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Spin Spin Sugar

Chapter Four : The Enemy

Me and Suko spent the afternoon wandering backstage. The vibe was intensifying as different groups gathered beside the buses. Random couches had been placed all around. Everyone smiled and waved at each other as if they were old friends - it was pretty nice. Drugs and alcohol circulated everywhere and getting stoned was easier than clicking your fingers. I guess refusing was the hard part.

So anyway, we were chilling beside a large metallic gate, right behind the stage. Suko smoked a cigarette and talked on the phone. Well, more like shouted because the show had started an hour ago. We could hear the roar of the crowd that entwined with the bass and beating of the drums.

I, on the other hand, daydreamed like a lunatic. I vaguely recognized the singer from The Used, Bert McCracken. He walked past me and I swear I caught him looking at me. I blushed and ran a nervous hand through my hair, fingers getting stuck halfway. Dammit.

"Hey, Mia, I think we should get back to the van." Suko told me as she'd just hung up the phone.

"Uh, yeah, sure." I replied distractedly as I spotted Gerard who was with Bert.

They were chilling together, just a few meters away, laughing their asses off with a bunch of girls. One of them wouldn't stop flirting with Gerard, she tugged on his jacket, kinda desperately. And Gerard? Well, he just smiled and winked at her, like no care in the world as he bragged his little mouth.

Ts- freaking groupies, I shouldn't be surprised. But maybe she wasn't, maybe she was more than that. But I didn't know, and frankly, not sure I wanted to.

"You coming, Mia?" Suko insisted, already walking away.

I shook my head, pacing to join her. I followed as she took a shortcut between 2 buses.

"Need anything, ladies?" A weird fellow asked us. He was kneeled down, barely noticeable.

"No thanks, old man." Suko retorted, rolling her eyes as she bumped and grabbed my arm. "See? This is what I told you, and the night is not even started yet. Trust me, if you want to write an article for the end of the summer, you need to check yourself."

"Yeah, don't worry, I've never done drugs, they kinda freak me out." I reassured her as we approached our van.

Suko scoffed a laugh. "Yeah, but the peer pressure here is heavy as fuck! You're still so naive to all of this, Mia." She replied as she opened the van's door, throwing herself inside. "Gosh, I'm so exhausted! I need a break..."

I grabbed my tape recorder inside. "Hum... I think I might go have a look around, if you don't mind."

"Mia, you're the journalist, you don't have to ask for permission. Just don't do anything stupid." She murmured, shielding her eyes from the daylight with a pillow.

I chuckled, she looked adorable. "Alright. Take some rest, you deserve it."

*
The First Investigation

-5pm-


Okay, I have to tell you, I was nervous. I didn't know what to do, who to talk to, where to go, all of that. I was just walking helplessly, wondering what should be my next move. The daylight was evolving into an evening colour, it was warm and gloomy. I decided to brainstorm so I found a random chair and sat on it.

Some weird punks were staring at me.

"Note to self : don't mind the freaks."
I murmured in my tape recorder. That was the very first thing I've recorded on that tape- that fucking tape.

Yeah, you'll get it later.

So yeah, there I was, Mia, me, official journalist, sitting on a plastic chair in the backstage of Warped Tour, all alone and awkward. Look, I'm sorry okay? But I wasn't able to be cool yet. A part of me wanted to scream filthy words and smash a beer bottle on my head. While the other, well, the other wanted to hide in a rabbit hole. But I guess a middle ground was required here.

Gladly, the melody of my phone woke me from the grave I was digging myself into.

"Mia Lechowski" I answered, using my professional tone. I really liked doing that.

"Mia, this is Todd!"

"Oh hey, Todd." I gotta admit, I wasn't very excited.

"I'm calling to know how you and the boys are doing! Any scoops so far?"

"Huh, we uuh-" Clearly I wasn't with theboys. "W-we're fine. You know, chilling and... stuff." I babbled, squeezing my eyes as I grabbed my forehead.

"Okay. Well, I'm happy to know you're doing fine. Make sure to interview one of them. I don't want to put any pressure on you, but it's the first night and that's extremely relevant to your article." He told me, only reminding me the job I had to do.

I cringed. "Yeah, I was just about to interview Gerald, huh, I mean Gerard!" What the fuck? I suck at lying, I should really really stop doing this.

"Heh, alright Lechowski, have a good night and make me proud!" Todd said just before hanging up.

Oh well, he seemed pretty happy so I guess he didn't notice my clumsiness.

I sighed and shoved my phone in my pocket, knowing I'd eventually have to stand up and start my quest. Which was; finding the MCR crew. I'd probably have to insert myself into a conversation I didn't belong in. And that, it sounded horrible.

"Alright, let's go. You can do this, Mia. This is just like any other bands you've interviewed before. Nothing different at all, just regular human beings like you..." I stood up unwillingly, taking deep breaths. Why was I so nervous? Ugh.

I took the same shortcut from before, smiling at the random people, the MCR bus was not very far away. My hands were moist and the rate of my heart accelerated, even the VIP pass around my neck was choking me.

I was just in front of the bus now.

At first, I couldn't see anybody, but that's when Frank exited the door. He was using the side of his jacket to hide from the wind as he lighted a cigarette, not seeing me yet. I cleared my throat hesitantly, and then, he turned around.

His eyes brightened up. "Mia! Hey, it's you again!"

"Hi, frank!" I walked closer to him, pulling off my best smile.

"So..." He started. "You're coming to hang with us I suppose?" He taunted, blowing off smoke. Then someone waved at him and he butted his head.

"Yeah, guess I am."

He grinned. "The rest of the others are just over there. Come with me then."

