#vhs leo/brett

[noisydiary]

nirvana

A dimly lit, smoke filled garage stuffed wall to wall with Pine Bluff’s Juniors and Seniors wasn’t quite where Faith expected her night to go. Rather, she was expecting yet another quite, lonely night at Video Video Video, closing for Leo; seeing as he’d left early for a ‘concert’. This concert, specifically. Granted, as Faith looked into the garage, she spotted Leo’s familiar gel-spiked red hair in the midst of everyone. Or, at least, she assumed it was Leo—… a lot of the crowd had the same sort of distinguishing hairstyle. Lots of punk and ‘goth’ characters (as she’d been corrected. Apparently, emo and goth are two different styles entirely. Lesson learned). The only difference between this main popularity would be herself, Brett, and few others who hadn’t quite picked a style to lean towards.

“See her?” Brett’s voice cut out across the noise inside, just loud enough for Faith to catch on.

Faith shook her head, looking over to Brett, who scoffed, “Damn, I thought they’d have started playing by now- wonder what’s takin’ ‘em so long…”

Brett’s comment rounded out with the crowd, netting a shrug from Faith. She’d respond, but… she found it hard to voice much of anything. Everything here was what Faith would call ‘against her general lifestyle’. Not that that was bad— in fact, that would be quite the opposite of her current thought. All in all, she was excited. This was a net positive- in fact, probably the cap to her week. It’s just- the garage itself was overwhelming. Dim, flickering lights… the humming of cheap speakers some of the equipment up front was connected to… talking of the crowd and the cheer from that whole lot… not even mentioning the wafting scent of alcohol and smoke from various kinds of cigarettes that Faith couldn’t even name— even just standing outside, it was a lot.

The best way that Faith could describe it was it almost felt like being at a pep rally, or being in one of the movies. It wasn’t quite that draining, but she could definitely feel it tapping into her brain.

How did I…

Oh… Right-…

—(Earlier that evening)—

It was, indeed, a relatively quiet night at VVV, as Faith noted the lack of customers, even at 7pm. The fact didn’t much bother her, seeing as she’d found some delightful company in her newest library rental, ‘An Enchantment to Remember’. Most of the usual crowd who came in on a Saturday were at Tiffany’s house for a garage band. Jess’d mentioned it last week at the meeting- or, rather, before the meeting, and specifically to Leo. Faith overheard the conversation. Sort of.

Purposeful eavesdropping aside, the rest of the usual company were infrequent at best. But still, the store closed at midnight, aaand someone had to watch the desk. Seeing as it was Saturday, most people were already on dates or any other number of reasons, so the shop was quiet.

And by ‘quiet’, Faith could say that a pin drop could be heard. Leo’d left the store’s music on his generic tape from his uncle, so the boring, people pleasing items that were from twenty years ago. Songs that Faith had well learned to tune out by this point.

On thinking of the music, though, Faith glanced up from her book- looking around the store. Eerily empty, those shelves were. Thus, she hummed a soft tune to herself; a tune with a minor melody one wouldn’t expect such a sweet girl to know. She placed her bookmark in her book and put it on the counter, getting off her stool and heading towards the back to change the music… Luckily, for Faith, Leo conveniently hid Jess’ records in the old filing cabinet. Even more so, he’d shown her where he was hiding them, so she could change the music at her leisure.

”Of course, they’re not your style, but if you really can’t take the old geezers music, then I guess you can tolerate this. It’s either fogy music, or heavy alt stuff. Your choice, really.” Funnily enough, when he’d told her, he didn’t realise that she would actually like it. Maybe it was cause it was Jess’… Maybe it was because it was just… vastly different from her normal music that her mother let her listen to, but Faith rather liked it. So much so, that the tune she hummed was one of the tracks off the record she’d gone to fetch.

However, as she’d gone to grab it, the bell chimed, causing her to stop dead in her tracks. She swiftly turned around and threw on a polite smile, “Hello, welcome to Vi-“

Her smile fell just slightly on seeing Brett strutting his way to the counter, with a grin and a swagger only he could carry. He leaned against the counter, “Heyy bookworm— Leo in?”

