♠ orignal fiction - rock and roll revisited
rock and roll revisited
rating/word count: mostly pg-13 | 1900 words
summary: he's prattling on about a bass player with a broken hand and can she come over to the flat tonight because really she's the only one who knows their songs.
notes: this is more rushed than I would like it to be, but I wanted to finish 7 christmas related drabbles by the end of december (the others are... coming)
inspired by a blondie & the pretenders concert, whose opening act was kiwi band Dukes (especially their song 'If I Have No Heart') image ©
She's lying in bed on her stomach, head under a pillow when the phone rings. After it stops, then starts again, Tilda reaches down to the floor, pushing clothes and books out of the way before eventually finding the phone.
"Oh, thank god I'm so glad I reached you, Til, I need -- we need a huge favour"
Suddenly, she couldn't be more awake. Ben, who she's not spoken to in months, is on the other end of the phone and he's prattling on about a bass player with a broken hand and can she come over to the flat tonight because really she's the only one who knows their songs.
Eventually, he takes a breath and gives her the chance to say something, but all she can think to ask is if Sebastian knows that he's calling her.
"No, but he doesn't get a say anymore, not when it comes to you."
***
You met Sebastian in a mosh pit. You aren't sure if it was your fist, or someone elses, but all you remember is suddenly there is a boy standing next to you holding a bleeding nose and looking like he might faint. No one else was rushing to help him, so you helped him stumble toward the bleachers.
You left with him that night - talking and sharing a taxi home. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
***
The first thing she does is have a shower to clear her mind. The thought of playing with them again - all of them - is terrifying. But she wants to, so badly. And it's not some small bar, either; it's an opening act in a 5,000-seat venue. If Ben is telling the truth (which, Tilda has to admit, is not a common occurrence) she is their best option for a replacement bass player.
Breathing deeply, she sits on the kitchen floor and dials Sally's phone number.
***
Before you met Seb, you could play an acoustic guitar all right - a few songs off by heart and you could sight read okay, but you'd never made the jump to electric. He was the one who suggested a bass - less technical movements and it wouldn't confuse you acoustic style as much.
It was Ben who started the band, really, after walking in on you and Seb lying in bed with your guitars, practising old Eagles songs.
***
She decides to go over, at least, and get the full story from more than just Ben. She isn't stupid though, she knows it's not going to be a comfortable meeting, it's been almost six months since she's been in the same room with Seb, more since they've actually spoken to each other. Probably, if she had to play the blame game, it's her fault. She left not only him, but the band too. Left for a job, but left nonetheless.
***
After toying with the idea of joining the bands-with-female-lead-singer category, you all decided you would be the bassist, Ben the lead singer and secondary guitarist and Seb took lead guitarist. Finding a drummer was harder than you expected, but eventually you stumble upon the roommate of a cousin of Seb's. The first time the four of you played together, the air was electric. Your fingers bleed the next day because you worked the frets too hard.
***
Without trying, Tilda has wound up standing in the same place she always did, leaning her forearms on the kitchen bench, blocking the way to the fridge. She's staring at Joshua, the new bassist who had fallen skiing and broken his left hand. She knows she shouldn't think it, but she can't help but judge the person who goes skiing the weekend before a breakthrough show.
PJ, the drummer is standing next to her, asking her what Stanford was like - he seems to be the only one who doesn't fault her for choosing her education.
Ben arrives five minutes after she does, but as he murmurs in her ear whilst hugging her, "Seb won't come inside".
***
It started out small, just a few gigs in local bars, Friday nights mostly, just for fun. You and Sebastian keep seeing each other. Your refuse to wear jeans at the gigs, despite them being easier to play in. And life continues like this for almost a year, until your boss mentions the year long fellowship in California, and suddenly there was a THING in your relationship (with Seb and with the band).
You accepted the offer, of course. They got a new bassist, once they decided to keep it going. You and Seb break each others hearts with the things you said the night before your flight.
***
Josh, PJ and Ben talk her through the set, promising there wouldn’t be any new songs - she knew there was one they were referring to in particular, but didn’t want to be the one to bring it up. She does however, bring up the topic of cover songs. They normally do a few, but want to leave it to two - one a Christmas song.
She had thought she had made a definite decision before she came, but after standing on their balcony for almost twenty minutes she realizes there is only one way she can actually agree to do this.
Sebastian is sitting his car, seat fully reclined, when she slides into the passenger side and mimics his pose.
“You need me?”
