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It was a quiet day in Megadale, the layer was quiet, Mega Monkey was out on interdimensional business as the flat screen buzzed in front of the extra long sofa. Mega Monkey sometimes called missions and what not for weeks at a time, so naturally his layer functioned almost as a dorm house, and though today was not one of those days, some opted to just relax in the lavish lair. Mega Monkey did not really care as long as it was as spotless as he left it when he returned, so basically it was like having a hangout spot with your coworkers, as fun as that could be.
You slouched deeply in the firm, velvety couch watching whatever reality show garbage M ocktopus decided to keep on the screen. If this couch wasn’t as long as a small living room he wouldn’t even be able to fit on it, he doesn't even fit on it now but he still insists on being on the couch. And for whatever reason seized the remote from Senor Yo-Yo’s hand, even though he had no idea what he wanted to put on. Much to Yo-Yo’s anger but when he bickered back all he got back was a response in that stupid mocking tone, it angered him more than he wanted to admit. Senor Yo-Yo exhaled in anger and sat on the other side of the sofa in protest as Mocktopus on your other side shot back snarky self affirming remarks as he struggled to use his tentacles on the remote.
Why did you have to be in the middle of this, all you wanted to do was enjoy your day and stay in, is that too much to ask for? Well probably because you became a villain for fun, but still, everyone deserves some peace and quiet. Their bickering was annoying, you were considering just getting off the couch and going back to your room, when he walked in.
Monty strutted into the room sporting a relaxed smile, he always hid his eyes behind a pair of shades, he had a habit of switching them, every now and then, today’s pair were rounded with no frames and purple tinting that matched his wrapper. He never went anywhere without at least one gold or diamond chain, he wore his Cuban links, one in pure gold, another also gold but encrusted with small diamonds and one that sparkled like it was made of diamonds itself. Of course his wrists and hands had to match, tasteful amounts of gold and shimmering diamonds decorated his arms from his watch to his pinky rings. He wore purple and black high tops and they shone just as bright with added golden toe caps.
Candy Rapper tucked his car keys into his pocket, and you could tell he spotted you immediately on the couch, but his gaze was distracted by all of the bickering. You smiled back at him politely, but only as polite as you could be downwind from fishbreath.
“Yo, how’s it hanging, what’s with all the complainin’?” He rapped casually towards the trio on the sofa, making his way over.
Senior Yo-Yo spoke first, “Aye, pescar cerebro thinks he can rule the remote over my telenovela.”
“PeScEr SeR bRo ThInKs He CaN rULe ThE rEmOtE oVeR mY tEleNoViLiE-ugh why don’t you give it up circus act, no one wants to see some guy with a stiff pompadour and poorly groomed chest hair in a button up dramatically fight for a girl for the 7th week in a row.” The sea beast dramatically shot back, continuing to flick the channels.
You exhaled, tired of this nonsense when Candy Rapper relaxed onto the back of the sofa next to you.
“Hey girl, why don’t we get out of here and ditch these squares, maybe catch a breath and get some fresh air.” He spoke rhythmically next to your ear.
You smiled, it was refreshing to hear his melodic voice, he flashed his golden smile with a soft chuckle.
You took his hand and he helped you over the couch, you left the pair to their endless arguing. You both walked side by side into the employee parking, He drove a modded Ferrari, it had custom gold plates and windows with tint dark enough to hide midnight. That car was his prized possession, you wouldn’t be surprised if he loved it more than you. He walked you to the passenger door and gently ushered you in before getting in himself.
You wondered where he was bringing you this time, last time he brought you to a massive bonfire party in the woods, the only light was the massive fire and the music was loud enough to shake the trees, all sorts of candy people danced in groups with drinks from who knows where. It was the most insane thing you ever witnessed, you don’t think you’ll ever go to a crazier party, it was pitch black in broad daylight. He would have to try hard to top that.
He pulled out into the backroads behind the layer, revving the engine to a gentle purr. Monty always kept up his rapping schick around the others but when you were alone he usually dropped it. You spoke up and asked him where he was taking you.
“just a place.” He said slyly with his ever present grin, he was keeping secrets.
You pouted, But Monty-
“Ah,ah,ah-I can’t tell you that it’ll throw off the surprise, you’re gonna love it, you know how you told me you love parties? Well just keep that in mind sweet chocolate.” He laughed, never dropping his cool guy persona.
