Leda asked.
"We forgot about your father." I said as I made my way toward the door.
"Oh! Of course! I failed to let Tobias know!" She said aghast.
"Don't worry Lee, we'll go tell him now." I said as I put my arm around her and kissed her head. "He'll have enough time to set up a room. And there's one already set up he can use."
"But that would place Papa next door."
"Will it really matter?" I asked.
"I suppose not. We are under your grandparents' roof." Leda conceded.
"Yeah. So let's go tell Gramps before Alec and Kitty get here."
"Ok." Leda agreed and we made our way downstairs where Gramps was making some snacks in the kitchen.
"Gramps, there's something that slipped our mind earlier." I said.
"There was?" He asked, looking up from the pastry he was rolling out.
"Yeah. To get Alec off our back we told him he could check up on us if he wanted and it looks like he's called our bluff. He's about five minuets away." I explained.
"I take it Kitty is with him?" Gramps said as he stated cutting out circles with a pastry cutter.
"Yeah." I confirmed.
"Then they will need a room, but I'm in the middle of cooking." He said, as he looked down at his floury hands and whatever he was in the middle of making, with Gramps the timing had to be just right.
"You don't have to worry about that. We can just say that the room you made up for Leda is for him and Kitty." I suggested.
"And you will not mind that he'll be right next door?" Gramps asked, raising his eyebrow sceptically.
"At least he'll know we're not up to anything then." I pointed out.
"That is a point. Very well. Grandma and I will be ready to greet them when they arrive." He stated before he continued with his baking.
"Thanks." I said. "Now we'll go finish getting ready."
"Will you be practicing before the concert?"
"Yeah. We need it." I said with a chuckle.
"We're not that bad." Leda chided.
"Well more to calibrate than anything else." I amended.
"The sitting room is all set up, I will keep everyone else out of there until you're ready to perform."
"Thanks Gramps." I said before me and Leda made our way back upstairs.
Leda had to put a few finishing touches to her hair and makeup, and when she did we made our way down to the informal sitting room to wait for Addie and Robyn. They weren't there so we spent the two next two minuets making sure our instruments were exactly how we wanted them. It might sound weird, but I got to have my stool in just the right place to get the most out of my keyboard.
Addie and Robyn were about two minuets after us.
"Am I really sensing Alec and Kitty?" He asked as they entered the room.
"Yeah. They're here for the concert too." I replied.
"We forgot that we made the suggestion to Papa and Kitty-Kat that they were more than welcome to stop by to watch if they felt the need." Leda added.
"Well I guess it won't hurt to have two extra pairs of ears." Robyn said with a shrug.
"Yeah." Addie agreed as he made his way to his guitar. "So what song shall we use to practice?"
"Your choice band leader." I said as I played a few chords.
"Got any ideas Leda?" Addie asked as Robyn checked her bass was in tune once more.
"How about our usual practice number and we merely play our practice set tonight. It will take some planning to come up with a gig-worthy playlist, but until then we must make do."
"Yeah. I agree with Leda." Robyn said. "So let's go."
"Is everybody ready?" Leda asked, we all confirmed we were. "Then one, two, one, two, three, four…"
The drums, bass and guitar started together and I had to come in four bars later to back up Addie's guitar on the melody just before he began to sing. It was up-tempo, punk inspired and it was a good one to get the blood flowing and making sure we were all in synch. If we could do it on this song then any other would be a walk in the park.
"That was great." Addie said as we continued jamming after the song ended. "Let's try something a little slower now to make sure we got it all in check then we can agree on the song list just to make sure we're all playing the same thing."
"Very well." Leda said and after a brief flourish of all instruments in her drum kit she started on a slower beat that Robyn picked up with the bass while Addie and I played in the melody.
"We're sounding good." I said, once we'd finished. "So what songs are we doing?"
"We should start with Pack of Wolves." Robyn said as she removed her bass and placed it on its stand. "That'll get them moving, not to mention the wolves will love the chorus."
"Yeah." I agreed, chuckling over how I could imagine Olly and Silver reacting, especially since they'd already seen us play the song on one of the many times they'd crashed our rehearsals back home. "How about we follow it up with Inertia?"
