Chapter Text
May - 1995
Your boss, Angela, pulled you aside. “You know your shift ended 15 minutes
ago right?”. Angela was like a second mom to you, always being there when things got loud at your house. “Yeah! I was just making the boys a snack before I go to practice”. You said with a large smile, wiping down the counter before grabbing the tray of drinks and food you prepared.
Angela tried to be supportive of Y/n and their aspirations to be in a popular
rock band, but as much as she loved their music and thought highly of it, she was always worried it wouldn't take off. “Angela you have the face again, stop looking at me like that”.
You knew your dreams of performing for people who loved your music was
in reach, but you also knew how much Angela worried about you. “We have a gig at a small club next weekend if you want to stop by? I know how much you like to support us even though you try so hard to act like you hate it”, You said while taking off your apron and nametag. “I’d love to, tell me about it tomorrow, okay? And tell Reggie I said hi!” Angela yelled as you walked out the door, food and drinks in hand.
The walk to Bobby’s house was agonizing, especially since it was the
afternoon. you don’t do great with crowds, which seems insane since you’re Sunset Curves co-lead singer and pianist, but on stage is VERY different. On stage you only allow people to see the performer Y/n, not the everyday-I just got off work and haven't showered in two days-Y/n.
If you can’t tell, you're very big on privacy with your fans. But the walk
to Bobby’s would've been a whole 20 minutes longer if you didn't take the shortcut through the shopping center. So you took a deep breath and glued your eyes to the ground as you sped-walked through the crowds.
When you arrived at the makeshift studio, none of the boys even took notice until you spoke up
“Alright someone take these damn bags out of my hands before I drop all your food on the floor”.
Luke's head perked up from out of his songbook, his face lighting up before
standing and helping you dish out the food to the rest of the band. “Oh Reggie, Angela said hi” you said quickly before sitting down on the couch with your portion. “What?? She didn't say hi to me? The STAR of Sunset Curve?” Luke said with a mouth full of food. “Well sorry but I am obviously the most likable one here” Reggie chuckled while looking over at you, his sibling, to thank you for making them all food.
“Luke if anything you are the most insufferable one here” Alex choked
out, nearly coughing due to the food still lodged in his mouth. “Wha- nope no nono so not true!” Luke said sprastically. “I meeeaaannn…” you said while looking over at Alex, laughing to yourself. Luke put his arm around you, squeezing you into a side hug “Lies, you all love me!” You laugh and shove Luke's arm off you.
Having finished your food, you stood up and grabbed your songbook out
of your bag, opting to sit at your seat in front of the electric keyboard. Flipping to a page that you wrote during school, ignoring your actual lesson like usual, you played the keys with the cords you thought would work best with the lyrics and overall vibe of the song, humming the words as you rewrote certain parts.
Luke walked up and stood behind you, “Y/n when did you write this? It
sounds great”. You looked over your shoulder before absentmindedly playing a few keys, “During Mr. Orlanzo’s class, you know I can't stand history lessons”. Luke grabbed the songbook and read through the lines, “Wanna work on it together? We finished most of the prep for next weekend's gig while you were at work”.
You moved your chair over and let Luke pull up his own, your arms touching
as you played. He helped with making the lyrics flow easier and having the overall theme stay on track. By the end of the night you both had a finished song. “I am EXHAUSTED.” you said while yawning, arching your back to stretch. “Same, but hey we made a killer song together! Just one more thing i want to add though” He grabbed the songbook again before writing “By Y/n and Luke” in his messy writing.
You looked up at him before reading what he wrote, jokingly rolling your
eyes before standing up and replacing your book back in its spot. Reggie was already passed out on the floor, Alex having left to eat dinner with his family, and Bobby retreating back in the house to sleep. Reggie was your ride home and you knew damn well that your brother slept like a rock. “Shit- alright I guess I'm crashing here tonight”. You said before grabbing your spare clothes that you kept at the studio, this being a common occurrence.
“I can crash too if you want? In case you want company” Luke jumped out
of his chair and sat on the couch. “Yeah I'd like that, we can watch a movie or something”. You spoke, grateful it was a Friday so you could sleep in.
– Time Skip To Morning –
You woke up on the couch in the studio, suddenly remembering how you
opted out of walking home. You went to sit up before a weight prevented you from doing so. You rubbed your eyes before noticing that you were snuggled up against Luke’s chest with his arm slung around your shoulder.
You felt your face heat up slightly, wondering how you got in this
predicament. “Mornin’” Luke’s raspy voice whispered in your ear. “Morning” You looked up at him, then back at his arm around you, then back up at him.
He noticed this too and sat up suddenly, muttering a string of apologies
“I am so sorry I didn't mean to- I just- I get all clingy in my sleep I didn't-” he went on and on for what felt like ages before you spoke up “Luke. Chill. It's fine.” A smile was plastered on your face. You stood up and shook Reggie awake, getting a small slap on the arm from him, before begrudgingly standing up and collecting his things.