You blushed, his pet names always got you, seeing him now didn’t help. He drove with one hand on the wheel as the sun’s light dazzled off him, it was almost ethereal his very form reflected glittery beams everywhere. He never dropped his shades but now you realize, they’re probably to reflect all his ice but just so happen to have the effect of making him even cooler.
Fetty Wap played through the warm air of the car ride, you coddled his spare bedazzled hand as he rubbed your hands with his thumb. He’d been driving for at least 10 minutes now but you’re not sure you’ve ever seen this part of town. It looked like some sort of a down town out of a movie, inviting buildings with bright signs even in the daylight. He drove past all sorts of buildings, but one building in particular caught your eye.
A large darkly painted building with neon decorations that pulsed like strobe lights, all you could see was the front of the building but the line for the door looked like it stretched around the building. A formidable looking two pack of chocolate peanut butter cups stood at the door in all black, burly and clearly not up for any nonsense. You watched as a candy lollipop person pleaded at the door only for the bouncer to point him off as the lollipop walked away in dismay.
Monty slowed down in front of the building, the car came to a slow glide as he turned it around the corner and into the place’s back parking lot and jumped out before walking around to open your door and guide you out.
Wow, Monty, where is this? You spoke while taking in the place, the parking lot was full, all sorts of candy people stood around chatting and laughing around before getting into cars.
“Oh just a place I like to come and relax around, I'm well known around here, I've got a crowd to keep happy and thought you should get to enjoy the benefits.” He spoke with a loose grin. You were going to ask what he meant by that but before you could answer a pack of candy corn ran over to Monty.
“Good timing Eddie, you know where to park it, drive it around the back of the lot and don’t mark it.” Monty spoke suavely, passing his car keys and a $20 to the valet, who responded with warm remarks before jogging off to Monty’s car.
Monty took your arm as he walked you up to a guarded door in front of the parking lot.
This looks like an employee entrance, we don’t have to go through the bouncer in the front?
He chuckled light heartedly, still walking you towards the door, your stomach churned a little at the towering forms of the candy people bogarting the door. The pair of bouncers looked stiff but their expressions shifted when you two got closer. The bouncers shifted out of the way without a word, even holding the door as you clung to your boyfriend’s arm.
“I told you I had pull around here buttercream, nobody's going to bother us, and if they do let me know and I'll show them these gold knuckles do more than just shine.” Monty cooed, nuzzling your forehead.
Your face was warm, you leaned into his side as he walked you down a neon lit hall with bright trim and other flashy looking humanoids conversing along the walls. The hall led into what looked like a backstage, this part of the place was lit like a normal building with only pops of neon here and there in what otherwise looked like a well put together staff backroom. A few other individuals stood around in groups, some relaxing by a concessions table laughing, making small talk. There was a theme running between these people and Candy Rapper but you couldn’t name what it was, you were about to ask him what this was when probably one of the only other humans you would see tonight ran over upon seeing the both of you.
“Is that C dub? Coming to shake this place!?” A dark skinned man with a microphone and other equipment hooked to a belt hidden under his tall tee in a pair of aviators, Timbs, long shorts and a black windbreaker came joshing up to Monty with a friendly shout, moving surprisingly fast for a man trying not to crease his Timbs.
The man gave Monty a quick side hug he reciprocated with the arm you weren't holding.
“Ref my man, good to see you!” Monty spoke, you guessed this man was some sort of referee, for what still escaped you.
“You back again to mop the floor with today’s flavor of the week before you coast on your glory across the floor?” Ref gestured widely, he spoke loudly despite the fact he wasn’t speaking into his microphone.
“You know what Candy do, ain’t never been worried about eeny meeny miny moo or they crew.” Your gold-clad boyfriend spoke boisterously, Ref responded with loud repeated “oohs” as he turned around and pointed out a dark chocolate bar guy standing off in one of the groups.
“You heard that Crusade? You best be ready, Candy dub don’t sound like he inna good mood tonight!” The so-called Crusade guy called back, like his ego was on the line.
“ He best be ready, Crusade ain’t to be played with!” The other red wrapped and dark hooded chocolate bar barked back.
“You heard that dub!” Ref spoke into his mic, but it didn’t make the echo like it was on.