Faith shook her head, taking no offense to the nickname (He means it in earnest!), “No. He left about an hour ago for that band playing at Tiffany’s.”

Brett let off a scoff, scowling as he pulled away just a touch from the counter, “Yeah- that as the whole point- I was gonna drive.”

Faith held back her comment with that one, knowing teasing Brett was an easy way to get a cursing out- besides, she didn’t quite have the bite for the joke she’d thought of. Instead, she blinked a few times, earnestly confused, “You’re going?”

“He asked me to, so he wouldn’t seem like he was desperate.”

Confusion only grew as Faith tilted her head, “Desperate?”

Brett snorted before rolling his eyes, “Yeah. Desperate. Jess invited him, and he didn’t wanna seem pathetic, so he said no to her, but-.”

Ga- Faith shook her head to dispel the thought, interrupting before Brett could finish, “I’d heard that much, sort of…- Um-!”

She got a scowl for that one, “Can you let me finish? Fuck- you might even wanna know this next bit, lil nerd.”

Faith bit her lip, bowing her head as she mumbled, already feeling a slight bead in her eyes, “Sorry…”

Brett grew a bit softer with that, letting off a sigh and trying to correct, “It’s- fine. Sorry. Teasing, y’know?”

Teasing isn’t teasing if it hurts the other person—

“The reason Jess invited him was cause its her band. Well- kinda. She’s singing for them. Might chicken out and do bass though. Who knows. You know he still likes hearing her, so, yeah. Didn’t want to seem desperate.”

On hearing that, a little pang rang through Faith’s chest- her head lifted as her eyes widened, her jaw slackening as her lips parted. She shut her mouth quickly after, and her cheeks flushed as she realised what she was doing. Gyeh!!! You’rehopeless—

Brett, on the other hand, chuckled, “Yeah, that’s about what I thought would happen. Gloria told me to tell you that- said that you might want to know. She didn’t say why, but yeah.”

Faith scowled at that, seeing as Gloria had her own thoughts about Faith- some she’d felt more than free sharing. Like you’re a queer?

“Uhuh… Anyway. Still. If Leo’s gone, I may as well get going too. See ya.” Brett turned on his heel, making to leave, though his steps were slower than normal- only slightly. Not enough for Faith to notice.

Instead, what Faith noticed was the gnawing in her chest, and the uneasy feeling in her stomach. That, and what almost sounded like a song playing in her mind. Nothing real, granted, but enough that it stopped her from thinking rationally- enough that she called out to Brett, “W-wait…”

Brett stopped at that, turning with a little knowing smirk, “Yeah? What.”

“…um… I- don’t…” Faith flustered, feeling her cheeks distinctly growing redder as she realised what she was doing, and trying to rationalise it in her head. Notqueerjust—just- supporting a friend!! W-why do I need to stay open anyway?? No ones going to come-

…I want to hear her…

Her lips curled into a frown as she realised that thought- no… it really is that bad. She squeezed her eyes for a moment, before Brett interrupted, “Are you gonna ask for a ride or not, Faith.” A squeak caught in Faith’s throat as she realised Brett knew exactly what she wanted. Her eyes darted to the ground, before she nodded. Brett laughed again, motioning to the door, “Thought so. Lock up, see you out in 10?”

“…m-mhm..! Give me- um… a little bit, yeah…”

In a relatively swift manner, Faith rounded up entirely necessary closing tasks- things for closing early like locking the drawer with a note for whomever’s there in the morning to count it down, or putting up the closed sign with an explanation that ‘all attendants are currently busy!’. She clicked the lights off, took the spare keys from the back, and locked the front door. She then looked out into the lot, seeing Brett’s fancy… uh… Convertible? He’d said the name a few times, but Faith couldn’t honestly remember cars for the life of her.

Nevertheless, she’d made her way to the car, seeing Brett bobbing his head to the song playing on the tape deck. He turned his head and flashed a smile, “Hop in. Toss your stuff in the back if you need.”