Just as you and Reggie are about to leave, you pull Luke outside. “Thanks
for staying with me, you know you didn't have to do that” Luke shrugged and smiled “yeah, but you know I would do anything for you”. You thanked him once more before hopping into Reggie's car and being pulled out of the driveway back to your home, if you could even call it that.
July – 1955
– Two Weeks Before The Orpheum –
You were at the diner serving customers when the boys walked in with
ecstatic smiles on their faces. You quickly finished talking to your current table and ran up to greet them. “Hey guys! Want your favorite booth? It's clear right now”. They preferred a booth near the back next to a large window, you don't know why it's their favorite, but you don't question it.
You come back in a few minutes, telling Angela that you're taking a break because the band is here. She, bless her soul, covers your other tables while you talk with your friends.
“So what brings you guys here? Normally we only meet up here before
practice” You had a puzzled expression on, confused on why the guys popped in so unannounced. “Well… that’s because we actually have MAJOR band news.” Reggie speaks impossibly fast, having to remind himself to breathe between sentences.
“Ok so remember how we played that gig at that club? The one with
the manager who knew someone that worked at The Orpheum?” Bobby spoke up this time, being one of the only members who could properly relay information.
“Uh.. yeah? What about it? Wait, waitwaitwait- if you guys are about to say what I think you're about to say” Your eyes lit up while you waited for an answer.
“We’re playing The Orpheum, baby!” Luke hopped in his seat, smiling as
wide as ever. “Youre kidding. I - I don't believe you guys what the hell! Are you serious?!” your smile grew wider as you spoke. “Not joking, totally 100% serious”
Alex lightly punches your shoulder as you pull him into a hug. “We’re playing
The Orpheum… oh my god guys we’re playing The Orpheum!” you jumped up and pulled all the members into a big group hug, all full of giggles and excitement.
When the boys left, you still had a few hours left of your shift. You had
a huge smile glued to your face the whole rest of the day. Before you took off your apron, Angela places a hand on your shoulder. “Congrats Y/n. you guys deserve it.”
– Two Weeks Later –
You were barely able to sleep that night out of excitement. You’re playing
The Orpheum today, your nerves of anxiety and excitement both overpowered your will to sleep. The band decided to eat breakfast at the diner that morning to fuel up before practicing.
You ran into Reggie's room, loud as ever, to wake him up. “REGGIE GET UP
WE’RE PLAYING THE ORPHEUM TODAY!!” you literally jumped on his sleeping figure and shook him awake. After the initial shock of being literally shaken awake, he yelled back “WERE PLAYING THE ORPHEUM TODAY!”
You and Reggie drove to the diner to meet up with the other boys. You
were noticeably buzzing with a whole plethora of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, worry, hope. They all raced through your mind as you tried to just breathe.
Reggie pulled into the diner and you both hopped out of the car… literally.
You linked arms and skipped into the diner, giggling like children. You and Reggie entered the diner laughing when Luke saw you and lit up.
He ran out of his seat and crashed both of you into a giant hug. “We’re playing
The Orpheum tonight guys!!” Luke practically yelled while jumping and laughing with the other two members.
You all went back to the booth and talked while stalling for Bobby and Alex to
make their appearances. After about 10 minutes Alex showed up, joining in on the excitement. Bobby, however, didn't show up after another 20 minutes of waiting.
You asked Angela to use the landline and call his house, but no one
answered. You shrugged it off and walked back to the booth. “Did he pick up?” Alex’s leg was bouncing up and down, riddled with anxiety. “No, i'm a little worried honestly” You said with your head pointed down, looking at the table.
“I'm sure he's fine!, probably got some Big Boy Bobby stuff to do'' Luke
chimed in, bringing the mood back up. Angela approached the table with their normal drink orders in hand. “So how's the band doing? Still treating you well Y/n?” she spoke with her heavily southern accent, which is very out of place in LA.
“They always have Angie.” You said while flicking Luke's arm as he tried
to tease you. “Well I'm glad. Food on the house today gang, gotta fuel you up for your big show tonight!” She pulled Alex into a side hug, him being on the edge of the booth
While food was being served to you all, Bobby walked in the diner, looking
well, horrible to say the least. Everyone went silent as he sat down, pushing you and Luke to the side to make room. “So uh… where the hell have you been dude?” Reggie stared at him like he was a lost kid. “Long story, my girlfriend found out about the other girl I was talking to, and it was a whole thing” He deeply sighed before resting his head on the back of the booth.
“I'm sorry you were talking to another girl WHILE dating your girlfriend?”.