“The rookies are rowdy tonight, sounds like my kind of show, I love it when rookies talk like they've been in a studio.”
“Keeping it hot C Dub, see you out on the stage!” Ref did a high pitched laugh and started to jog off.
Your eyes were wide, the pieces put themselves together, were you on a production stage?
Monty laughed a little to himself as you turned to him. “This is that surprise I was telling you about, I'm rapping live tonight and of course I made sure my coco sugar had front row view.”
He swelled with pride, smug as if he’d already won you could practically see the fluffy clouds his head was in. Your expression didn’t drop, you were going to see him live? You only ever heard the songs he made for you played back through recordings, or sometimes through serenades when he’d shower you in lyrical praise, but you never thought you would see him on stage.
You were more than excited, you couldn’t help yourself, you could've shook with joy for him. You hugged him tight, in late night calls he confessed his dreams of making it to the big stage and hearing the crowd cry out his name and now he'd finally gotten it. He jumped in surprise when you nearly strangled him with your hug, he could barely move his arms to reciprocate. When you finally managed to make yourself let him go you couldn’t help yourself and grabbed him by the shoulders.
Monty I can’t believe it, I knew you were always going to be big, you’ve actually got a crowd to sing to! Your smile touched your eyes as your loving gaze reached below his sunglasses.
He was just as happy as you and you knew it but he still tried to act cool. “It’s nothing crazy sugar melt, the crowd here can’t get enough of me, they’ve been calling me back for encores weekly and I just wanted you to see. You know you're my always and forever and just because I'm seeing a little fame don’t mean a thing is gonna change.”
He spoke as he held your face, his voice was soft and his words were to you and you alone. Your hands felt up his arms to the hand on your face and you admired his eyes, the lighting above showed through the tint of his glasses but revealed his soul more than his eyes. The moment was forever and all you knew was that this was eternal. It lasted until you felt his arm start to twinge against your cheek.
His arm must be tired from all of the gold weighing it down, but his arm moving didn’t completely lose the moment for you.
When does the show start, Monty? You asked the enumeration lingering in your low infatuated tone.
“In about 15 minutes.” he stated loosely, still lost to you, not realizing the gravity of the situation. But hearing that threw you out of the mood.
15 minutes?? You almost shouted, Candy Rapper jumped, obviously startled.
Monty! you have a show in 15 minutes! You need to be somewhere practicing! I know you’re always rapping and you’ve never made a joke of yourself yet, but the one time you manage to get on a stage WILL NOT be the time you decide to twist your tongue!
You started to shove your boyfriend, nowhere specific but you hoped he would take the point and find somewhere to practice.
“Okay, Okay, I’ll go find somewhere to practice, calm down!” He spoke in protest of your shoving and started to guide himself hopefully to somewhere he could practice. He started to walk aways from you before you realised you would be alone on the stage.
Wait Candy where am I supposed to go? You shouted towards him.
“Just chill out here, I’ll come back before the show, worst come to worst I'll have security bring you to the front row!” He responded walking backwards to a backhall branching off of the area. Monty waved goodbye as he turned to go down the hall.
Well, it looks like you’ve had yourself stranded, well it can’t be too bad it’s a closed space with security, it’s not like you’ll get kidnapped or something. You looked over the area, there were fewer candy people then before and it seemed more like they were practicing in break out groups and encouraging each other. None of them seemed to even notice your presence.
You were in with the talent right? Why not take advantage of that huge snack table you’ve been eyeing since you got in here? You made your way over to the tables, there were at least 3 of them pushed together with lots of treats and snacks you usually skip over because they’re too expensive at the grocery store. You grabbed a cup and got yourself some of the fruit juice from the dispenser as you browsed the various snacks. You drank the juice in giant gulps, you never knew you were thirsty until you drank this heavenly concoction, you immediately went for another cup. That one was gone just as fast as the first, but you didn’t want to look too greedy so you discreetly took another cup for the road and moved onto the dry stuff. You took a few baggies of snacks, and some of the full sized snacks they had out, but not enough to look greedy, you’re trying to be demure.
You took another, this time smaller, sip of your juice as you walked over to an open bench on one of the walls of the room. You opened one of the snack bags you had grabbed and started to nibble on one of the bite sized pieces, you washed it down with a more courteous sip of your juice. You were savoring the combination of the flavors when a shadow overtook you. You looked up still chewing and wide eyed as Cascade’s form peered down at you.