"It does play through on the melody while changing the tempo." Addie conceded. "Then it should be Don't Say a Word."
"Followed by Piggy, Piggy, The Draconequus and the Drums and we should finish with Eternal Freak Show. That way we can keep Funny Farm and Total Annihilation for encores should they be called for." Leda finished off our list.
"Sounds good to me." I said with a shrug.
"Me too." Addie agreed.
"Me three." Robyn said and we all laughed.
"So we're set." I said. "Now it's just a case of having something to eat, making sure we go to the bathroom and get our drinks ready for when we're performing."
We headed down to the kitchen to find something to eat but Grandpa hadn't finished cooking.
"I'm making a buffet so people may help themselves during the concert or perhaps afterwards." He explained.
"That's great." Addie said. "But is there anything we can eat now?"
"I also thought you would be hungry before your concert so you will find four chicken salad sandwiches beneath the domes there along with a pitcher of lemonade and a choice of potato chips or crisps to accompany it."
"Thanks." All four of us said as we made our way to the breakfast bar where Gramps had set up the domes.
We sat at the breakfast bar and shared out the food. It didn't take us long to eat it and we offered to wash up, but Gramps told us to leave the kitchen. After we grabbed three small bottles of water each from the fridge we left him alone.
We took the water up to the informal sitting room and set them up where we might need them later. Then we went upstairs to use the bathroom since it would be quicker than the four of us waiting to use the one downstairs. I didn't feel like I needed to use the bathroom, but I had to try, I didn't want to make a mad dash when we were in the middle of our set. So I let Leda go before me just to give me that little bit longer so I might want to go thanks to the lemonade.
Addie and Robyn came to our room a moment before I stepped out of the bathroom and it was time to go down to the informal sitting room. I felt, well sick I guess. I didn't have anything to judge it by, but the roll in my stomach made me think that's what sick feels like. Was I nervous?
That's what sick feels like Bro, and you are nervous, but that's ok, so am I. Addie thought toward me.
You don't seem it. I observed.
But I am. Addie assured me.
What's your secret?
I'm just treating it like it's a normal practice and I won't even think about our audience. It's just the four of us like usual. With maybe Olly and Silver or our sisters stopping by for a look see, but nothing more than that.
Ok. Ok. If I think of it like that.
"What are you two talking about?" Leda asked.
"Yeah. You know we can tell by your faces when you're conversing on the down low." Robyn added.
You want me to tell them? They'll offer their support. Addie counselled.
"I think I'm getting stage fright." I said, before Addie could stumble over his words trying to not make it seem as bad as it was.
"We all got it." Robyn said with a shrug. "I'd be worried if you didn't."
"Are you sure?"
"Fret not my lover, we will do well." Leda said as she hugged me. "And the fear will add a thrill to the performance. Get your heart racing as it were."
"I guess." I said. "I just wish I didn't feel so sick."
"It will pass once you're caught in the music." Leda said softly as she placed her hand to my cheek and kissed my lips.
I took a deep calming breath.
"Ok. Let's go get caught in the music." I announced.
We all left the room and made our way downstairs. Gran came to meet us as we reached the landing.
"Come with me." She said. "You can wait in the little back room until everyone's in the sitting room. That way you can make a grand entrance. I'll announce you and everything."
"Perfect." Addie said and Gran smiled before she led us to the south staircase so we could come out at the dining room and go into the back room without anyone seeing us.
Now inside it was just a matter of waiting for the show to begin.
Olly
"We are so late." Keelie said with a giggle as we reached her house.
"Not that late." I said.
"You got five minuets to change then we need to get our asses over to Essie's." Keelie's father Hunter said in an unimpressed voice as he stood in the middle of the kitchen with his arms folded as he glared at us.
"Then stop delaying us." Keelie called as she pulled me through the kitchen and on up the stairs.
She giggled again before she kissed my lips and pushed me toward the spare room I'd been staying in.
I rushed into the room and pulled off the shorts and t-shirt I'd worn for my run with Keelie and pulled on my jeans and best t-shirt. It was a simple black T with the logo for Scrumptious Shit, a local punk band I hauled gear for now and then for twenty bucks a time. It wasn't much, but it was my money, and a way to put my Quileute muscles to financial use when there wasn't much going around the Res. I didn't have the skill for the furniture factory and until I finished school the fishing fleet was too much of a long haul.
