FIC Payback RPF AU
20/11/09 19:28![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shanachie_quillTitle: Payback
Characters: Chris Kane/Royal OFC
Fandom: RPF AU
Summary: Steve keeps saying he can't take Chris anywhere...but honestly Chris didn't need to prove it..
Rating: R
Warnings: Swearing, Real People involved
Disclaimer: I don't know any of the people involved, no offense is meant by using them in this story. This is purely for entertainment purposes. Songs included belong to Steve Carlson, check out his site for links to listen... "Pinata Novia", "I Don't Want To Know", and "Wonder of My World" are quoted.
Author's Note: So this references Chris and Royal's second time...but honestly you don't have to have read that to enjoy this one. Um...I don't know...I'm kinda blanking cause my brain is on the prompt I got.
Characters: Chris Kane/Royal OFC
Fandom: RPF AU
Summary: Steve keeps saying he can't take Chris anywhere...but honestly Chris didn't need to prove it..
Rating: R
Warnings: Swearing, Real People involved
Disclaimer: I don't know any of the people involved, no offense is meant by using them in this story. This is purely for entertainment purposes. Songs included belong to Steve Carlson, check out his site for links to listen... "Pinata Novia", "I Don't Want To Know", and "Wonder of My World" are quoted.
Author's Note: So this references Chris and Royal's second time...but honestly you don't have to have read that to enjoy this one. Um...I don't know...I'm kinda blanking cause my brain is on the prompt I got.
Chris pushed himself away from his Indian as a familiar car pulled into the parking lot of the bistro where his friend was playing. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he strolled over as she pulled into a near-by parking space. “Hey, darlin’,” he greeted her, opening the door for her.
Royal slid out of the car, tugging her skirt back into place and placing a brief kiss on his lips as he refused to back up. “Hi, Chris,” she replied. “How was your day?”
“Fine. I was beginning to think your meeting was going to run over.” His eyes raked over her, enjoying the business look she was sporting; then widened as she shucked the jacket she was wearing, revealing a red silk tank top that was tucked into her black skirt. “You wore that to…”
She leaned into him, silencing him with a soft kiss. “Relax. It’s perfectly acceptable for business and then I meet you and I’m ready to go out.” She raised her eyebrows as he snuggled her against his body. “I thought we were going to see Steve play?”
“Yeah. Yeah, okay.” Chris pulled back, releasing her body, but keeping her hand. “Come on, I told him we’d come backstage before the show.”
Royal let Chris guide her towards the bistro, trying to figure out if she had been here before. It certainly didn’t look like Chris’s type of place, but she knew that he would subject himself to a lot of things to support his best friend. Inside the low lighting gave the place an intimate setting and a more upscale feel than she was used to for the band’s gigs. Chris, in his jeans, t-shirt, and leather jacket, looked a little under-dressed, but he clearly didn’t care as he weaved his way through the tables. He ducked behind the curtains, tugging Royal after him, and coming face to face with an effeminate man. “Hey, Dale,” Chris greeted him as they were halted. “Steve told us to come back.”
“Oh, it’s you.” The man waved in the direction of a room. “He’s in there with the others. Not too long.”
Chris nodded. “We know. Just want to say hey.”
When they stepped into the room, Steve was seated on a stool, a guitar on his lap. He looked up as the door opened and smiled when he recognized the two of them. “Chris, you guys made it.” He set the guitar aside and stood to greet them, clasping Chris into a hug, then turning to Royal. “Hey, Angel.” Hugging her quickly, he kissed her cheek. “You look lovely.”
Royal smiled, enjoying the teasing that Steve hadn’t stopped even after she and Chris had started dating. “Hi, Steve. Good luck tonight.”
“Hey,” Chris protested good-naturedly. “No hittin’ on my girl.”
“That’s not hitting on her,” Steve retorted. “That’s complimenting a lovely lady. Try it sometime, Kane.” He retook his seat, picking the guitar back up. “What’re my chances of you getting up on stage with me tonight?”
Chris shook his head. “This is your night, man. I’m just here to support you.”
Steve finished with the guitar, picking up a second and nodding at the woman in the room. She played a chord for him and he checked the new guitar. “I’m asking for one song. I’ve played my stuff at our shows.”
Royal tuned them out as they bickered for a few minutes, looking back as Chris ran a hand down her arm. “Hey. We need to head back out,” he told her. He nodded at Steve. “Lemme know when.”
