Childhood Sweetheart Punks, chapter 1
Becci Roberts groaned as she hit the alarm clock residing on her bedside table, cursing the fact that some twat (known as her brother) had re-programmed her radio to play irritating classical music, rather than the punk rock that she ws accustomed to liking (or should she say loving?). She tossed an oversized black hoodie on over her customised black nightshirt, which bore the legend: 'Punk rock is dead, and I fuckin' killed it!' in fading red letters that she had transferred on herself.
She stomped down the stairs, shot a dirty look in the direction of her friend Sophie, who was endeavouring not smirk at her friend's obvious bad mood. 'What the fuck happened to you? You look like a shit truck just ran over you and then reversed,' said Sophie; oh-so-delicate as usual. Becci shot a filthy look at her again, and stuck a finger up at her.
Needless to say it definitely wasn't her index finger.
Sophie merely grinned, used to her friend being less than sociable first thing in morning. Particularly at around seven o' clock. 'You need caffeine?' Becci groaned and managed to croak: 'Please. Very much so,' before collapsing into a chair adjacent to the kitchen table. Sophie bustled around, making coffee and swearing as the kettle leaked hot water on her hand: 'Ow! Fuck! Shit! Dammit!' and running to the sink to treat the burn with cold water while exclaiming: 'Damn it, you need to get a new kettle in a major way!'
Becci however ignored her friend's early morning babble and started thinking about a certain someone that she used to know. She hardly ever saw him. He was too busy now. But she was still head over heels in love with him, getting more so by the day.
Becci looked around the concert hall and grinned, watching the other bands practice. It was time for the annual Battle of the Bands at Robannas Studios, and she had every confidence that her band, Dystopia, would make it through. Running a hand through her shoulder length black hair, she scanned the crowd with a competitor's eye, sizing up those who would be up against her. At age sixteen, she was gothic, smart and immensely cheerful in most circumstances. The pressure however was starting to get to her as the long wait was almost at an end.
She returned to the band, who were all in alternating states of nervousness and confidence. Craig, the band's bass guitarist, was idly strumming a familiar tune as he checked that the sound arrangements were all made. Jay Chand, their drummer, was pacing up and down, nervous to the point of hysteria. Sophie was leaning against the synthesisers while she checked that the second guitar was all in working order for the performance, hiding any nervousness she felt as she hummed a tune under her breath. Leigh reached over and picked up her own guitar, and began to tune it carefully.
Her guitar had been a gift from her parents for her fourteenth birthday, which was when she had showed a decided talent for creating music. It was covered in customised patches and stickers now, and she had dubbed it affectionately: 'Green One', ever since a pissed night with Sophie and her other friends had led to everyone naming their instruments. Now, it was her time to use Green to her advantage.
Sophie stood up and said, clearing her throat: 'We're good to go, Jizfuck. Sound's all done. All we got to do now is wait.' Becci gulped inaudibly, this sign of nerves known only to herself, and simultanously smiled and glared at Sophie as she replied: 'Ta Princess Upchuck' This earned her a dirty look from Sophie, who still hadn't forgotten the events that had led to her being nicknamed that. They involved a lot of vodka and puking over Craig at the end of the night, whom she had dubbed 'Cregory'. Becci checked that she was ready, pulling her ebony locks off her face and flicking them back over her shoulder as she straightened her deep purple cord trousers, which had been in danger of falling off since they were so baggy. Becci shoved a leather belt through the loops on her trousers with chains hanging off it, having no wish to humiliate herself in front of the crowd when they were onstage.
She shot a grin at Sophie, who grinned back as she pulled her own dark brown hair into a messy ponytail, and gave her black trousers a tug as she sleeked her emerald green top down her stomach, smoothing the creases in the material. In total contrast to their usual jeans and t-shirt combos, the band had actually made an effort for a change. They all looked good, even the boys (!) whose idea of dressing up was usually the least ripped pair of jeans they could lay their hands on. The girls looked at one another briefly, before exchanging a grin and turning to the two lads and saying: 'Cregory, JJ, we're up in a minute. Get ready and for God's sake don't fuck this up!!!' The only acknowledegement that the lads gave were a pair of irritating smirks and a nod.
They made their way onto the stage, and Becci strummed the guitar quickly as they led into the first cover song that they had chosen, 'Nice Guys Finish Last' by Green Day, which they had adapted slightly to suit a female vocalist since neither one of the boys could sing worth a damn. Becci sang clearly down the mike, her voice ringing true with every note. She grinned back at Sophie who was backing up on rhythm and vocals as usual. The audience were totally pumped and screaming for more as they threw themselves into the act. As they came offstage, sweating from their exposure to the bright lighting and breathless with screaming back at the crowds, Becci knew they had won. She just knew. They had given everything to the performance, and they had received more back. They had received recognition.