I looked in the mirror to check my hair. It was a mess, thanks to running as a man and also the fact that Keelie couldn't keep her fingers out of it when we were making out. I didn't mind that so much, but I didn't want to rub in the fact that I had an awesome girlfriend to my bro Silver. I picked up my comb and dragged it through my hair, it rasped against the dried gel I'd used this morning but I had to try and get it a little manageable. I added more gel and pulled it into place. It wasn't how I usually liked it, looked a little overdone, but without the time I needed it would have to do.
"Knock, knock." Keelie said from the open door and I turned to her.
I felt my heart stop a moment and my blood start to rush like it always did when I looked at her. I'd imprinted on her. She was the one for me, and my body knew it. But we hardly had privacy here so I had to will my body to calm down.
"I'm ready." I said.
"Well come on." She said and she took my hand again and led me downstairs where Hunter and Keelie's mother Olwen was waiting in the entrance hall.
"We'll go by car so we can all arrive together." Hunter said.
"Ok Dad." Keelie said in a wary voice.
"Come on. It's only five minutes and it will start." Olwen said in her strange almost accent.
Keelie smiled at me and we stepped out the front door where a truck was waiting, I hadn't seen it before, but I guess Hunter usually kept it in the garage but had got it out ready. I got into the back seat with Keelie while Hunter and Olwen got in the front. Hunter was driving.
He put his foot down so it took little over two minuets before we pulled into the garage under Tregarran Hall, which was the ridiculously big castle like mansion owned by Keelie's aunt and uncle.
Hunter didn't waste time getting out of the jeep and we the rest of us didn't either. We followed him out of the garage, into the kitchen and up a set of stairs that came out in the library. Then we were led through a door I hadn't used before and we were in a room full of chairs facing the window where the instruments were set up, but the Freaks weren't here yet.
I saw my fellow wolves were in the seats toward the front. Silver waved frantically at me, pointing to the empty love seat next to him. He must have saved it for me and Keelie. I grabbed Keelie's hand and pulled her toward the love seat and sat down so I was closer to Silver, but he was my brother from another mother, and father. But he's the closest thing I have to a brother and more my bro than any poor kid that might find me one day searching for our wandering father.
We bumped fists like we usually did before her whispered, "You're late."
"We were making the most of what might be our last day together for a long while." I said.
"So did you?" Silver asked excitedly.
"Not something you should be asking in front of me, or other people." Keelie hissed, but it was clear from her face that she was teasing him and she tapped his nose with her finger.
"Good point." Silver said.
"Olly will tell you all about it next time you're alone." Keelie said with a wink.
"Yeah?" I said, I wasn't planning to go so much into detail about us making out to Silver, but I guess I'd have to now.
"Ok." Silver said. "So what do you think about this concert?"
"It's bound to be good. The Freaks usually are." I replied.
"I know. But we're usually just crashing a rehearsal." Silver countered.
"Then it's about time you get to go to a real concert." Keelie observed.
"Yeah." Silver agreed. "It's just a shame they probably ain't got their costumes. What I wouldn't give to see Leda and Robyn in those corsets again." Silver said with a grin and I gave him a look, like seriously dude? My girlfriend is sitting right there!
"I bet they looked good." Keelie said, and I realised she was trying to put me at ease, I could talk guy stuff with Silver if he needed it. "Do you know if they were bought or did Leda make them?"
"I think Leda made them." I replied.
"I think I remember her saying something like that." Silver agreed.
"If that's the case I'll have to get a look at them. Maybe she can make me something." Keelie mused.
Silver looked at her a moment, like looked her over in his trying not to let girls know he was looking over them way. I didn't even look at him this time. Once we were Res side again we needed to have a serious talk, when we weren't around anyone else.
"You're lucky bro. If the girl I imprint on is even half as good as Keelie I'll be a happy man." Silver observed.
"You'd be a happy man whoever you imprint on. It's par of the course." Twain hissed. "Now settle down, I think the show's about to start."
Just then the lights dimmed apart from the ones over the instruments. Then the door opposite the library opened and Essie walked up to the mike.