You sounded harsher then you meant it, but you knew that wasn't a cool thing to do. “It's not like we did anything! I only flirted with her and maybe made out once or twice, its not like we had sex or anything”
You scoffed before speaking again “No fucking wonder you cant keep a girl for
more than a month”. Out of all the boys in your group, Bobby was the one you were least close with. There were times when he was a great friend, but then there's times like this where he lets his ego infatuate every part of him.
You turned and stared out the window while you let the boys catch up on
their “boy talk” as they call it. That really just means normal conversations about their days and crushes and home life. “Luke, come on, you're the most popular out of all of us! You've gotta have it for some chick” Reggie slapped his arm and Luke scoffed
“No seriously! I just don't have time to date, I'm too focused on our music!
Hell I'm still amazed we are even playing The Orpheum at all”. For some odd reason, you found yourself listening into their talks of crushes, Reggie and the girl on the cheer squad, Alex and his chem partner, Bobby and his well, now ex girlfriend.
Luke was the only one who was never into anyone, or at least didn't show it. Maybe he had a secret romance that no one knew about. Like some girl from a foreign country who traveled to America.
“Y/n….Y/N” Luke suddenly snapped his fingers in front of your face, bringing you back
to reality. “What?” You honestly were a little annoyed that he interrupted your imaginary story-telling, but allowed him to go on.
“Who’s your crush? I mean we all said ours it’s only fair”. You hesitated in
your head, you didn't think you liked anyone right now. You let your mind wander as you thought about the different boys you've had short flings with. “I guess Jackson from my math class.. I don't think I'd date him but he's really nice”
You literally made that up. Yes there's a kid you sit next to named Jackson,
but you two have never spoken a word to each other. Alex knew that you were pulling that out of your ass, since he shared that class with you, but didn’t comment on it.
Luke looked shocked for a second before saying “I bet he can't play the
guitar or write killer lyrics” trying to sound smug. “Are you trying to impress me, Patterson?” You giggled as he sat up straighter, cleared his throat, and started speaking in the absolute worst British accent in the world. “Oh why of course my dear Y/n, who wouldn't want to impress a gorgeous soul like you?”
You all laughed at this, minus Reggie, he was side eyeing Luke. It looked like he was trying to read Luke like a book, you did your best to act like you didn't notice.
Throughout the rest of the day, you and the band practiced the songs that
were on your set list for tonight. Your mind was absolutely racing as you road in the passenger's seat of Reggie's truck to the gig that would change your life.
“This…this is insane” You said as you walked around in amazement at the
empty venue while the guys got all their equipment set up. Luke hopped down from the stage and stood next to you “I know right? We're gonna become legends!”
Luke hopped back on the stage and held out your hand to help you up.
You gladly accepted and let him pull you up. Once on stage you stood on your designated “X” on the floor, where a mic and stand was already there.
Luke starts the first riff of your demo song, Now or Never, as Alex clashes
his sticks against each other “One, two, three, four” you and Luke switch between each verse during this song, allowing you both to shine separately
“Take off, last stop. Count down till we blast open the top”
You jumped with Reggie while you waited for your count to join in
“Face first, full charge. Electric hammer to the heart.”
You moved to your mic as the pre-chorus starts
“Clocks move faster, cause it's all were after now, oh”
Luke looks over and beckons you to move closer to him
“Won't stop climbing cause, this is our time yeah!”
You closed your eyes as you sang into his mic, jumping to the beat of the song.
“When all the days felt black and white those were the best shades of my life”
You’d never admit that you would like one of Luke's songs more than your own,
but god did this song hype you up. It's just the adrenaline boost to get you pumped up and make your nerves subside
“Don't look down, cause were still rising up right now”
“And even if we hit the ground, we’ll still fly”
“Keep dreaming like we’ll live forever, but livin’ like it's now or never!”
Alex took up his solo line while still killing it on his drums as Reggie backed him up with amazing vocals
“We aint searching for tomorrow (tomorrow) cause we got all we need today (today!)”
Next was a solo verse for you and Reggie, which you requested to sing a few days prior
“Living on a feeling that's been running through our veins”
“We’re the revolution that's been singing in the rain!”
The beat cut as the boys stopped playing their instruments to clap, singing part acapella
“Don't look down, cause were still rising up right now”
A fog cannon went off, you jumped a little without realizing it. Luke looked over and smirked at you, you stuck your tongue out playfully before moving to sing with him once more.
“And even if we hit the ground, we’ll still fly”
“Keep dreaming like we’ll live forever, but livin’ like it's now or never!”
“It's now or never! (now or never)”
You all bowed at the empty venue, some employees complimenting your
sound check. A pretty girl who looks to be in her early 20’s wiping down tables yells “Woooo!! Yeah!”. Reggie replies through his mic “Thank you, we’re Sunset Curve” delivering the line with a wink in her direction.