Steve clasped hands with him. “Thanks, man. It just looks good.”
“I gather you agreed to the song?” Royal asked as they made their way back out to the main floor.
Chris nodded. “Yeah. Like Steve said it looks good. And it’s not like I mind. I just need to give him shit about it.”
“Hey, Chris!” A table of girls hailed them as they entered the main room and Chris turned, smiling automatically.
“Ladies,” he greeted them. “Hi.” He tugged Royal so she didn’t wander away as he stopped to chat for a moment. “Y’all come out to see Steve?”
One of the girls, who Royal recognized from past Kane shows, leaned forward, smiling widely at Chris. “Well, we thought you might be here and besides we wanted to hear Steve’s music.”
One of the other girls rolled her eyes. “Some of us have heard him before and enjoyed the show so we convinced them it was a good time.”
He nodded in response, slipping an arm around Royal’s shoulders when she tried to edge away. “Well, y’all enjoy the music.” When one of the girls held a pen and piece of paper out to him, he shook his head. “Not tonight, sweetie. It’s Steve’s show. But we’ll be back at Sarah’s in a week and y’all can catch us there.” With a parting wave and smile to the group, he escorted Royal to the other side of the room. Pulling her chair out for her, he waited until she was seated before taking his own seat. “What?” he asked, once he was facing her.
“Bit much, Christian?” she replied.
“Just being friendly,” he answered.
“Laying the Southern on rather thick,” she pointed out.
He leaned forward, coaxing her into a kiss. “You bring it out in me, darlin’.”
“Flattery isn’t going to get you far tonight.”
Before Chris could respond, Steve and the rest of his friends stepped out onto the stage, waving at the crowd. Settling onto the stool that was provided, he adjusted the microphone and said, “Hey, everybody. Nice of you to show up tonight.” He adjusted the strap on his guitar and smiled. “So you’re going to have to bear with me if I sound a little more country than usual tonight. I’ve been playing with a good friend lately and he’s got this thing for country.” He grinned in the direction of Chris and Royal’s table. “But well, I conned him into singing one of my songs tonight so we’ll see how he does with something a little different.”
Royal leaned back in her chair, not surprised to find Chris’s arm behind her as Steve immediately began a song she vaguely recognized. She had heard some of the music Steve had written on his own; the man was rarely without a guitar, but it wasn’t something she normally listened to. Still, relaxing beside Chris, with good music by their friend was something she could definitely enjoy.
A waitress came by as there was a break and Chris ordered them each a drink, checking with her before getting her a soda and himself a beer. He nudged her as Steve started playing Piñata Novia, a song he knew she loved. “Come on,” he murmured in her ear. “Dance with me.”
“We just ordered drinks,” she pointed out.
“You love this song and I’ll get you something after wards.” He tugged her to her feet, coaxing her towards the floor and guiding her into his arms. Royal wrapped her arms around his neck as he settled his hands on her hips. “Second best way to have you in my arms, babe,” he told her as they swayed.
She rested her head on his shoulder. “Oh yeah?” she asked. “I don’t need to ask what the first is.” He didn’t respond, but held her closer, spinning her into the crowd so that they could blend in a little.
Steve had seen Chris lead Royal out onto the dance floor and he leaned towards the microphone, singing the chorus of the song,
I don’t know why
I’m always tryin’ to get inside of you
Pinata Novia
I’m sorry I’m breaking you open…
but it’s just what you want me to do
I’m sure that time’s gonna take it’s toll
and I know that my tattooed heart
may make you lose control
but grab a hold of something
preferably my heart
oh and promise you won’t let it go
and swear you’ll never part away from me
He was glad to see his friend holding tightly to a girl who he thought was the best thing that had ever happened to him. Sometimes the happiness of them together made his heart break just a little, but then he thought of how much more relaxed Chris was now and he couldn’t begrudge him this. Still he was glad he was watching them from the stage tonight and didn’t have a front row seat; it made it just a little easier to bear.
Chris eased Royal away from the crowd as the song ended. “You still want that soda?” he asked, kissing her avidly without waiting for her reply.
She nodded absently when he pulled away from her. “Yeah. Sounds good,” she replied. “Kinda hot in here.”
“All right. I’ll be right back. Don’t wander off.”
“Not going anywhere, Kane,” she teased him. “I’ll just listen to the music.” She turned to watch him work his way through the crowd, enjoying the view from the back she was presented with. He had checked his jacket when they entered and she was treated to an unobstructed view of his ass as he weaved through the people. As Steve started another song, she turned her attention back to the stage.