Faith did as he followed, noting how… Clean it was. Brett wasn’t the worst when it came to order, but, usually he had things in the back and they were Gone. Just Gone. Not a trace, as if the car was practically brand new. Once again, keeping her mouth shut, she opened the side door and got inside, buckling in.

When Faith was sufficiently in, Brett kicked the car into drive, and sped off- reasonably. It may be a sports car, but he’s still Technically only got a permit. It didn’t take all too long to get to Tiffany’s, and before long, they were as they are now, watching the garage for signs of life of this band everyone’d gathered to see.

As Faith brought herself back to Earth, she saw a fleeting figure pass by, heading around the side of the house with a large shape on their back. She watched as they disappeared into the darkness, noting how Brett looked down to her- expectant. She winced slightly as she found some semblance of her voice, “Yes?”

“I said I think they’re starting soon- at least, I sure hope so.”

Faith nodded, turning her attention back into the garage. Granted, the crowd was loud as ever, but the lights up front clicked on. She couldn’t see past all of the people, but she could hear as the crowd slowly quieted down after a fair spell, and the speakers crackled alive. ”How’re we doing tonight??” A girl cheered through the mic, getting a roar from the crowd gathered, ”Yeah?? Yeah!! Then let’s get to it!”

It didn’t take much to realise the girl speaking wasn’t who Faith was here for-

I mean, noo… not here for anyone-! Just— here for the show… Mhm.

Still, the band kicked off into a set, playing songs that had about the same sort of energy as the record in the shop… Not recognisable to Faith, but solid enough songs for her to smile along. She’d glanced around to see if she could find some way to see the band itself better, noting the place relatively packed. There was a door in the back, but the band was playing back there, so peaking through there wasn’t much an option, unless she wanted to get called out. Honestly? Faith couldn’t deal with that ordeal right now, much less… Ever, really. Other than that, there weren't any real options except to go into the garage proper- and honestly, it was enough to be out here. So, instead, Faith stayed put. She kept towards the back as she tapped her hand along with the beat against her leg, listening for the set. Once the chords of Comfortably Numb faded, the lead kicked back on the mic, "Hey- thank you guys so much for stickin' with us tonight. We're gonna break for a beat, but when we get back, we've got a surprise for ya!"

The crowd in the band cheered again as the mic gave off feedback. Brett chuckled at that point, "Five bucks I know what the 'surprise' is."

Faith glanced up to him, tilting her head- "Really?"

"Hah- yeah. Don't you?" Slightly condescending, before he chuckled again, "Riiight, you don't have any money. Nevermind. You'll see in a minute."

Brett then slinked off into the garage for a fair minute, leaving Faith to her own devices- leaving her to realise just how… Out of place she felt. Sure, the music was good, but she didn't know anyone here other than Leo and Brett. And, of all people to come with, she came with Brett. It could be worse, she could be with a real bully rather than Brett, but she still would rather to have come with Leo in the first place. Leo… he was like her brother- heck, a better brother than Ian was. He teased, but never as mean as Brett did. As much as Leo tried to give a pricky exterior, he had a heart under there. Faith couldn't entirely say the same for Brett.

No, no… not quite. There had to be one there, it just- was misguided.

Speaking of the devil, Brett returned- with Leo in tow, and a few solo cups in his hands. He and Leo seemed to be chatting about something, as Faith caught the tail end of Leo's comment, "…well it's about any minute now, so-"

"Yeah, we'll see. Hey- here," Brett thrust a cup towards Faith, "Drink."

"H-huh…?"

Leo glanced to Brett, before waving his hand dismissively, "It's water, you're fine."

You know me too well. Faith's eyes flicked past Leo and towards the cup, before taking a sip and finding his words true. Granted, he usually didn't lie, but still-- could never be too safe as her mother warned her countless times.

"So, you ready?" Leo smirked, nodding towards the crowd… likely meaning the stage, and therefore, the band.

"Ready?"