“Too bad we wasted the tightest we’ve played on a sound check” Bobby
exclaims before setting down his guitar. Luke turns and gestures to the open venue “Wait until tonight, man, when this place gets packed with record execs.” To be honest the thought of having important people stare at you while singing made your anxiety spike, but hey, if you can play for a million normal average people, why can't you play for a few managers?
“Alex you were smokin’” Reggie walks up behind Alex and places a
hand on his shoulder. Alex shrugs off his hand “Oh no. I was just warming up. You guys were the ones on fire”. You pat him on the back before you nudged him with your elbow “Could you just own your awesomeness for once?”
Alex finally compliments himself by saying “Alright, I was killing it”. Luke
pipes into the conversation by slinging an arm over yours and Alex’s shoulder “Ok, well, I'm thinking we fuel up before the show. I'm thinking street dogs.” You loved street dogs, but something about them always made you feel.. different in a way
Alex and Reggie both agree and as they start to walk off stage, Bobby walks
away from the group. “Hey, Bobby, where you going?” Luke half-yells at him. Bobby walks up to the girl wiping the tables earlier “I’m good. Vegetarian, could never hurt an animal.”
“You guys are really good” She said as you all caught up with Bobby.
Luke smiles and thanks her. “I see a lot of bands. Been in a couple myself. I was really feeling it.” She further praised the band. “That's what we do this for. I'm Luke, by the way”
“Hi, I'm Reggie”
“I'm Y/n! Reggie's sibling”
“Alex”
“Bobby.”
“Nice meeting you guys. I'm Rose” Reggie hands her a CD and a t-shirt with our logo on it. “Oh,
uh… here's our demo. And a t-shirt. Size beautiful” you jabbed your elbow in his ribs for that comment.
Rose puts the shirt up against her chest before throwing it over her
shoulder. “Thanks.. I’ll make sure not to wipe the tables down with this one.” You bounced on the heels of your feet before saying “Oh, Good call. Whenever they get wet, they just kinda fall apart in your hands” rewarding a smirk from Luke as he rolled his eyes.
“Don't you guys have to go get hot dogs?” Bobby said, clearly annoyed. You said to Rose before walking out with the other guys “Yeah, he had a hamburger for lunch”.
As You, Luke, Reggie, and Alex walked out The Orpheum, Luke slung his
arms over yours and Reggie's shoulder. “That's what I'm talking about!” Luke practically sang while walking with way too much energy for someone who just performed a whole song. “The smell of Sunset Boulevard?” Alex replied, earning a laugh from you.
“No, that's what that girl said in there tonight. About our music, all right?
It's like an energy. It connects us with people. They can feel us when we play. I want that connection with everybody” Luke released you and Reggie as he went to kick a puddle of water. “I didn’t know we were getting sentimental today” you said as you walked faster to catch up.
Reggie laughs, “then we're gonna need more T-shirts” Luke grabs your wrist
and speeds up again, “Lets go guys”. Reggie stops at the line of teens waiting to get into The Orpheum, he hands them both band shirts before running off with the other 3 of you.
“Man, I can't wait until we eat someplace where the condiments aren’t
served out the back of an Oldsmobile” Alex says while placing pickles on his street dog. “Hey.. sorry I got some pickle juice on your battery cables” he says to the vender
“No problem! It’ll help with the rust” The man chuckles as Alex turns away “That cant… ok… what?”
You all sit on a nearby couch, you on the arm as the 3 boys are huddled
together, “This is awesome you guys… we’re playing The Orpheum! I can't even count how many bands have played here and then ended up being huge” you laughed a little, Luke looked at you before continuing. “We're gonna be legends. Eat up, cause after tonight, everything changes.”
You all took large bites of your street dogs, you noticed a weird flavor that tasted like a gross acid, you could tell Alex noticed it too, you shared looks of concern before saying “That's a new flavor..”.
Reggie looked up at you and Alex “chill guys! Street dogs haven't killed us yet!”.
Next thing you knew you all flew out of the back of an ambulance before
landing in a really weird dark room, there didn't appear to be walls or windows or anything. It felt suffocating. You immediately started breathing faster and moved down to your knees. “What- where- where are we?!” Reggie said as he knelt down beside you, trying his best to help
“I-I think we died'' Luke's usual charm and energy was gone, replaced by
a look of emptiness. You felt tears start to form in your eyes, Alex opened his arms and you jumped into them, feeling you both heave and cry at the circumstances. Your sobs finally calmed down to light sniffles as you had Alex rubbing small circles on your back
Luke stood there awkwardly, not knowing how to help either of you, and
Reggie just looked concerned for his sibling. Out of nowhere they heard the faint opening riff of their demo. They all looked between each other for a sign of- well anything.
Then they were wooshed away, you couldn't see any of the guys and you
felt yourself start to panic again. Not only were you alone in a weird afterlife but now you were being whipped around in a weird light tunnel, you screamed before falling on the floor on top of the boys.