“Aye, you came in with that joke girl?” Cascade asked with his voice oddly lower and deeper than earlier. You didn’t respond.
“Cause I was just seeing, he brought you here and he ain’t put no diamonds on you, talk to me baby, I’ll have you in Dior” You reached your hand into your snacks popping more of them in your mouth, he kept talking.
“Come on dollface, you’re too pretty to be with a man who gets his chains outta gumball machines.” Cascade reached towards you, putting his hand on your shoulder, making himself more acquainted then you would ever give him permission for.
You reach for the offending hand but his grip tightens, not enough to hurt but just to be vaguely threatening as he moves his thumb lower onto your chest in his grasp.
You don’t want to drop your hand but he obviously is not going to let go and you know he's going to force you to take his number.
“Let me get that phone, I’ll put my digits in for when you ready to get serious.” He bounced his eyebrows as he said it, obviously not picking up on, or not caring about how bothered it made you.
You hesitated, you didn’t want this SoundCloud rapper to have your number, but what would he do if you didn’t? You could see his group from where he walked from sneaking glances, and it didn’t seem like too many other people were back here anymore.
You were never one for confrontation, you didn’t want to start a fight in some place you didn’t know the address of, and worse yet, what if this one conflict ruined Candy Rapper’s chance at a big show and got him blacklisted because you were his guest? There were too many parts in motion, your hesitation was only a few seconds but the thoughts felt like centuries, you reached for your pocket, maybe you’d just delete the number when you got home and say your signal went out if you ever saw him again.
Crusade’s grin was wide as he watched you hand over the phone, he reached out to take it as a hand violently snatched his side and tore him off you.
“Yo, you must do cocaine, where you thought you were, get up off her.” The rhyme sounded rushed like he still couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
“Keep your hands off me, that’s why your fingers green from them fake rings” Crusade spoke defensively almost like it was involuntary as he jumped back to get in Monty’s face instead of yours.
Monty sneered at the obviously wrong comment and he didn't even bother to keep up his rhyme. “Boy, this is 24 karat with custom cut gems melted polished with my name in them, not whatever party city you find your discount bin at.” Candy Wrapper spoke hand in full display in front of his face before using it to shove Crusade again.
Crusade tried to step back but Monty covered the ground, staying in his space, this time almost face to face. You watched, his fists were curled, if you ever saw a fight start this was how.
“Don’t you ever take your sorry ass in front of her again, if I even catch you talking to her like that again I will stomp the shit out of you, and you better not dent my toe caps either because if you do it’s coming outta your ass after I finish punching you in your shit with all my rings on. Matter of fact, after I whoop you on this stage you better leave the city, if I see your bitch ass again it’s on sight.” He spat into Crusade’s face, leaving him no room to speak.
Crusade looked angry; the pause in his speaking showed he didn’t have anything to come back with.
“...Yo fuck you, whatever man...” Crusade managed out before walking away, looking back after going back to his group as they walked away quickly from the backstage.
Candy Rapper turned to you, readjusting his expression before turning to a look of concern.
“Did he put his hands on you? What was he trying to do to you before I got out here?” He sounded worried and slightly disturbed.
I’m fine he just kept trying to put his hands on me, he wanted to ask me out I think but he started trying to keep me from leaving when I didn't answer him.
Monty’s face shifted between a range of expressions but ended with his brows tightened. “Well just tell me if he tries anything like that again, but I gotta get you to your spot. The show starts in less than 5 minutes.”
You agreed, as Monty took your hand, holding you tighter than usual, he walked you out of the wide room but outside of the door the theme of the place shifted completely back to the black and neon decoration, it looked like you were walking down a dark side hall, the only real lights were the neon trim on the walls. Monty walked you down the hall where the door bouncer from earlier stood at the bottom. They exchanged a few very rushed conformations between each other before Monty told you the bouncer would bring you to your spot. You barely had time for goodbyes before Monty ran back up the hall and the peanut butter cup took you out of the hall.