"Yeah, y'know they're pulling o-"

As Leo continued, the speakers crackled with the sound of feedback again, before starting up with a combo of guitar and bass which waved over the crowd. Beats of which Faith drifted to, recognising the sharp, distinct notes before they melted into a pattern- of which Faith knew was followed by…

"Running away, I knew I was wrong- I'd tried to fit in where I didn't belong."

Jess. Jess' voice came over the speaker- less gravelly than the recording that Faith'd heard of the original band. But then again, Jess had a nicer voice than that… moreover, she knew how to use it. She painted with her voice, singing each word with emotion that lingered past just the words she'd memorised. Each word articulated, if a little muffled by the output…

Faith lightly pressed past the two as she latched on to the voice- before being pulled back, "Woah, hey now."

Brett'd reached out, having gently grabbed her shoulder. Leo was the one calling out, reaching and taking the cup from her, "Hey, you and I both know you don't want to go up there."

A little flutter ran through Faith's chest as her hands clenched into fists, pouting as she looked between them- to which Leo laughed at. "Okay, okay. I know. Here. You're still like- what- 90, 100 pounds?"

"Don't burn the fire, I'm never comin' home-"

Leo put down the cups he'd been holding before he snapped a few times, snagging Faith's attention away from the song being sung, "Do you want to see her or not, Faith?" Faith turned her head down for a moment, growing red. IwanttoI-

With a little more patience, Leo leaned in and spoke just loud enough for Faith to hear, "Hey, remember what you asked about? Don't worry about it right now. It doesn't matter. Do you want to see her, or not?"

"…I could hear the whispers of my own mistakes- those warning eyes, that final touch… No one seemed to care that much." Jess' voice rattled in Faith's mind for a moment, before a buzzing ran through Faith's head and down her neck.

It took a moment, before she nodded and looked up to Leo with wide, soft eyes, almost pleading. On the other hand, Leo just… grinned. He let off a huff before he looked to Brett, "A'right."

Before Brett came a bit closer and knelt down with his back towards Faith, his arms stretched behind him. "Hop on, princess."

Faith stared for a moment, before realising- "O-oh…"

Leo laughed, "What, never been on piggyback? You'll be fine."

He then reached and nudged her forward with a gentle push on her back- to which Faith pulled back against it, "W-wait, my skir-"

"You don't wear shorts under that? It'll be fine for like- five minutes," Leo rebutted, nudging her forward again.

With a bit of hesitation, and a whimper caught in her throat, she stepped forward and got on Brett's back, muttering, "Sorry-" as she did so.

Brett scoffed before he wrapped his arms underneath her legs and slowly standing up, "You're fine, Faith-"

He'd made to continue, but realised the words were fairly pointless then, as he'd gotten to full standing and Faith saw above the crowd…

And there was Jess… belting her heart out into the microphone, her right hand clutching it close to her mouth, and her other twirling the string in her hand. She'd donned some more bracelets than normal, but her shirt and shorts were the same as ever-- a Mure shirt with dark shorts, and boots she'd decorated herself some time ago. She swayed along with the music, keeping time with her feet- and her hair bounced with every step she took, getting in the way of her eyes. Eyes of which that scanned the crowd- before looking out past and-

Settling on Faith.

Jess' eyes grew wider for a moment, and the rest of the lyrics came out ever so slightly different- as if the words got caught in her throat. She'd continued just fine after a moment, looking away from Faith, but for a moment… Just a moment, that buzzing came back, flooding Faith's head and getting a dopey smile to form on her lips. Everything was hazy for just a moment, before her cheeks flushed hot.

The song rounded out as Jess finished it- and she pulled the mic away from her lips. Faith watched as she looked out towards the crowd again, her eyes directly snapping on to Faith. Seeing her again, there and real, got her to turn towards what Faith assumed was Tiffany. They talked for a moment, as Tiff hesitated, talking back to Jess- before Jess snipped back, and Tiff shrugged. Tiffany then made a circle with her hands to the person on an electric keyboard, and a new song started up. The drums followed suit after a round of keyboard solo, and then Jess brought the mic to her lips, looking towards the crowd as she started singing, "Just as I thought, it was going alright. I found out I'm wrong, when I thought I was right…"

She'd continued as Faith listened, not recognising the song off hand. It almost sounded familiar, but not enough for Faith to know the lyrics. At least with Don't Burn The Fires, Faith had heard it on one of Jess' records a number of times. She listened in for the lyrics, picking up on what Jess sang. In a way, as Faith listened to the lyrics- the pointed way that Jess sang them, and the way she chose to articulate them… It almost sounded like it was for Leo.