"Good evening everybody!" Essie called into the mike and the room fell into waiting silence. "I'd like to welcome you all to Tregarran Hall for this special occasion. The first unofficial concert of the Eternal Freak Show. Let's hear a big round of applause for Leda on drums."
As she said that Leda walked in and waved as everyone clapped and Silver whooped more than was probably necessary.
Leda sat behind the drums as Essie said, "And on bass, we have Robyn."
Robyn came in, waving too as everyone cheered her, Simon and Dove really picking up the volume on the cheer section.
Robyn took up her bass while Essie announced, "And on keyboard we have Loki."
Loki entered and took his seat behind the keyboard quickly, barely giving the audience a look. That wasn't like him. Was he scared or something? Not something I ever would have accused Loki of.
"And last but not least, singing and on lead guitar, Addie."
Essie stepped away from the mike as Addie came into the room, picked up his guitar, strummed it once so the sound resonated through the speakers and stepped up to the mike.
"We're the Eternal Freak Show. We hope to give you a good time. This first one is called Pack of Wolves"
Leda tapped her sticks together to count them in and then they all started together on a fast punk number that I recognised as the one they usually used to warm up with. I actually knew a lot of the words to it. Well it was a hell of an earworm and I'd heard it enough times already. I couldn't help singing along as I bopped my head to the beat.
"You know this song?" Keelie asked into my ear.
"Yeah. They play it all the time." I replied, speaking into her ear.
"It's good. Makes you wanna get up and dance."
"Well do you?" I asked, and held out my hand.
Keelie looked a little shocked for a moment, but then shrugged and took my hand and stood up, pulling me to my feet too. We started dancing, mostly bouncing along to the beat since it wasn't exactly waltzing music. Silver came to join us. Then Marie and Ariana, dragging a protesting Hugo up with them, although we all knew he liked the attention.
Soon everyone was dancing around to the music, even people I wouldn't think would get down to this type of music, like Tobias and Alec. But everyone was having a good time and we wanted more music when the Freaks reached the end of their set. Even after two encores, but I guess they had to stop somewhere and it was getting pretty late. Some of us had to travel to get to our beds.
Before I left with Keelie and her parents I went to talk to Twain.
"Are we leaving tomorrow?" I asked.
"I'm not sure yet. You got your phone on you right?"
"Yeah." I confirmed.
"As soon as I know I'll text you. Now get going before Hunter decides to leave you behind."
"Thanks." I said before I hurried to catch my ride.
Addie
We left the sitting room to a pretty loud applause given there was less than thirty people. I felt psyched. There was a buzzing going through my body I'd never felt before and I felt like I could run up Everest without breaking a sweat. I was too buzzed from the performance to sit in the fold away chairs that had been set up in Mam's old dance room.
I wasn't the only one who felt buzzed, all the Freaks did and thanks to me and Loki it was getting telepathically amplified around us all. As soon as the door closed Robyn grabbed hold of me and crushed her lips to mine. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer to me as her hands went searching under my t-shirt.
I was getting hard, and I didn't even care that Leda and Loki were also in the room. Well they were too into each other to really notice us either.
Guys. Your parents are heading there to congratulate you. Gran cut into all of our thoughts.
Robyn and I pulled apart quickly and she darted her eyes down quickly.
I'll be ok. I said and moved quickly into one of the chairs so the table would give me a little cover while I tried to get my anatomy under control.
Probably wasn't the best idea to start making out down here. Loki thought toward me as he dropped down into the chair next to me looking uncomfortable.
Talk about a buzz kill. I joked and we both laughed and I could feel myself relax where I wouldn't need a handy cushion to be descent for my future in-laws.
"What's so funny?" Robyn demanded as she sat down next to me.
Tell you later. I promised before I started speaking out loud cause it would seem weird if we weren't. "So you didn't find it all that bad afterwards."
"No." Loki replied. "Once we started playing I forgot there was an audience, but I could feel them too."
"I don't know if it's cause we were performing with you too, but I swear I could feel the buzz of all their minds." Robyn said. "It was amazing."
"I for one am looking forward to our next gig." Leda said as there was a knock at the door and a moment later Dove and Simon stepped in followed closely by Alec and Kitty.