I don't understand where we stand
There’s a funny feeling
That I get when I'm with you
You and I we've gone so far together
Feels like we're one step away
From being through
And I know you better then you
Might think
And I think you might have done
Something wrong
She didn’t even realize she was humming along with the song Steve had started playing until a voice said in her ear, “So you still remember our song?”
Spinning around, Royal stepped backwards so quickly she almost tripped over her own feet. “What? No.” She glared at Frederick Grayling, her ex-boyfriend. “Get away.”
He smiled at her and Royal felt her skin crawl, making her wonder what had ever attracted her to him. “Not even a dance for old times’ sake? It is our song after all.”
“No. The song belongs to Steve.” Royal wrapped her arms around her torso, trying to avoid the hands that were reaching towards her and wondering where Chris was.
Dick stepped closer, crowding her. “Dance with me or I’ll drag you out of here. I’m sure you don’t want a scene.” He leaned in, voice low and dangerous. “You never did before.”
Before Royal could react, a hand appeared from behind Dick, spinning him around. “She might not cause a scene,” a familiar voice said, “but I don’t have that problem. Leave the lady alone.”
Dick’s disdain was clear as his eyes skated over the uncouth lout that had dared to accost him. “Who the hell are you to interrupt my girlfriend and me, you dumb country hick?”
Chris’s eyes narrowed, but he ignored the slur. “She’s not your girl. She’s mine. And she makes her own decisions. So if she told you to leave her alone…walk away.”
“Why do you even care what this fat cow wants? She’s nothing. Not worth a thought.”
Before Royal could blink, Chris’s arm was up and his fist careening into Dick’s jaw; sending the other man reeling backwards. “You don’t say…” Chris started, but was stopped by Dick’s voice.
“She’s just a stupid slut. One who won’t even spread her legs.”
Chris’s eyes narrowed and he growled loud enough to be heard over the noise of the crowd. His fist came up, quick and sure, hitting the underside of Dick’s jaw and snapping his teeth together. When the other man’s arm swung wildly at him, he blocked it easily and slammed his fist into the man’s nose, feeling a spurt of satisfaction when blood began to flow freely. A third punch laid the man out on the floor; patrons scrambling to get out of the way. “Don’t even speak her name again. You don’t deserve to even look at her,” he ground out.
Turning, he reached for Royal, guiding her away and running trembling hands over her shoulders and arms. “Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” he asked. He pulled his hands away, not wanting to touch her with the hands that had caused pain.
Royal grabbed him, not allowing him to back away. Cupping his face, she dragged him towards her, kissing him hungrily. “Thank you,” she murmured against his lips. “My knight.”
“You’re okay?” he asked, allowing himself to touch her now that she was clinging to him.
“I’m fine, Chris. And cannot believe you just defended me like that.”
“Why wouldn’t I defend you?” he murmured. “You’re my girl. And I’ll…”
“So I asked a friend of mine to sing a song with me tonight,” Steve’s voice interrupted them and they both turned to look at the stage; realizing he was talking about Chris, “and if my buddy is now done wrecking the joint. I’m hoping he’ll get his ass up here and actually do that.”
Chris looked down at Royal who was covering her mouth to hide her smile. “I have a feeling he means me,” he told her.
“Nah, I think he’s talking about another guy who just punched someone out,” Royal teased.
“Well, you’re not staying here just in case that asshole comes back.” Chris took her by the hand and led her up towards the stage as Steve continued to talk, although neither one of them were really listening to him. Chris glanced around as they got near the stage and realized that all of the seats were taken up. One of the girls he had spoken to earlier waved at him and motioned to a seat that they quickly cleared. “Thanks,” he told them as he helped Royal into it. “I’ll be back,” he promised her.
“I think I can survive,” she assured him.
Steve shook his head as Chris joined him on stage, accepting the second guitar that was held out to him. “God,” Steve said as Chris looked the guitar over, “I can’t take you anywhere, can I?” When Chris just glared in response, he continued, “Ya think you can manage to sing a song for your girl? Without punching someone else?”
“He insulted Royal,” Chris muttered, just loud enough for the mic to pick up.
Steve looked at him in surprise. “And all you did was lay him out?”
“Thought you wanted me to sing?” Chris changed the subject or attempted to as Steve peered through the lights, looking for Royal.