"I could say day, and you'd say night- tell me it's black, when I know that it's white…" Definitely Leo… Yet, Jess' eyes stopped tracing the crowd as the backing track changed, a heavy strike to the hi-hat changing the meaning of the song as her voice grew softer- looking to Faith again as she sang, "Truth is, I love you. More than I wanted to- there's no point in trying to pretend. There's no one that makes me feel like you do. Say we'll be together 'til the end."

The song continued as Jess'd sung it until that point, pointed and distracted- although, it may have been part of Faith's mind now… running a little wild, but… Jess seemed to purposefully keep her attention anywhere other than on her. It may have been Faith's imagination that a little glow ran through Jess cheeks.

What wasn't imagination, however, was the excitement flowing through Faith. Excitement she hadn't realised was coming out by means of tapping. Aka, tapping against Brett's head- aka meaning she'd been (lightly) smacking Brett's hair for a solid few seconds. Enough to get Brett to interject, "Can you knock that off?? I'll put you down-! You're getting heavy-"

Faith went rigid at the thought, though rationally realised she'd have no right to complain. Brett was doing her a huge favour- and very likely was doing it because Leo'd asked him to do so. Even just getting a chance to be up above the crowd for but a minute was more than enough to last Faith for weeks. She pulled her hands back towards herself- before she realised Brett began to kneel down, seemingly taking that motion as a move to be brought down. Not wanting to correct him, she hopped off once at a suitable level, and corrected her skirt as the song rounded out…

Leo stood before Faith with a bit of a shit eating grin- his attention momentarily taken up as Brett moved and grabbed one of the cups off the ground, drinking it down in one, ginormous gulp. "Damn, big boy, you swallow everything like that?"

And a most innocent glance up from the second cup as Brett looked over to Leo, "Huh?"

"Nothinggg-" Before mouthing 'stupid motherfu-' and being stopped as Brett stood up, flashing a smile.

"So, happy?"

It took a moment for Faith to recognise that the question was aimed at her, before she flushed again and smiled, her eyes drifting off as she nodded. Brett held out the cup to her, "Here, drink up, then we'll get out of here."

Faith reached to take the cup, before freezing- her eyes darting to Brett before her brows furrowed, "Get out of here? We've only been here a little bit..!"

"It's been like an hour and a half, Faith- I need to go home at some point, and I gotta work in the time it'll take to drop you off. You heard a lot of songs, and you're not gonna talk with anyone here other than Leo, so-"

"B-but Jess-!"

"Is performing. So, we're heading out in a minute when you finish your water."

Leo brought up a hand, interrupting the two, "Ay-- seems like she's got more energy than you do. Why don't you head out now, and I'll get her home. Sound good?"

"You sure on that? Since you don't hold up to promises all too well…" Brett grumbled, moving to cross his arms- careful to keep the cup on top so that it wouldn't spill.

"What promise?…" Leo, turning to look at Brett- before his eyes widened as he realised, looking off, "Fuck-! I- okay. Yeah. Sorry." "Yeah."

Faith looked between the two, before letting off a little snort, holding back a full laugh. It wasn't entirely something she understood- granted, she still had problems accepting herself. However, something deep in her always had this sort of… Inkling. The inkling that this wasn't just a 'hangout' to either of them. But that wasn't her call, and truth is, she barely understood it herself. Just that it seemed something else was growing- that's all.

Brett glared over to Faith's stifled laughter, scowling, "What's that- got something to say?"

Quickly, Faith moved and covered her mouth, shaking her head. Brett rolled his eyes, "Thought so…" Before he looked to Leo, "Right, I'm out."

