Actions

Work Header

Rating:
Archive Warning:
Category:
Fandom:
Character:
Additional Tags:
Language:
English
Stats:
Published:
2025-05-29
Words:
584
Chapters:
1/1
Kudos:
15
Bookmarks:
1
Hits:
71

Before Opening Hours

Summary:

Just a short Billy Bob-focused fluff piece about him arriving at Billy Bob's Wonderland before opening hours

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Work Text:

Lumbering towards the entrance with the lazy, carefree attitude one had come to expect of the dumb, laid-back bear, Billy Bob pushed open the glass doors that led to the very restaurant that was named after him. Immediately, the mixed scent of cheese from the kitchen and metallic mechanisms from the arcade enveloped him, a scent he had come to associate with home.

Of course, he had his trusty guitar with him, he rarely went anywhere without it. He can still remember those days when he still lived in the forest like any ol' grizzly bear, how he had discovered his love for music after whittling the instrument out of a tree he had came across. It was then that his wish to share his passion with others has began to bud.

The hum and buzz of the arcade machines ringed around him, a sound that Billy Bob had long since gotten used to, he's been hearing it since the Showbiz days. A twinge of sadness strikes him as he thinks of those easier times, but he quickly shakes it off, doesn't want to ruin the already lovely day he was having, and it's hardly started!

As he does everyday, Billy Bob makes his way towards to back area of the building, where he knew the showroom, and more importantly, the stage, would be waiting. He could already hear the chatter and bustle of his fellow bandmates as they prepared, having shown up long before he did. His place was on stage left, with his best friend Looney Bird and the Smitty's Super Service Station decor.

Billy Bob pulled himself onto the stage, Looney Bird's feathered head popping out of his oil drum to squawk a greeting before disappearing into it again. It seems like his buddy was already indulging in the Goofy Gas, his beak soaked in the dark, oily liquid and his green eyes unfocused. Billy Bob smiles, it's about as routine as you could get with the pair.

Over on the two stages to the right, the rest of The Rock Afire Explosion was preparing, talking amongst each other in excitement of their daily performances. Rolfe and Earl were already squabbling as the wolf struggled to keep his cymbal upright, Earl taunting him with unhelpful insults about his stupidity, to which, Rolfe would snap back with an attack of his own.

Center stage was much more peaceful, Fatz and Mitzi invested in a friendly conversation as the gorilla set up his Tune Machine, the colorful lights that adorned the instrument flickering on in a beautiful display. Beach Bear was sitting between them, rocking back and forth on his surfboard, periodically piping up to add his own two cents to the discussion. His sharp, lengthy black claws carefully plucked at the strings of his guitar as he tuned it. And finally, Dook, who was almost hidden from Billy Bob's view due to Fatz' great size, wrestled with his drum set, the cymbals crashing and the drums booming against each other as he grappled to keep the hefty instrument in place. Billy Bob watches Dook with sympathy, making a mental note to assist the dog after he's done with his own instrument.

Billy Bob picked at the thin, fragile strings as he tunes his guitar, the lingering ring of each note another familiar sound, one that always brings him comfort. He's content here, safe, happy. He's with his friends, his family even, the ones who matter. And that was all he needed, really.

Notes:

This can be considered a feel-good sequel to my previous rock afire fic but can also be read as a stand-alone thing