A dark figure lurking in the shadows suddenly leaned into the light, and said: 'That was damn great. I don't think I've ever heard that cover played so well before. I think that the band would be honoured.' Becci couldn't quite see the guy's face, but caught a flash of gorgeous green eyes and was stunned. The only coherant thought in her head at that moment was... wow. Those green eyes seemed awfully familiar, but she couldn't quite place why.
She became aware that she was staring, and shook herself out of it as she replied: 'Thanks. I don't think I caught your name...?' The stranger grinned, and finally stepped into full light so that his profile was visible. Black hair complimented pale skin, and against the whole thing those green eyes flashed, blazing with the manic energy that Becci had been familiar with, without even realising it. It was only...
'Billie Joe Armstrong. Pleased to meet you,' the not so strange stranger grinned as he extended a hand. Instead of gawping as she thought she would, Becci took it and smiled, replying flirtatiously: 'Pleasure's all mine I'm sure.' He eyed her cheekily before winking and saying: 'Oh, I doubt it. Things look pretty damn good from where I'm standing...' It was then that Becci realised with a blush that their hands were still twined together. Sophie was silently going into fits of laughter behind her, and Billie Joe smirked as he noticed her embarassment. This however just made Becci blush more deeply, as Billie's smirk was naturally as attractive as everything else about him.
Then a silence fell, until Billie cut into it and said: 'So, the other guys are around here somewhere. Our record company asked us to scout some new talent and so far you lot are the only ones who have any talent. The rest of them have sung like they have one of Tre's bottles of ketchup shoved up their arses.' Becci fought to control her laughter as she said, keeping a perfectly straight face: 'If you were looking for talent, why did you choose us? Just check out your ass in the mirror and you'll find it easily.' Billie Joe smirked and said: 'Tried that, my ass can't sing as well as you.' They looked at one another for a moment, and then burst out laughing, tears streaming down their faces as they descended rapidly into hilarity.
'Oh my God,' gasped Billie, clutching his side painfully. 'That was fuckin' great! I'm never going to be able to look in the mirror now without laughing!' Becci grinned at him and wiped her eyes, saying: 'One of my many talents.' Billie suddenly stopped laughing and leaned down to purr into her ear: 'I'll bet you have a few that I'd like to see...' Becci shivered and then, with an extreme wrench of willpower, walked away after whispering into his ear: 'I can't make any promises...' leaving him staring as she snaked her hips from side to side as she walked. She looked over her shoulder and gave him a teasing smile, and then disappeared from his sight without a trace. Was she ever there at all? he wondered, eyes staring at the spot where she had been moments before. He was intrigued by the enigmatic, sexy young woman, and he knew that there was just something about her that said: 'Catch me...if you can'. She was a challenge, and that was what he liked. If she wanted to play games, so be it.
Let the games begin.......
She stomped down the stairs, shot a dirty look in the direction of her friend Sophie, who was endeavouring not smirk at her friend's obvious bad mood. 'What the fuck happened to you? You look like a shit truck just ran over you and then reversed,' said Sophie; oh-so-delicate as usual. Becci shot a filthy look at her again, and stuck a finger up at her.
Needless to say it definitely wasn't her index finger.
Sophie merely grinned, used to her friend being less than sociable first thing in morning. Particularly at around seven o' clock. 'You need caffeine?' Becci groaned and managed to croak: 'Please. Very much so,' before collapsing into a chair adjacent to the kitchen table. Sophie bustled around, making coffee and swearing as the kettle leaked hot water on her hand: 'Ow! Fuck! Shit! Dammit!' and running to the sink to treat the burn with cold water while exclaiming: 'Damn it, you need to get a new kettle in a major way!'
Becci however ignored her friend's early morning babble and started thinking about a certain someone that she used to know. She hardly ever saw him. He was too busy now. But she was still head over heels in love with him, getting more so by the day.
Becci looked around the concert hall and grinned, watching the other bands practice. It was time for the annual Battle of the Bands at Robannas Studios, and she had every confidence that her band, Dystopia, would make it through. Running a hand through her shoulder length black hair, she scanned the crowd with a competitor's eye, sizing up those who would be up against her. At age sixteen, she was gothic, smart and immensely cheerful in most circumstances. The pressure however was starting to get to her as the long wait was almost at an end.
She returned to the band, who were all in alternating states of nervousness and confidence. Craig, the band's bass guitarist, was idly strumming a familiar tune as he checked that the sound arrangements were all made. Jay Chand, their drummer, was pacing up and down, nervous to the point of hysteria. Sophie was leaning against the synthesisers while she checked that the second guitar was all in working order for the performance, hiding any nervousness she felt as she hummed a tune under her breath. Leigh reached over and picked up her own guitar, and began to tune it carefully.
Her guitar had been a gift from her parents for her fourteenth birthday, which was when she had showed a decided talent for creating music. It was covered in customised patches and stickers now, and she had dubbed it affectionately: 'Green One', ever since a pissed night with Sophie and her other friends had led to everyone naming their instruments. Now, it was her time to use Green to her advantage.