Chris pointed in the right direction, knowing that Steve wasn’t going to give up until he’d had his say. “Hey, Angel,” Steve called. “You wanna pick the song for us?”
Chris rolled his eyes as Royal giggled. “Seriously, Carlson, stop calling ma girl ‘Angel’,” he bitched, his accent deepening with frustration. “It just sounds…wrong.”
Steve clapped his best friend on the shoulder. “Come on, it’s just a joke. Roy? You got a song for us?”
She started to shake her head, but then smiled. “Wonder of My World?” she suggested.
“Think you can fake it? And manage not to countrify it?” Steve asked.
“I’m game if you are.” Chris settled the guitar on his knee. “We doing this?”
Steve nodded as the band picked up the beat for the song. Chris waited until they were well into the intro before slipping in with a counter to the melody, familiarity with Steve and his playing allowing him to make it sound like it belonged in the song. Steve grinned as he started the first verse, relaxed as always when he was on stage and losing himself in the music,
Everything you know
Let it go
Go on and throw it out the window
And stop making sense
Can't you see that reason has no relevance
Half expecting Chris to come in on the chorus, he was still prepared for the other man not to start singing so he didn’t even stumble when Chris didn’t come in until half-way through.
And I'll be here on a bending knee
To take you any place that you wanna be
Cause you're so much more
Than just a wonderful girl
You're the wonder of my world
Royal smiled softly as Chris looked in her direction as he continued singing, blending his voice with Steve’s as they began the second verse. She had picked the song because of its upbeat rhythm, but was now enjoying the lyrics.
Everybody knows
Cause it shows
When you bite your lip and smile at me
The hug goodbye that last too long
The second glance that just felt wrong
Cause you and I we're here tonight
And it's clear that we both want to make things right
Chris dropped out as Steve finished the song, just playing along softly as his friend sung. There was a different vibe to the show here and he was more relaxed now. He wasn’t sorry he had punched the asshole, but for upsetting Royal and ruining Steve’s night. As the song ended, he moved to get to his feet, but Steve shook his head. Puzzled, Chris settled back down. “That’s it for tonight, folks,” Steve said. “I’m gonna get my buddy out of here before he decides to sing one of his songs.” Standing up and motioning for the rest of the band, including Chris to do the same, he waved. “Have a good night, everyone.”
As they exited the stage, Steve snagged Royal’s arm, drawing her along with the band who moved quickly through the main room and into the room they had accompanied before the show. Steve hugged her before turning her over to Chris. Royal snuggled into him, smiling at them both. “It was a good show, Steve.”
“Thanks, Royal.” Steve began packing up his stuff as Chris turned his attention to his girl.
“You okay?” he asked, running gentle hands down her arms.
Royal smiled up at him, squeezing his hands which had found their way into hers. “I’m perfectly fine, Chris. Glad that you’re okay.” She reached up and kissed him gently. “Hey, remember back when we first got together?”
He frowned, checking to be sure that the band wasn’t listening to them. Brushing her hair back from her face, he nodded. “Yeah.” Returning her kiss, he said, “I told you that you were beautiful and that you shouldn’t listen to those other guys.”
“And you told me if we ever ran into the guy who made me feel so down about myself, I should tell you so you could beat the shit out of him.”
“Yeah. Why? Did you see him?”
She smiled. “Yes and you flattened him.”
Chris growled. “That was him?”
“Yes. And you, my handsome knight, came to my rescue.” Royal twinned her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a longer kiss. When she released him, his eyes were glazed over and he had pulled her to him, molding her body to his. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I love you and I love that you defended me.”
He cleared his throat, suddenly remembering that they most likely still had an audience. “No one should speak to you that way. To you or any girl. That guy didn’t know what he had. I’m sorry he treated you that way, but I’m not sorry you left him.”
Royal smiled up at him. “I found someone much better.”
Steve choked from behind them. “Kill me with the sap, you two.”
Chris turned around, surprised to discover that the rest of the band had cleared out and that Steve was just snapping the locks on his last guitar case. “Thought we were going to go grab a bite or something?”
“Yeah. Well.” Steve hefted his case. “You two need to go get a room or something.” He held up a hand when Chris opened his mouth. “I’m not upset, Chris. I just don’t need it rubbed in my face tonight, okay? I just…” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t need your happy, loving life shoved at me tonight. I love ya both, you know that, but I’d rather just go home. And I’ll see you guys next weekend at Sarah’s.”