“Ben seems to think so.”
“Can you find another bassist on the 23rd of December?”
“Probably.” He pauses, and she’s sure he’s looking at her, but she keeps looking at the ceiling, and tries to not think about the last time she was lying in this car, “But not one as good as you. Not one that we all trust.”
Running her hand down her face, she moans. “Okay. I’m in.”
***
You were sitting at your desk one afternoon, watching the clock slowly click round to five’ o’clock, when an email from Sally popped up.
All it had was a subject: Cobalt got a deal and a link to an article in the herald praising the return of youthful punk rock.
You had to feign a migraine and leave early that day. The evening was spent in the bathtub with a bottle of wine, which is not the person you wanted to be, but once you tried really hard you could convince yourself it’s celebratory.
***
As she keeps the D’s coming, Tilda knows how out of place she must seem on stage - the only girl standing in a t-shirt dress and converse with her hair flying loose and free.
It isn’t exactly how she planned to spend her Christmas Eve, but it is better than spending it in the 24 hour coffee shop. As PJ reaches the crescendo, the lights cut from the stage and pan out over the audience. For the first time in their 30 minutes on stage, Tilda feels the butterflies hit. The light punch on the shoulder from Seb helps, but at the same time, it sets more off.
“Ladies and boys, girls and gentlemen, how is your night going?” Tilda smiles as the crowd roars back at Seb. “We are Cobalt and we are so please to be with you toooonight! How many of you have seen us play before?” Another wave of screams and whistles and general excitement rolls over her, and she can’t help but grin.
“Well, you fine people may have noticed we have a fine young lady on stage with us tonight, Miss TILDA JONES, take a bow Til.” As she sinks into her best punk rock curtsey, she can’t help but wonder at the shout out - it’s nice, but unexpected. The look Ben gives her tells her he didn’t know either. He’s not done wit it yet, this crooning to the crowd. “Tilda here was kind enough to fill in for Joshua, our bass player who broke his hand, but never fear, we would not put a bass guitar in the hands of someone who didn’t truly earn it, and Tilda here has been a friend of Cobalt’s for a long time, in fact, she even wrote this song, this one right here”
And as PJ and Ben launch into ‘Homesick Kicks’ Tilda can’t help but laugh as she jumps and claps with the music.
***
Your fellowship only lasted eight months in the end, funding was pulled when the conservative board members realized you were trying to find a more effective method of artificial fertilization. So, after spending three days at Disneyland, you finally got on a plane home.
Twenty four hours after that, Sally was leaning across the hood of her car staring at you, asking you for the hundreth time if you were sure this was a good idea. All you could do was shake your head and say no, but you had to do it anyway. Still, it took a lot of effort to not kick the sign proclaiming ‘ HEADLINING ACT: COBALT’
The real courage, though, came later. It was needed when you saw Sebastian walk onto the stage. When you saw Ben flirt with the mosh pit. When the new bassist changed up your songs.
When the lights turned to black light and Ben stepped up to the mike, to introduce their new song, a song about a girl who left, and who, despite it all, they wish was in the crowd.
Courage only last so long, and that night it lasted until she realized the intro sounded suspiciously like Waltzing Matilda.
***
As their set nears it’s end, Tilda finds herself leaning back to back, into Sebastian, sharing the microphone with Ben, and for a moment, it could be a year and a half ago, before it all changed. When she walks over to the side stage to grab a drink before the last two songs, one of the roadies hands her a microphone of her own, but won’t tell her why. When Ben steps up to the stand though, it becomes clear.
“Folks, we’ve only got two more songs for you tonight, and, as Cobalt's way of saying thank you, we’re passing you over to Tilda for this song. Take it away, babe.”
Her heart pounds as she fits her mike into another stand, unsure of what to play - until it hits her with such clarity, she can only turn and wink at the boys with a quick: "watch me for the changes", before she dives head first into the new-wave turned punk riff of 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun'.
***
They kick Josh out of the band three months later, when none of their shows with him, match the intensity of the Christmas eve show of Tilda’s.
Tilda moves in with Sally, and promises everyone it’s not because it’s closer to Ben and Seb’s (even though it is).
Tilda and Seb start talking again, for more than five words at a time. They become friends again, after they remember how easy it is to bond over music. They start sleeping together again after they’re stuck in the apartment one day when the roads are closed for re-sealing and she can’t leave.