You stayed close as the bouncer walked you out past the back area of the stage. The floor of the room felt like you stepped into a whole new area. The place was expansive and filled with all sorts of people and metahumans, you couldn’t make out in the circling neon colored ceiling lights. You could see a neon lit sidebar far off to the side of the building as well as what looked like an arcade section or something separated off from the main area, but you couldn’t tell for sure, the room was dark aside from the colored lights that weren’t really the best if you wanted to see. Now outside, you could see the actual stage you were behind, it was huge with bright white lights along the edges and well hidden stage equipment. The stage had three levels, the first one was the highest with a black curtain and white overhead lights, the second tier had a covered table on it, you guessed some judges or whoever else would sit there. The last layer of the stage was the lowest but still a ways off the regular floor, it had a fence dotted with security a while off from the stage that the regular crowd started on the other side of. The bottom stage itself had a guard rail that ran along its edge, the bouncer walked you up the fenced-in side stairs and up onto the bottom stage into the long covered table that ran across it. The peanut butter cup walked you to your seat at the covered table and welcomed you to the snacks laid across the front of your table before walking off the stage.
You looked around taking it all in, you barely had time to adjust into your seat before the moving lights stopped, the room went dark, and the stage lights became more prominent. You spun your head back around as that Referee man from earlier rushed through the curtains and took the center stage.
“OOOHHHH, WHO READY FOR TONIGHT’S SHOWDOWN?” He shouted into his microphone as the crowd roared out in response.
“YOU KNOW THAT’S WHAT MAIN MAN REF LIKE TO HEAR, Y'ALL BETTER CHEER BECAUSE TONIGHT WE MANAGED TO GET Y'ALL WHO YOU’VE BEEN SCREAMING IN THE POLLS FOR-” the crowd whooped in delightment before he could finish the sentence he paused waited for them to settle.
“-WELCOME BACK TO THE STAGE, REPPING CHAINS SO BRIGHT WE HAD TO TURN DOWN THE STAGE LIGHTS, CANDYY RAPPERR!” the crowd burst, you couldn’t tell if how much was actually cheering and how much was just screaming.
Monty himself strolled out from the left side of the stage, smiled as bright as ever as the lights caught every glimmer in his grillz, his shades glinted as he took his stand towards the middle of the stage.
Ref called out to him as he stood on the stage. “Know you never out of style, Dub are those tinted shades to match yo custom jays?”
He held the mic towards C Dub as he did a sly laugh. “You know I can’t be out on stage not matching, especially not with my sugar eye catching.” Ref ‘ooed’ at his statement before a bright spotlight came down over you.
You jumped in the light as the room focused on you, Ref started to speak. “That must be you, welcome to the club, you must be something special if he got you up here!”
You looked frozen like a deer in headlights but the room seemed too caught up in the moment to notice your petrified face across what you are just now realizing are widescreens on the upper parts of the ceiling under the indoor windows. The spotlight went off you and the main focus returned to the stage. You settled back into your seat, you weren’t really listening but you guessed he introduced that Crusade guy.
Similarly to Monty, he did a jaunty walk from the right of the stage, waving both arms in the air like the room chanted his name, the room wasn’t entirely quiet but not enough people cheered for his self affirmations.
The Ref didn’t miss a beat, as he shoved his microphone towards Crusade, who didn’t really seem like he expected it. “Crusade my man, first time on the stage, but I know I seen you on the stoop, what’s it feeling like to finally get the spotlight?”
Crusade posed a calm facade but his air was uneasy as he responded. “Yknow man, i’m gone make it, know this won’t be the last you see of Crusade, Candy whatever might never get past his 15 minutes of fame, but the real talents here to start the show.”
The surprise on Ref’s face was blatant in the stage lights on the flatscreens and only emphasized by the sudden ripple of shock that also ran through the crowd, your eyebrows even shot up at the sheer audacity. Monty sucked his teeth.
Ref raised his hands and shook his head as he backed forward off the main stage.
“Well I know you got a thing or two to say about that, I’m gone get out the way, this one looks like it’s gonna be ugly, I hope you all took your bathroom break because the show starts now!”
The crowd let out a loose cheer that took up the room until it was flooded over by the orchestra crash of an onstarting beat. The Referee took a seat at one of the upper tables alongside some others you hadn’t noticed take place, all dressed in dark colors, must be stage hands.
The room somehow darkened but enhanced the stage at the same time, the air grew tense on the beat as both men steaded their hands on their microphones. Both seemed ready to spring to action, teeth clenched, both ready to be the first line but Monty boomed first, ready to settle business.