"Night--" Leo pursed his lips together as Brett walked off to where he'd parked the car around the curb, waiting until he was gone to rub his neck, "Shiiit…"

He looked up after that, noticing Faith still watching- "Tch-- do you have something you want to say?"

Faith pulled her hands away from her mouth, still glancing off… before Leo sighed, "You can say it. Come on. Hit me, little cupid."

"…I-- don't really…"

"Go on." Leo egged, stepping a bit closer.

Knowing him, he knew her answer already. He just… wanted a confirmation. That's how it was with Jess- wanting to hear it from a third party… Faith at that point bit the corner of her mouth, her eyes darting up to Leo before looking away again as she muttered, "Youlikehim."

"What?" Earnest in his response-- her words could barely be heard over the band.

"Nothing!! Let's just… I should…" Faith gestured behind her towards where Brett had walked off.

"Hey-!! I said I'd give you a ride home. The set's gonna end in like… half an hour. Just hold on."

A frown tugged on Faith's lips as she looked up to Leo, "W-why do I need to stay? Brett was right, I should--"

"Where'd that spark go? Not five minutes ago you didn't want to leave, and now you're jumping at the bit to get outta here."

There wasn't anything Faith could pin down to the feeling in her chest. This sort of pounding that didn't quite make sense-- feeling worse on the thought of leaving, but the thought of staying scared her just that little bit more. She let her head fall as she squeezed her hands together, squishing the palm of one hand with the other as she let the current song play… focusing once again on Jess' voice as she sang.

Something about the way her range varied- that her voice came softer, like a lullaby backed only by gentle piano… Something that Faith could listen to for hours and still be drunk off its sound- and oh how much she wished to drink.

"You don't see what you possess, a beauty calm and clear- it floods the sky and blurs the darkness like a chandelier… All the light that you possess is skewed by lakes and seas… The shattered surface, so imperfect, is all that you believe." Carrying weight to it as Faith realised the words, and the lightness of Jess' voice kept with this feeling of meaning to every word she sang.

Granted… Just about any song Jess sang could carry weight that send a shiver down Faith's spine, giving chills as it hit deeper than she'd care to admit. Not many things could do that…

"…Yeah. I thought so." Leo broke Faith's concentration on the music- getting her to snap her attention towards him, as a softer smile sat on his face. "Stay. Otherwise, you're gonna regret it."

Almost as if he spoke from experience, he pulled back and nodded towards the crowd, "You can handle yourself out here, yeah?" Faith pursed her lips once again, debating in her head the pros and cons of staying. Pro, hearing more and all… Con, she may say or do something she'd regret. Something she'd much rather not admit right now. Even though it may slap her in the face whether she'd like it to or not. She sighed, before nodding, "Yes."

"Okay. I'll be back out when this sets over. Things are likely gonna chill out after- I dunno how long they're gonna keep going, honestly. Might end after this, who knows." Leo shrugged, before he turned on his heel and headed back into the fray, rejoining the group he'd been with before and leaving Faith to her own devices.

In turn, Faith found herself alone, with just the bands song as her company. She turned to look in the garage yet again, before she moved away from the door and towards the side of the house, sitting where she could still hear the crackle of the speakers. Although a little quieter here, she found herself more at peace as she listened along, humming with songs that she recognised.

All in all, the half hour passed quickly, as Faith lost herself to the music- as half of her mind imagined there was no wall between her and the song being sung…

That nothing in her head stopped her from enjoying this, and feeling the flutter of butterflies in her stomach as she latched on to the lyrics. There were no rules against it, no one saying no, just… Her, and Jess. And that was all she needed to feel less alone.

Although, as the last chord ebbed out, and the cheering of the crowd settled in, Faith opened her eyes and woke up. She felt the little smile on her cheeks fade away as those butterflies rattled around, her hands shaking as she moved to stand up. Leo was waiting, probably, and- she vaguely heard as one of the other girls say that was it for tonight, unless the crowd wanted an encore…

I can't stay like this it's-- not right I--

She didn't bother to listen for the answer, as her smile faded as she made her way to the garage door, noting as a few sets of footsteps followed behind her. Seeing a lack of Leo out in the driveway, she peaked inside the garage to see if he was still inside- before she felt a hand grab her shoulder, and a flood of panic shot through her as she jolted at the touch. She turned to look at who the hand belonged to, seeing a soft, yet tired Jess before her.