They get married one day, and they are the only people to get married in the park and be their own wedding band.
locked: february. 2011
© caitlin a 2010
feedback is always welcome.
join!
rating/word count: mostly pg-13 | 1900 words
summary: he's prattling on about a bass player with a broken hand and can she come over to the flat tonight because really she's the only one who knows their songs.
notes: this is more rushed than I would like it to be, but I wanted to finish 7 christmas related drabbles by the end of december (the others are... coming)
inspired by a blondie & the pretenders concert, whose opening act was kiwi band Dukes (especially their song 'If I Have No Heart') image ©
She's lying in bed on her stomach, head under a pillow when the phone rings. After it stops, then starts again, Tilda reaches down to the floor, pushing clothes and books out of the way before eventually finding the phone.
"Oh, thank god I'm so glad I reached you, Til, I need -- we need a huge favour"
Suddenly, she couldn't be more awake. Ben, who she's not spoken to in months, is on the other end of the phone and he's prattling on about a bass player with a broken hand and can she come over to the flat tonight because really she's the only one who knows their songs.
Eventually, he takes a breath and gives her the chance to say something, but all she can think to ask is if Sebastian knows that he's calling her.
"No, but he doesn't get a say anymore, not when it comes to you."
***
You met Sebastian in a mosh pit. You aren't sure if it was your fist, or someone elses, but all you remember is suddenly there is a boy standing next to you holding a bleeding nose and looking like he might faint. No one else was rushing to help him, so you helped him stumble toward the bleachers.
You left with him that night - talking and sharing a taxi home. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
***
The first thing she does is have a shower to clear her mind. The thought of playing with them again - all of them - is terrifying. But she wants to, so badly. And it's not some small bar, either; it's an opening act in a 5,000-seat venue. If Ben is telling the truth (which, Tilda has to admit, is not a common occurrence) she is their best option for a replacement bass player.
Breathing deeply, she sits on the kitchen floor and dials Sally's phone number.
***
Before you met Seb, you could play an acoustic guitar all right - a few songs off by heart and you could sight read okay, but you'd never made the jump to electric. He was the one who suggested a bass - less technical movements and it wouldn't confuse you acoustic style as much.
It was Ben who started the band, really, after walking in on you and Seb lying in bed with your guitars, practising old Eagles songs.
***
She decides to go over, at least, and get the full story from more than just Ben. She isn't stupid though, she knows it's not going to be a comfortable meeting, it's been almost six months since she's been in the same room with Seb, more since they've actually spoken to each other. Probably, if she had to play the blame game, it's her fault. She left not only him, but the band too. Left for a job, but left nonetheless.
***
After toying with the idea of joining the bands-with-female-lead-singer category, you all decided you would be the bassist, Ben the lead singer and secondary guitarist and Seb took lead guitarist. Finding a drummer was harder than you expected, but eventually you stumble upon the roommate of a cousin of Seb's. The first time the four of you played together, the air was electric. Your fingers bleed the next day because you worked the frets too hard.
***
Without trying, Tilda has wound up standing in the same place she always did, leaning her forearms on the kitchen bench, blocking the way to the fridge. She's staring at Joshua, the new bassist who had fallen skiing and broken his left hand. She knows she shouldn't think it, but she can't help but judge the person who goes skiing the weekend before a breakthrough show.
PJ, the drummer is standing next to her, asking her what Stanford was like - he seems to be the only one who doesn't fault her for choosing her education.
Ben arrives five minutes after she does, but as he murmurs in her ear whilst hugging her, "Seb won't come inside".
***
It started out small, just a few gigs in local bars, Friday nights mostly, just for fun. You and Sebastian keep seeing each other. Your refuse to wear jeans at the gigs, despite them being easier to play in. And life continues like this for almost a year, until your boss mentions the year long fellowship in California, and suddenly there was a THING in your relationship (with Seb and with the band).
You accepted the offer, of course. They got a new bassist, once they decided to keep it going. You and Seb break each others hearts with the things you said the night before your flight.
***
Josh, PJ and Ben talk her through the set, promising there wouldn’t be any new songs - she knew there was one they were referring to in particular, but didn’t want to be the one to bring it up. She does however, bring up the topic of cover songs. They normally do a few, but want to leave it to two - one a Christmas song.
She had thought she had made a definite decision before she came, but after standing on their balcony for almost twenty minutes she realizes there is only one way she can actually agree to do this.
Sebastian is sitting his car, seat fully reclined, when she slides into the passenger side and mimics his pose.
“You need me?”
“Ben seems to think so.”