Royal moved over to hug him briefly. “We didn’t mean to make you feel bad, Stevie.”
He sighed, smiling a little at the nickname. Royal had picked it up from somewhere, but didn’t use it very often at all. “I know, Angel, and I’m not upset with either of you.” Motioning towards the door, he continued, “Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
Stepping between them, Royal slipped her hands through both guys’ arms, beginning a conversation with them about what they were going to do for the show the next weekend. Before they all separated, she was sure that Steve wasn’t going to go home to brood. Chris, on the other hand, was almost certainly being rewarded when they got to his place. The image of Dick hitting the floor; Chris towering over him was enough to make her wet all over again. She was almost sorry they had arrived separately. Chris saw her safely into Eleanor, reminding her to drive carefully before sauntering over to his Indian. As he straddled the bike, he grinned to himself as he anticipated what would happen when they got home.
Royal slid out of the car, tugging her skirt back into place and placing a brief kiss on his lips as he refused to back up. “Hi, Chris,” she replied. “How was your day?”
“Fine. I was beginning to think your meeting was going to run over.” His eyes raked over her, enjoying the business look she was sporting; then widened as she shucked the jacket she was wearing, revealing a red silk tank top that was tucked into her black skirt. “You wore that to…”
She leaned into him, silencing him with a soft kiss. “Relax. It’s perfectly acceptable for business and then I meet you and I’m ready to go out.” She raised her eyebrows as he snuggled her against his body. “I thought we were going to see Steve play?”
“Yeah. Yeah, okay.” Chris pulled back, releasing her body, but keeping her hand. “Come on, I told him we’d come backstage before the show.”
Royal let Chris guide her towards the bistro, trying to figure out if she had been here before. It certainly didn’t look like Chris’s type of place, but she knew that he would subject himself to a lot of things to support his best friend. Inside the low lighting gave the place an intimate setting and a more upscale feel than she was used to for the band’s gigs. Chris, in his jeans, t-shirt, and leather jacket, looked a little under-dressed, but he clearly didn’t care as he weaved his way through the tables. He ducked behind the curtains, tugging Royal after him, and coming face to face with an effeminate man. “Hey, Dale,” Chris greeted him as they were halted. “Steve told us to come back.”
“Oh, it’s you.” The man waved in the direction of a room. “He’s in there with the others. Not too long.”
Chris nodded. “We know. Just want to say hey.”
When they stepped into the room, Steve was seated on a stool, a guitar on his lap. He looked up as the door opened and smiled when he recognized the two of them. “Chris, you guys made it.” He set the guitar aside and stood to greet them, clasping Chris into a hug, then turning to Royal. “Hey, Angel.” Hugging her quickly, he kissed her cheek. “You look lovely.”
Royal smiled, enjoying the teasing that Steve hadn’t stopped even after she and Chris had started dating. “Hi, Steve. Good luck tonight.”
“Hey,” Chris protested good-naturedly. “No hittin’ on my girl.”
“That’s not hitting on her,” Steve retorted. “That’s complimenting a lovely lady. Try it sometime, Kane.” He retook his seat, picking the guitar back up. “What’re my chances of you getting up on stage with me tonight?”
Chris shook his head. “This is your night, man. I’m just here to support you.”
Steve finished with the guitar, picking up a second and nodding at the woman in the room. She played a chord for him and he checked the new guitar. “I’m asking for one song. I’ve played my stuff at our shows.”
Royal tuned them out as they bickered for a few minutes, looking back as Chris ran a hand down her arm. “Hey. We need to head back out,” he told her. He nodded at Steve. “Lemme know when.”
Steve clasped hands with him. “Thanks, man. It just looks good.”
“I gather you agreed to the song?” Royal asked as they made their way back out to the main floor.
Chris nodded. “Yeah. Like Steve said it looks good. And it’s not like I mind. I just need to give him shit about it.”
“Hey, Chris!” A table of girls hailed them as they entered the main room and Chris turned, smiling automatically.
“Ladies,” he greeted them. “Hi.” He tugged Royal so she didn’t wander away as he stopped to chat for a moment. “Y’all come out to see Steve?”
One of the girls, who Royal recognized from past Kane shows, leaned forward, smiling widely at Chris. “Well, we thought you might be here and besides we wanted to hear Steve’s music.”
One of the other girls rolled her eyes. “Some of us have heard him before and enjoyed the show so we convinced them it was a good time.”