"And when will that be?" Alec asked, narrowing his eyes.
"We have no idea Papa, I was merely expressing my want to perform once more." Leda replied. "There are many things we must arrange before we even consider our first gig."
"Like what?" Dove asked as she sat down opposite us.
"We're not registered yet. And we need an agent." Robyn replied.
She hadn't intended on getting Dove's help, but a little boost wouldn't hurt.
"I'll ask around, see who's best in this area." Dove said. "I can call in a few favours if you want me to. But if not, I'll just give you their number and you handle it yourself."
"I'd prefer that Mom. No offence, but if we make it big I don't want any little evidence that we got a boost up cause I'm the daughter of Dove Bradshaw and Simon Leighton. I want it to be because we earned it."
"We understand." Simon said with a smile as he tapped Dove's shoulder.
"There's nothing wrong with giving family members a little boost from the shadows." Kitty chided, flashing her pearly whites that had adorned many a huge film poster in the past and everyone laughed.
"Yeah. But no one knew you were related to Dad. Not even Dad." Robyn pointed out.
"That is a good point." Kitty conceded. "Of course if a mysterious benefactor were to…"
"I hate to be the cold dose of reason here Kitty-Kat, but according to the world Kat Perez is dead. She no longer holds sway." Leda said sadly.
"Unfortunately that is true." Kitty said glumly.
"But those who matter know she is very much alive." Alec said as he put his arm around her.
Kitty smiled as she leant into Alec.
"You sure have talent." Simon said. "I know that if you don't make it as a rock group, you can at least go into soundtracks. There's still plenty of money in that. I know a few of your songs there seemed to be painting a story."
"I guess that's a back up plan." Loki said.
"Sure. I got a few ideas for musicals, or at least telling a story through music, but I guess we can leave that for our fourth album. The concept album." I said.
"You got it all planned out?" Dove asked.
"I am my mother's son." I observed and everyone laughed.
"Is there anything else?" Loki asked before he yawned. "I don't mean to be rude, but the past week or two has been hectic and I could really do with getting my head down. Not to mention I need a shower before I do."
"As do I." Leda agreed. "You understand Papa? I've hardly slept since we left for the battle. I wish to catch up on my sleep tonight."
"Of course." Alec replied. "After such a hectic week even I feel tired." He joked and we laughed because it wasn't often that he joked. "I think we should all away to bed. To sleep." He said pointedly.
"I'm going to say goodnight to Gran and Gramps before I hit the hay." I said as I stood up and stretched out my limbs since they'd started to cramp up a little because I'd sat down before my body had really calmed down from performing.
"Me too." Robyn said as she stood up too and put her arm through mine.
"We all should." Leda said as she stood, pulling Loki up with her.
"You coming with?" I offered the adults before we walked to the door.
They followed us through to the sitting room where a lot of our audience was still standing around, talking and eating food from the buffet Gramps had set up. The wolves were nearest the door, so they grabbed us first.
"Not bad kid." Hugo said as he gave me a noogie before he let me go and grabbed hold of Loki too, but had a harder time reaching his head since he was taller. "All of you." Hugo added with a chuckle as he stepped away.
"You've improved a lot since the last time I heard you, and I didn't think that was possible." Twain said. "You should consider setting up online as well as gigging just to get your sound out there. Just remember to get everything copyright protected."
"We're working on that." I said.
"Shame I'm not an actual lawyer yet. I could sort all that out for you." Keelie said, and I wondered for a moment why she was hanging out over here with the wolves she didn't really know until I saw that she had her arm around Olly and I read it all from their minds.
"Well as soon as you're practicing let us know and we'll take you on provided you want to go into copy law." I said.
"I have a good few years before I really have to consider my discipline." Keelie said with a shrug.
"Whatever the case, I'm sure Olly will be there by your side." Loki said with a grin and I chuckled.
Keelie looked between us unamused.
"Telepaths." She growled before grabbing Olly's hand and dragging him over to the other side of the room.
"Probably wasn't the best idea guys. We're not sure when we're heading home and they don't know when they'll see each other next." Silver said.
"We should have thought about that." I conceded. "I can't think much at the moment though. I'm knackered."
"We really should say night to Essie and Tobias and make our way up to bed." Robyn said.