“Okay, so you call yourself Crusade, but you got your hands out shakin em’ like loose change, loose chains, chains you can’t get fair, I could tell just by the way you stand, so broke it’s in your air”
Monty ended to the beat, leaving the floor open like he dared him to say anything. A few pulses went by, almost enough to look like he wouldn’t respond before he barked back.
“Oh so you got something to say, you dissin’ Crusade like your name ain’t Candy Rapper? Like you ain’t worth less than your batter.”
Crusade looked cocky, Monty’s face was in a snarl, he was warmed up now, he stepped up, only missing enough time to keep the rhythm.
“I could see you ain’t come here to do more than empty chatter, the only thing emptier than your verse is the rungs on yuh ladder. you claim to climb, but you never see game, all this nonsense you talking no wonder you ain’t gotta name.”
That smug air was gone in less than a verse, Crusade could feel the sting in the air, he was ready to come back.
“You talking about a name like you ain’t more than a lucky lame, you got one play now you think the city know your name, I’m from them streets you so called claimed, from up past Altamore you don’t don’t know what I do for chains.”
He waved his arms in emphasis of some point, Monty looked reserved, more relaxed then he should be, he looked at Crusade like he was throwing a tantrum that he was going to let him cry out. He lifted his Mic and started on his next que.
“Okay so I see you got something to gain, trying to rep street cred like you something past mundane. Never have I ever felt I needed to play to some game. You’re playing though, said you fight about a chain, but yet you in here with not one to your name. You said I’m the joke but you’re the game, I'm a chess piece but you’re a thimble lost from the board’s frame.”
Crusade was aghast, the look on his face was anger overshadowed by humiliation, Monty could almost see him seething.
The Referee sucked in his lips as the aftermath of the blow knocked the air out of anyone who witnessed it.
Crusade was wordless, He wasn’t even paying attention to the beat anymore, it was only a few moments of empty sound before he rushed Candy Rapper. The crowd screamed at the sudden turn of events, you shot up from your seat, you were about to yell out before Monty posed his gold knuckles together at Crusade and shot him with a flash of burning, bright gold light.
The room was in quiet awes as Crusade lay face down on the stage, a light smoke dispersed off Monty’s knuckles. Monty’s voice boomed through the silent building.
“He’s not dead, I didn’t kill him, I just knocked his crazy ass unconscious, somebody get his people to peel him up off the stage.”
The room broke, this time in laughter, as a few stage hands rushed upstage to grab Crusade by the arms and peel him off the stage.
You blinked a few times, you thought he was joking when he said those weren't for show, well you didn't think he was joking, but - you thought he meant like a punch or something, he’s just been able to do that??
You regained your senses when Ref decided to run back into the picture when they wiped up Crusade.
“DANG, SMOKED PHYSICALLY AND LYRICALLY! Well C Dub, seeing Crusade couldn’t return what he was giving AND couldn’t fight what he was swinging, your victory streak remains untouched!” The Referee held up Monty’s Mic hand as the crowd screamed.
Monty’s smile almost touched his sunglasses as the Ref dropped his hand as he hugged and playfully roughed him up. You screamed just as loud as the audience, if not louder you barely needed a que to scream.
They were walking out a golden looking microphone, the Referee had wrestled Monty into a one armed hug by the time you could barely contain yourself and rushed up to join the hug as Ref welcomed you in with welcome arms.
You dived into your boyfriend’s arms Ref removed himself from the hug giving Monty more room Squeeze you, you were almost off the ground you were both close to hysterics.
Ref returned to the scene, this time with the microphone on a trophy-like stand in his grasp.
“20 shows all straight wins, you worked for this, I’m glad to officially put you in our lineup, you're official now!” The Referee spoke fondly and loudly as he handed over the microphone to Candy Rapper in the free hand he didn’t have straddled around you.
He raised the Trophy high as you both shouted, and the crowd roared as flashes from cameras went off in every direction. Everyone was overwhelmed in the commotion, except the chocolate bar being hauled off in a stretcher.
The rest of the night was a movie, you both enjoyed the sudden party. Monty kept you close as you both gorged on more food than you could eat and danced harder than your legs could carry you, the night was perfect and ended with you on his shoulder flying down the highway late into the night.
You were wrong before, this was the party that was going to be impossible for him to top.