He nodded in response, slipping an arm around Royal’s shoulders when she tried to edge away. “Well, y’all enjoy the music.” When one of the girls held a pen and piece of paper out to him, he shook his head. “Not tonight, sweetie. It’s Steve’s show. But we’ll be back at Sarah’s in a week and y’all can catch us there.” With a parting wave and smile to the group, he escorted Royal to the other side of the room. Pulling her chair out for her, he waited until she was seated before taking his own seat. “What?” he asked, once he was facing her.
“Bit much, Christian?” she replied.
“Just being friendly,” he answered.
“Laying the Southern on rather thick,” she pointed out.
He leaned forward, coaxing her into a kiss. “You bring it out in me, darlin’.”
“Flattery isn’t going to get you far tonight.”
Before Chris could respond, Steve and the rest of his friends stepped out onto the stage, waving at the crowd. Settling onto the stool that was provided, he adjusted the microphone and said, “Hey, everybody. Nice of you to show up tonight.” He adjusted the strap on his guitar and smiled. “So you’re going to have to bear with me if I sound a little more country than usual tonight. I’ve been playing with a good friend lately and he’s got this thing for country.” He grinned in the direction of Chris and Royal’s table. “But well, I conned him into singing one of my songs tonight so we’ll see how he does with something a little different.”
Royal leaned back in her chair, not surprised to find Chris’s arm behind her as Steve immediately began a song she vaguely recognized. She had heard some of the music Steve had written on his own; the man was rarely without a guitar, but it wasn’t something she normally listened to. Still, relaxing beside Chris, with good music by their friend was something she could definitely enjoy.
A waitress came by as there was a break and Chris ordered them each a drink, checking with her before getting her a soda and himself a beer. He nudged her as Steve started playing Piñata Novia, a song he knew she loved. “Come on,” he murmured in her ear. “Dance with me.”
“We just ordered drinks,” she pointed out.
“You love this song and I’ll get you something after wards.” He tugged her to her feet, coaxing her towards the floor and guiding her into his arms. Royal wrapped her arms around his neck as he settled his hands on her hips. “Second best way to have you in my arms, babe,” he told her as they swayed.
She rested her head on his shoulder. “Oh yeah?” she asked. “I don’t need to ask what the first is.” He didn’t respond, but held her closer, spinning her into the crowd so that they could blend in a little.
Steve had seen Chris lead Royal out onto the dance floor and he leaned towards the microphone, singing the chorus of the song,
I don’t know why
I’m always tryin’ to get inside of you
Pinata Novia
I’m sorry I’m breaking you open…
but it’s just what you want me to do
I’m sure that time’s gonna take it’s toll
and I know that my tattooed heart
may make you lose control
but grab a hold of something
preferably my heart
oh and promise you won’t let it go
and swear you’ll never part away from me
He was glad to see his friend holding tightly to a girl who he thought was the best thing that had ever happened to him. Sometimes the happiness of them together made his heart break just a little, but then he thought of how much more relaxed Chris was now and he couldn’t begrudge him this. Still he was glad he was watching them from the stage tonight and didn’t have a front row seat; it made it just a little easier to bear.
Chris eased Royal away from the crowd as the song ended. “You still want that soda?” he asked, kissing her avidly without waiting for her reply.
She nodded absently when he pulled away from her. “Yeah. Sounds good,” she replied. “Kinda hot in here.”
“All right. I’ll be right back. Don’t wander off.”
“Not going anywhere, Kane,” she teased him. “I’ll just listen to the music.” She turned to watch him work his way through the crowd, enjoying the view from the back she was presented with. He had checked his jacket when they entered and she was treated to an unobstructed view of his ass as he weaved through the people. As Steve started another song, she turned her attention back to the stage.
I don't understand where we stand
There’s a funny feeling
That I get when I'm with you
You and I we've gone so far together
Feels like we're one step away
From being through
And I know you better then you
Might think
And I think you might have done
Something wrong
She didn’t even realize she was humming along with the song Steve had started playing until a voice said in her ear, “So you still remember our song?”
Spinning around, Royal stepped backwards so quickly she almost tripped over her own feet. “What? No.” She glared at Frederick Grayling, her ex-boyfriend. “Get away.”
He smiled at her and Royal felt her skin crawl, making her wonder what had ever attracted her to him. “Not even a dance for old times’ sake? It is our song after all.”
“No. The song belongs to Steve.” Royal wrapped her arms around her torso, trying to avoid the hands that were reaching towards her and wondering where Chris was.