“Can you find another bassist on the 23rd of December?”
“Probably.” He pauses, and she’s sure he’s looking at her, but she keeps looking at the ceiling, and tries to not think about the last time she was lying in this car, “But not one as good as you. Not one that we all trust.”
Running her hand down her face, she moans. “Okay. I’m in.”
***
You were sitting at your desk one afternoon, watching the clock slowly click round to five’ o’clock, when an email from Sally popped up.
All it had was a subject: Cobalt got a deal and a link to an article in the herald praising the return of youthful punk rock.
You had to feign a migraine and leave early that day. The evening was spent in the bathtub with a bottle of wine, which is not the person you wanted to be, but once you tried really hard you could convince yourself it’s celebratory.
***
As she keeps the D’s coming, Tilda knows how out of place she must seem on stage - the only girl standing in a t-shirt dress and converse with her hair flying loose and free.
It isn’t exactly how she planned to spend her Christmas Eve, but it is better than spending it in the 24 hour coffee shop. As PJ reaches the crescendo, the lights cut from the stage and pan out over the audience. For the first time in their 30 minutes on stage, Tilda feels the butterflies hit. The light punch on the shoulder from Seb helps, but at the same time, it sets more off.
“Ladies and boys, girls and gentlemen, how is your night going?” Tilda smiles as the crowd roars back at Seb. “We are Cobalt and we are so please to be with you toooonight! How many of you have seen us play before?” Another wave of screams and whistles and general excitement rolls over her, and she can’t help but grin.
“Well, you fine people may have noticed we have a fine young lady on stage with us tonight, Miss TILDA JONES, take a bow Til.” As she sinks into her best punk rock curtsey, she can’t help but wonder at the shout out - it’s nice, but unexpected. The look Ben gives her tells her he didn’t know either. He’s not done wit it yet, this crooning to the crowd. “Tilda here was kind enough to fill in for Joshua, our bass player who broke his hand, but never fear, we would not put a bass guitar in the hands of someone who didn’t truly earn it, and Tilda here has been a friend of Cobalt’s for a long time, in fact, she even wrote this song, this one right here”
And as PJ and Ben launch into ‘Homesick Kicks’ Tilda can’t help but laugh as she jumps and claps with the music.
***
Your fellowship only lasted eight months in the end, funding was pulled when the conservative board members realized you were trying to find a more effective method of artificial fertilization. So, after spending three days at Disneyland, you finally got on a plane home.
Twenty four hours after that, Sally was leaning across the hood of her car staring at you, asking you for the hundreth time if you were sure this was a good idea. All you could do was shake your head and say no, but you had to do it anyway. Still, it took a lot of effort to not kick the sign proclaiming ‘ HEADLINING ACT: COBALT’
The real courage, though, came later. It was needed when you saw Sebastian walk onto the stage. When you saw Ben flirt with the mosh pit. When the new bassist changed up your songs.
When the lights turned to black light and Ben stepped up to the mike, to introduce their new song, a song about a girl who left, and who, despite it all, they wish was in the crowd.
Courage only last so long, and that night it lasted until she realized the intro sounded suspiciously like Waltzing Matilda.
***
As their set nears it’s end, Tilda finds herself leaning back to back, into Sebastian, sharing the microphone with Ben, and for a moment, it could be a year and a half ago, before it all changed. When she walks over to the side stage to grab a drink before the last two songs, one of the roadies hands her a microphone of her own, but won’t tell her why. When Ben steps up to the stand though, it becomes clear.
“Folks, we’ve only got two more songs for you tonight, and, as Cobalt's way of saying thank you, we’re passing you over to Tilda for this song. Take it away, babe.”
Her heart pounds as she fits her mike into another stand, unsure of what to play - until it hits her with such clarity, she can only turn and wink at the boys with a quick: "watch me for the changes", before she dives head first into the new-wave turned punk riff of 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun'.
***
They kick Josh out of the band three months later, when none of their shows with him, match the intensity of the Christmas eve show of Tilda’s.
Tilda moves in with Sally, and promises everyone it’s not because it’s closer to Ben and Seb’s (even though it is).
Tilda and Seb start talking again, for more than five words at a time. They become friends again, after they remember how easy it is to bond over music. They start sleeping together again after they’re stuck in the apartment one day when the roads are closed for re-sealing and she can’t leave.
They get married one day, and they are the only people to get married in the park and be their own wedding band.
locked: february. 2011
© caitlin a 2010
feedback is always welcome.
join!