I nodded in agreement.
"See you guys tomorrow." I said before I headed toward the beacon of Gran's mind with Robyn, Leda and Loki in tow.
We reached Gran and Gramps, they'd been talking to Uncle Hunter and Aunt Olwen, but now they turned to talk to us.
"You all heading on up to bed?" Gran asked.
"Yeah." I said.
"We really need to hit the hay." Loki said before he yawned and that set me off, as well as Robyn and Leda.
"What a yawn chorus, I feel I should join you." Gramps said as he stifled a yawn.
"Yeah. I think we should say goodnight and save you from Tobias' dodgy humour." Gran said dryly.
"Dodgy humour? I thought you loved my sense of humour Miss Esther." Gramps said, feigning hurt.
"Most of the time Fang Boy, but our grandkids are dead on their feet. We really should say goodnight so they can get going."
"Of course." Gramps said before he turned back to us. "Goodnight all. You did well tonight and I look forward to your first gig. Regardless of where you perform, Grandma and I will be there front and centre."
"If you tell us in enough time." Gran amended. "And you'd better cause we wanna be there."
"No matter the establishment." Gramps added.
"We will." I promised.
"But I doubt it'll be until next summer at the earliest. We got to concentrate on graduating over the next couple of months." Robyn said.
"Once we've graduated we can concentrate more on the band." I added.
"That is very wise." Gramps said.
"But as soon as we set up our first gig you'll be the first to know." Loki promised.
"Make sure we are." Gran said with a nod before she grabbed hold of all of us one by one for a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Now goodnight all. Don't let the bed bugs bite."
We all said goodnight and escaped to the library and up the stairs.
We're sharing a room now, although we won't get up to anything since we're between Robyn's parents and Leda's parents. Loki thought toward me. Just thought I'd let you know if you want it as perfect reason for you and Robyn to share tonight.
Thanks Bro. I'll let Robyn know. I replied as we walked along the corridor that connected the backstairs to the main landing.
"I guess this is where we part." I said.
"Yeah. We'll have to talk more about it tomorrow. Maybe you and Robyn can head home in our car." Loki suggested.
"I'll have to check with Dove and Simon first." Robyn replied. "They might want to take me to the Res."
"Well whatever, we'll have a Freaks meeting." Loki said firmly.
"Yes." Leda said with a nod.
"We'll talk about it tomorrow." I said warily. "I just need to sleep now."
"Night." Loki said.
"Nos da." I murmured.
"Nos da." Leda repeated with a smile, going right back to when we were kids in Wales.
"Goodnight." Robyn said before she pulled me to the left while Loki and Leda went to the right.
They're sharing a room. I informed Robyn. Though they're just sleeping.
If they can do that so can we. Robyn thought back. So which room?
We'll go into the room you're staying in because I'm in Mam's old room. You're in Uncle Tony's old room so it's not so bad. If we do make out a little it's not somewhere my parents did it.
I get what you're saying. So you want to grab your bag and come join me?
Yeah. You want to grab my bag with me?
Try and stop me. Robyn said as she went on her tiptoes to kiss my lips before turning the handle on Mam's old room.
We went in and I threw everything back in my bag before I went into the end room with Robyn. As far away from her parents as possible.
"I need a shower before I settle. I'm sweating like a pig." Robyn said. "And before you say anything about me smelling sweet cause we're imprints, I feel dirty."
"I'll shower too. Maybe I'll go use Mam's so it's quicker." I said, pointing to the wall.
Robyn shook her head as she locked the bedroom door.
Grab your pyjamas and come with me. She said seductively into my mind.
Is it wise to get naked together? I asked.
We'll only shower. Separate if you want, but there's no need for you to go elsewhere.
Ok. I said, unable to deny her.
Robyn smiled at me as she took my hand and I felt the blood rush downwards. Could I actually behave myself? Could I get naked in front of her without feeling embarrassed by the fact I was so aroused right now.
Robyn stopped and frowned at me for a moment. She took my hand and guided it down her knickers until I felt how wet she was underneath. She grabbed the front of my t-shirt and pulled me closer before she crushed her lips to mine.