Dick stepped closer, crowding her. “Dance with me or I’ll drag you out of here. I’m sure you don’t want a scene.” He leaned in, voice low and dangerous. “You never did before.”
Before Royal could react, a hand appeared from behind Dick, spinning him around. “She might not cause a scene,” a familiar voice said, “but I don’t have that problem. Leave the lady alone.”
Dick’s disdain was clear as his eyes skated over the uncouth lout that had dared to accost him. “Who the hell are you to interrupt my girlfriend and me, you dumb country hick?”
Chris’s eyes narrowed, but he ignored the slur. “She’s not your girl. She’s mine. And she makes her own decisions. So if she told you to leave her alone…walk away.”
“Why do you even care what this fat cow wants? She’s nothing. Not worth a thought.”
Before Royal could blink, Chris’s arm was up and his fist careening into Dick’s jaw; sending the other man reeling backwards. “You don’t say…” Chris started, but was stopped by Dick’s voice.
“She’s just a stupid slut. One who won’t even spread her legs.”
Chris’s eyes narrowed and he growled loud enough to be heard over the noise of the crowd. His fist came up, quick and sure, hitting the underside of Dick’s jaw and snapping his teeth together. When the other man’s arm swung wildly at him, he blocked it easily and slammed his fist into the man’s nose, feeling a spurt of satisfaction when blood began to flow freely. A third punch laid the man out on the floor; patrons scrambling to get out of the way. “Don’t even speak her name again. You don’t deserve to even look at her,” he ground out.
Turning, he reached for Royal, guiding her away and running trembling hands over her shoulders and arms. “Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” he asked. He pulled his hands away, not wanting to touch her with the hands that had caused pain.
Royal grabbed him, not allowing him to back away. Cupping his face, she dragged him towards her, kissing him hungrily. “Thank you,” she murmured against his lips. “My knight.”
“You’re okay?” he asked, allowing himself to touch her now that she was clinging to him.
“I’m fine, Chris. And cannot believe you just defended me like that.”
“Why wouldn’t I defend you?” he murmured. “You’re my girl. And I’ll…”
“So I asked a friend of mine to sing a song with me tonight,” Steve’s voice interrupted them and they both turned to look at the stage; realizing he was talking about Chris, “and if my buddy is now done wrecking the joint. I’m hoping he’ll get his ass up here and actually do that.”
Chris looked down at Royal who was covering her mouth to hide her smile. “I have a feeling he means me,” he told her.
“Nah, I think he’s talking about another guy who just punched someone out,” Royal teased.
“Well, you’re not staying here just in case that asshole comes back.” Chris took her by the hand and led her up towards the stage as Steve continued to talk, although neither one of them were really listening to him. Chris glanced around as they got near the stage and realized that all of the seats were taken up. One of the girls he had spoken to earlier waved at him and motioned to a seat that they quickly cleared. “Thanks,” he told them as he helped Royal into it. “I’ll be back,” he promised her.
“I think I can survive,” she assured him.
Steve shook his head as Chris joined him on stage, accepting the second guitar that was held out to him. “God,” Steve said as Chris looked the guitar over, “I can’t take you anywhere, can I?” When Chris just glared in response, he continued, “Ya think you can manage to sing a song for your girl? Without punching someone else?”
“He insulted Royal,” Chris muttered, just loud enough for the mic to pick up.
Steve looked at him in surprise. “And all you did was lay him out?”
“Thought you wanted me to sing?” Chris changed the subject or attempted to as Steve peered through the lights, looking for Royal.
Chris pointed in the right direction, knowing that Steve wasn’t going to give up until he’d had his say. “Hey, Angel,” Steve called. “You wanna pick the song for us?”
Chris rolled his eyes as Royal giggled. “Seriously, Carlson, stop calling ma girl ‘Angel’,” he bitched, his accent deepening with frustration. “It just sounds…wrong.”
Steve clapped his best friend on the shoulder. “Come on, it’s just a joke. Roy? You got a song for us?”
She started to shake her head, but then smiled. “Wonder of My World?” she suggested.
“Think you can fake it? And manage not to countrify it?” Steve asked.
“I’m game if you are.” Chris settled the guitar on his knee. “We doing this?”