Sophie stood up and said, clearing her throat: 'We're good to go, Jizfuck. Sound's all done. All we got to do now is wait.' Becci gulped inaudibly, this sign of nerves known only to herself, and simultanously smiled and glared at Sophie as she replied: 'Ta Princess Upchuck' This earned her a dirty look from Sophie, who still hadn't forgotten the events that had led to her being nicknamed that. They involved a lot of vodka and puking over Craig at the end of the night, whom she had dubbed 'Cregory'. Becci checked that she was ready, pulling her ebony locks off her face and flicking them back over her shoulder as she straightened her deep purple cord trousers, which had been in danger of falling off since they were so baggy. Becci shoved a leather belt through the loops on her trousers with chains hanging off it, having no wish to humiliate herself in front of the crowd when they were onstage.
She shot a grin at Sophie, who grinned back as she pulled her own dark brown hair into a messy ponytail, and gave her black trousers a tug as she sleeked her emerald green top down her stomach, smoothing the creases in the material. In total contrast to their usual jeans and t-shirt combos, the band had actually made an effort for a change. They all looked good, even the boys (!) whose idea of dressing up was usually the least ripped pair of jeans they could lay their hands on. The girls looked at one another briefly, before exchanging a grin and turning to the two lads and saying: 'Cregory, JJ, we're up in a minute. Get ready and for God's sake don't fuck this up!!!' The only acknowledegement that the lads gave were a pair of irritating smirks and a nod.
They made their way onto the stage, and Becci strummed the guitar quickly as they led into the first cover song that they had chosen, 'Nice Guys Finish Last' by Green Day, which they had adapted slightly to suit a female vocalist since neither one of the boys could sing worth a damn. Becci sang clearly down the mike, her voice ringing true with every note. She grinned back at Sophie who was backing up on rhythm and vocals as usual. The audience were totally pumped and screaming for more as they threw themselves into the act. As they came offstage, sweating from their exposure to the bright lighting and breathless with screaming back at the crowds, Becci knew they had won. She just knew. They had given everything to the performance, and they had received more back. They had received recognition.
A dark figure lurking in the shadows suddenly leaned into the light, and said: 'That was damn great. I don't think I've ever heard that cover played so well before. I think that the band would be honoured.' Becci couldn't quite see the guy's face, but caught a flash of gorgeous green eyes and was stunned. The only coherant thought in her head at that moment was... wow. Those green eyes seemed awfully familiar, but she couldn't quite place why.
She became aware that she was staring, and shook herself out of it as she replied: 'Thanks. I don't think I caught your name...?' The stranger grinned, and finally stepped into full light so that his profile was visible. Black hair complimented pale skin, and against the whole thing those green eyes flashed, blazing with the manic energy that Becci had been familiar with, without even realising it. It was only...
'Billie Joe Armstrong. Pleased to meet you,' the not so strange stranger grinned as he extended a hand. Instead of gawping as she thought she would, Becci took it and smiled, replying flirtatiously: 'Pleasure's all mine I'm sure.' He eyed her cheekily before winking and saying: 'Oh, I doubt it. Things look pretty damn good from where I'm standing...' It was then that Becci realised with a blush that their hands were still twined together. Sophie was silently going into fits of laughter behind her, and Billie Joe smirked as he noticed her embarassment. This however just made Becci blush more deeply, as Billie's smirk was naturally as attractive as everything else about him.
Then a silence fell, until Billie cut into it and said: 'So, the other guys are around here somewhere. Our record company asked us to scout some new talent and so far you lot are the only ones who have any talent. The rest of them have sung like they have one of Tre's bottles of ketchup shoved up their arses.' Becci fought to control her laughter as she said, keeping a perfectly straight face: 'If you were looking for talent, why did you choose us? Just check out your ass in the mirror and you'll find it easily.' Billie Joe smirked and said: 'Tried that, my ass can't sing as well as you.' They looked at one another for a moment, and then burst out laughing, tears streaming down their faces as they descended rapidly into hilarity.
'Oh my God,' gasped Billie, clutching his side painfully. 'That was fuckin' great! I'm never going to be able to look in the mirror now without laughing!' Becci grinned at him and wiped her eyes, saying: 'One of my many talents.' Billie suddenly stopped laughing and leaned down to purr into her ear: 'I'll bet you have a few that I'd like to see...' Becci shivered and then, with an extreme wrench of willpower, walked away after whispering into his ear: 'I can't make any promises...' leaving him staring as she snaked her hips from side to side as she walked. She looked over her shoulder and gave him a teasing smile, and then disappeared from his sight without a trace. Was she ever there at all? he wondered, eyes staring at the spot where she had been moments before. He was intrigued by the enigmatic, sexy young woman, and he knew that there was just something about her that said: 'Catch me...if you can'. She was a challenge, and that was what he liked. If she wanted to play games, so be it.
Let the games begin.......
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