You're not the only one who got all hot and tingly from performing and then being so close to the one who can turn me on just by being in the same room. I'm so wet right now, which is why I need a shower to cool down. I know you do too, but you think I'm a bitch?
No. I assured her firmly and I ran my fingers along that little nub so she'd feel my sincerity.
Then why would you feel embarrassed about getting hard in front of me? You think I wouldn't like that? Like the fact that I turn you on? She asked as she slipped her hand beneath my pants and wrapped it around my member before she stroked it gently. I grunted as I tried not to get too into it, I really didn't want to blow a load when we was supposed to be good.
I can't… I trailed off, I couldn't form a solid thought.
"Then we need to cool off." Robyn whispered as she stepped away from me and I was left swaying, feeling cold. "We should shower."
I nodded and let her lead me into the bathroom.
Robyn showered first while I tried to will my boner away. I was pretty sure the water wouldn't be enough. I didn't want to go into bed with Robyn with a half loaded gun.
She stepped out of the shower and nodded for me to go in. Shaking a little I pulled my clothes off and walked a little unsteadily toward the tray.
"Let me help you with that." Robyn said in a soft, seductive voice as she trapped me against the door.
She smiled up at me and kissed my lips before she kissed down my body and then her tongue flicked out against the head. I put my hand on her shoulder to push her away, she didn't have to do this.
Robyn looked up at me, shook her head then put her hands on my hips so she had me trapped as she wrapped her mouth around me and sucked and licked and teased with her tongue until I felt my body shake as I came and I heard Robyn swallow before she licked me clean. I looked down at her feeling shocked.
"Shower and you can pay me back." She whispered as she ran her hand up my body before placing it on my cheek and kissing my lips. "Come on. I'm tired."
I nodded my head, feeling speechless as I stepped under the water and washed my hair and body. I cooled down a little but none of the tension really left my body. I still felt the tingles of what Robyn had done, but I wanted her to feel it too.
"You ready to sleep?" Robyn asked, although she hadn't dressed since her shower.
I nodded my head.
"Come on." She said, taking my hand and not giving me chance to dress as she led me to the bed.
She turned off the light and I heard her moving in the room. She bumped into something.
"Damn it." She growled.
I moved to her, seeing her perfectly in the low light in the room, it didn't take my eyes long to adjust and there was enough moonlight coming in through the skylight. For me at least. I lifted her into my arms and she wrapped her arm around me and found my lips in what was to her complete darkness.
I pulled down the covers and placed her into bed before I kissed down her body until I reached her nether regions and I started to lick and roll my tongue and suck on her nub until I could feel her fingers pulling at my hair as she stifled her cries by biting on her other hand.
Once she relaxed and was trying to get her breath back I moved up to lie beside her and put my arm around her. She cwtched into me, sighing happily.
Wow? Where did you learn that? She asked as she swept her hand over my chest and hooked her leg over mine.
I didn't. It was instinct. I replied.
"Wow." She breathed and put her mouth to mine, brushing her tongue against mine. "I like instinct."
"I love you." I whispered.
"I love you too." Robyn said. "You know that right?"
"Of course I do."
"Good." She said, settling against my chest for a moment before taking another deep breath and asking, "What does no star mean?"
"No star?" I asked then realised what she meant. "Nos da?"
"Yeah. That." She said.
"Just means goodnight in Welsh."
"You think you can teach me that?" She asked, which surprised me a little.
"If you want, but I thought you only needed to know English and Spanish."
"That was before. But if you imprinted on me then I want to make the transition at some point and if I do it'll help to learn other languages. Might as well start with the second tongue of my honey bun."
"You want to make the change?" I asked.
"I want to be with you forever. Your forever. If I'm human I can't. Ideally I'd like to be like Grace and Prue, but if that's not to be, well I'll have to have kids first. In the future of course. But I want to be with you forever, and forever means more than two languages."
"I got no objections to teaching you." I said softly as I stroked her hair.
"Glad to hear it." Robyn murmured softly. "What else do I need to know?"
"How about we stick to nos da tonight and we'll start on Welsh tomorrow?"
"Yeah. I need to sleep."
"Nos da." I said.
"Nos da." Robyn repeated as she pulled the blanket up over us and we settled down to sleep.
Thank you for reading
Reviews are welcome
Gemma x