Steve nodded as the band picked up the beat for the song. Chris waited until they were well into the intro before slipping in with a counter to the melody, familiarity with Steve and his playing allowing him to make it sound like it belonged in the song. Steve grinned as he started the first verse, relaxed as always when he was on stage and losing himself in the music,
Everything you know
Let it go
Go on and throw it out the window
And stop making sense
Can't you see that reason has no relevance
Half expecting Chris to come in on the chorus, he was still prepared for the other man not to start singing so he didn’t even stumble when Chris didn’t come in until half-way through.
And I'll be here on a bending knee
To take you any place that you wanna be
Cause you're so much more
Than just a wonderful girl
You're the wonder of my world
Royal smiled softly as Chris looked in her direction as he continued singing, blending his voice with Steve’s as they began the second verse. She had picked the song because of its upbeat rhythm, but was now enjoying the lyrics.
Everybody knows
Cause it shows
When you bite your lip and smile at me
The hug goodbye that last too long
The second glance that just felt wrong
Cause you and I we're here tonight
And it's clear that we both want to make things right
Chris dropped out as Steve finished the song, just playing along softly as his friend sung. There was a different vibe to the show here and he was more relaxed now. He wasn’t sorry he had punched the asshole, but for upsetting Royal and ruining Steve’s night. As the song ended, he moved to get to his feet, but Steve shook his head. Puzzled, Chris settled back down. “That’s it for tonight, folks,” Steve said. “I’m gonna get my buddy out of here before he decides to sing one of his songs.” Standing up and motioning for the rest of the band, including Chris to do the same, he waved. “Have a good night, everyone.”
As they exited the stage, Steve snagged Royal’s arm, drawing her along with the band who moved quickly through the main room and into the room they had accompanied before the show. Steve hugged her before turning her over to Chris. Royal snuggled into him, smiling at them both. “It was a good show, Steve.”
“Thanks, Royal.” Steve began packing up his stuff as Chris turned his attention to his girl.
“You okay?” he asked, running gentle hands down her arms.
Royal smiled up at him, squeezing his hands which had found their way into hers. “I’m perfectly fine, Chris. Glad that you’re okay.” She reached up and kissed him gently. “Hey, remember back when we first got together?”
He frowned, checking to be sure that the band wasn’t listening to them. Brushing her hair back from her face, he nodded. “Yeah.” Returning her kiss, he said, “I told you that you were beautiful and that you shouldn’t listen to those other guys.”
“And you told me if we ever ran into the guy who made me feel so down about myself, I should tell you so you could beat the shit out of him.”
“Yeah. Why? Did you see him?”
She smiled. “Yes and you flattened him.”
Chris growled. “That was him?”
“Yes. And you, my handsome knight, came to my rescue.” Royal twinned her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a longer kiss. When she released him, his eyes were glazed over and he had pulled her to him, molding her body to his. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I love you and I love that you defended me.”
He cleared his throat, suddenly remembering that they most likely still had an audience. “No one should speak to you that way. To you or any girl. That guy didn’t know what he had. I’m sorry he treated you that way, but I’m not sorry you left him.”
Royal smiled up at him. “I found someone much better.”
Steve choked from behind them. “Kill me with the sap, you two.”
Chris turned around, surprised to discover that the rest of the band had cleared out and that Steve was just snapping the locks on his last guitar case. “Thought we were going to go grab a bite or something?”
“Yeah. Well.” Steve hefted his case. “You two need to go get a room or something.” He held up a hand when Chris opened his mouth. “I’m not upset, Chris. I just don’t need it rubbed in my face tonight, okay? I just…” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t need your happy, loving life shoved at me tonight. I love ya both, you know that, but I’d rather just go home. And I’ll see you guys next weekend at Sarah’s.”
Royal moved over to hug him briefly. “We didn’t mean to make you feel bad, Stevie.”
He sighed, smiling a little at the nickname. Royal had picked it up from somewhere, but didn’t use it very often at all. “I know, Angel, and I’m not upset with either of you.” Motioning towards the door, he continued, “Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
Stepping between them, Royal slipped her hands through both guys’ arms, beginning a conversation with them about what they were going to do for the show the next weekend. Before they all separated, she was sure that Steve wasn’t going to go home to brood. Chris, on the other hand, was almost certainly being rewarded when they got to his place. The image of Dick hitting the floor; Chris towering over him was enough to make her wet all over again. She was almost sorry they had arrived separately. Chris saw her safely into Eleanor, reminding her to drive carefully before sauntering over to his Indian. As he straddled the bike, he grinned to himself as he anticipated what would happen when they got home.
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