"Hey…" She croaked out, having worn down her voice after all of her work. Her spare hand held a bottle of water half drunken at this point, which crinkled as she smiled a bit, "I wasn't expecting to see you- nice surprise, though."

Faith let off an awkward chuckle, as she looked past Jess and saw the other members of the band chatting, walking past them. She felt that same flutter in her chest as she swallowed down whatever nerves arose- though not able to stop herself from blushing a little, "I… yeah… um… Leo was coming-- and he- he asked me to come…"

That got a laugh out of Jess in turn, "You could just say you wanted to come, Faith- I wouldn't be offended."

Would you like it?

Her eyes widened at the thought, darting away, "I-- noo… w-why would I? I mean- you… sing well and all I just-- I mean until a half hour ago I didn't even know you'd be here and-"

Another laugh came from Jess as her eyes lightened- as Faith noted behind the mess of her hair and general sweat on her brow… Jess pulled her hand off Faith's shoulder and tucked it into her pocket, "Well, thanks. It's nice seeing you here. What'd you think? Not really your style but-"

"I loved it-!" Faith chimed, a little hazy in her response, before realising just about how… Desperate that sounded. The red in her cheeks only grew as she tried to calm down, "I-i mean, you… performed well. Nicely done."

As Faith finished, Jess tuffed a bit of her hair away from her eyes, trying to distract from her own cheeks turning pink- sheepishly responding, "Thank you." OhmyGodohmyG- FaithEmmaWilliamsyouhAVETOSTOP- Faith let off a little chuckle as she nodded, "O-of course… Oh..! You're- probably looking for Leo…"

Jess's smile faded as she looked to Faith, shaking her head, "Nah… No, I'm- here to see you. Just wanted to see why you were here."

"M-me??"

"Yeah. What, is it weird to say hi to a friend?"

Before she'd realised she'd done it, Faith winced at the term- "No… Just… I thought you'd invited Leo, that's all…"

"Iii did. Figured I may as well drag everyone here who I thought might enjoy a good night out. Buuuut… On that…" Jess cricked her neck before looking out to the crowd, "I've- got a lot of people to say thanks to, so uh… Yeah. I guess I'll uh… See you Monday?"

"…see you Monday…" Faith muttered, before Jess moved and patted her shoulder and then left, weaving through the crowd.

Stupidlittlehomosexualthoughts- This has to stop it has to stop--

The gentle patting was replaced by a firm hand, as Leo passed through the crowd and out to where Faith stood, "Hey-- you see Jess?"

"She just left…"

Leo flashed a smile as he pulled his hand away, "Awesome. Well- you ready?"

It took a moment, as Faith felt this awful wave of exhaustion pass over… She hadn't even done anything exhausting, just… She felt a strong sense of being ready to go to bed- and she'd sleep for a while. Maybe a good rest would help pass over what little stew brewed in her mind. She nodded, letting off a long sigh, "Yes, please…"

Leo's smile faded enough to be a slight smirk, before he walked off with Faith in tow. Soon enough, the night was over- as Faith found herself at her doorstep, promptly heading inside and falling into bed.

For a fair spell, it was just her, staring to the ceiling. Alone with her thoughts.

Honestly, she'd thought she'd feel more… Regret? Anger- something along those lines…

And yet all she felt was a buzzing as she thumbed over the songs in her mind… and a soft little smile fell on her lips once more before she fell asleep, humming along.

------ ☾ | i don't have v many comments this time, just sources for the songs referenced in this! i sourced out to my dad since he knows 80s songs much better than i do, but i caved for one song ok song list in order of use in ramble - don't burn the fires | dead moon (1988) that's all | genesis (1983) you are the moon | the hush sound (2006)