I nodded quickly and followed Frank as he showed me the way. The rest of the band was just behind the bus. They were chilling on 2 sofas, which looked pretty old and decayed, right in the middle of the parking lot. Borders of the field circled the back, giving the scene a somewhat, mystical vibe. A couple of girls were there, too. The same from earlier I think, and other guys I didn't know.

I watched as Frank sat beside Gerard on the couch. He was in the middle of a conversation with a chubby bearded dude, and it looked fascinating.

I took a place on the armchair of the couch facing them. My butt barely touched the surface. I didn't look relaxed at all, and I knew it. Like the nerdy kid that wants to fit in. Ugh, I swear, I didn't know what to do with my hands, it was so annoying.

Everybody was drunk and talking to each other.

"Hey, there she is! The journalist!" Ray shouted at me after a few minutes. "Want a beer?"

I blinked. "Oh, uuh, yeah okay." I smiled as he leaned closer. He gave me the cold beverage. "Thank you, Ray."

"No problem, that way you won't be able to notice the stupid shits I do." He joked but there was a hint of truth in his voice.

I frowned a little.

Maybe he thought I was there to analyze them, I don't know. But god, I hated that feeling. I wasn't there to judge or write stupid scoops. No, that was my old job. But how could they know? They didn't know me after all. I was a stranger, an intruder. That's all I was.

"Don't worry, tonight doesn't count." I smiled, opening the cap of my beer.

And heavens help me now.

Because all the liquid exploded in my face. It spilt everywhere on my tank top. Oh man. Everywhere. Everywhere.

"OH SHIT!" I gasped as I abruptly stood up, wiping out my wet clothes.
Wow.

Now everybody was staring at me, laughing at me.

Ugh. What a great way to start a night. Just when you think you're being careful and incognito, shit turns bad. It took me a few seconds to calm down, not knowing if I should laugh or disappear. Or even cry, for that matter. I scanned the mocking, yet innocent gazes of everyone around me.

Gerard was staring too, smirking.

"Fuck, I didn't see that coming." I exhaled as I sat back down. Everyone eventually went back to their conversation. But I still peered on Gerard. It was the first time our eyes met since I came here and I don't know why, but I just couldn't stop looking at him. Someone was talking to him but he kept peering at me, too. He wore his stage clothes, a bulletproof vest with a pair of black pants. His legs were crossed.

I snapped back when Ray nudged my arm. "Whoa sorry about that Mia! Think someone must've shook the can and put it back, there're lots of dickheads around here."You could see he felt bad, but still enjoyed the ridiculous scene I had given.

"It's okay Ray."

"Oh god that was so funny, are you okay there?" I random blond girl shot.

"Yeah-yeah, it's fine, I'll be fine, I've seen worse." I shrugged just before gulping down what was left of my beer, still adjusting to my wet clothes. Good thing my shirt wasn't white.

I stayed at the same spot for a good 30 minutes, chit-chatting with Ray and the blond girl beside me, her name was Jessica, I think. Or was it Brenda? God, I don't remember. But I guess that's not important because I wasn't really paying attention. She talked so fast and wouldn't stop saying 'like' and 'oh my god' in between every word. But mostly- I couldn't fight the urge I had to look at Gerard.

I was so attracted and compelled to him, I didn't know why. It was... stronger than me. He was so handsome but in a strange way, I was literally stunned. Our gazes met a couple of more times, drifting off from the conversations we had. He constantly bit and licked his lips, and that, it hypnotized me. His mouth was hypnotizing.

After an hour, a few people left the spot. And now, there was only Gerard, Frank, me and 2 random dudes sitting on the sofas. Frank tuned in his guitar, totally absorbed by the notes it made as he moved the pegs. I suddenly knew this was the right time to talk to Gerard. I mean, this staring contest was leading us nowhere.

He stretched his arms on the sofa, yawning. And then, he noticed me again, as I aired there, all by myself. He pondered a little. I was just about to say something but then, he jumped up and came to sit beside me. I gulped as he walked closer.

"Hey" He mumbled.

I looked at him timidly and tucked a strand behind my ear. "Hey"

"You got pretty soaked up earlier." Again with the smirk. Guess I'd better get used to it now.

I laughed silently. "Yeah, I wasn't planning to start a wet t-shirt contest."

"Well..." He started. "I wouldn't be the one to complain..."

I frowned. "Tss, how dare you say that? I'm a professional Mr. Way." I shot, pulling off the unimpressed card. Was it working? I don't fucking know, because a sudden provoked look flashed in his eyes.

"Yeah..." He leaned closer. "You're the professional enemy. How do I know if I can trust you?" He leaned even closer again.

I gasped.

His eyes flared at me now. "Aren't you just about finding scoops and dirty gossip about me?"

"Whoa" I pushed him away and got up, turning my back on him. "Look, if you're all so troubled with my presence...why in the hell did you accept touring with a journalist in the first place?" I scowled, trying to find the right words as I turned around again. "I'm not- I'm not your enemy, stop saying that."

Gerard scanned me from head to toe, but he didn't look mad anymore. No, he looked amused, as if he enjoyed seeing me upset.

He raised an eyebrow. "Fine..." He stood on his feet and walked up to me. "Just wanna make sure things are clear between us."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, whatever." I didn't even know what he wanted to clear out but I played along still. "So... any chance for an interview tonight?"

"Maybe." Gerard shrugged, just before lighting a cigarette. "But after the show."

"That's fine with me." I shoved my hands in my pockets.

We then looked at each other, silently. It was awkward, trust me.

"So hum..."Gerard cleared his throat. "How old are you anyway?"

"23, why?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Ow, so young." He totally ignored my question.

"I suppose you could say th-"

"I'm 28."

I squinted. "Uh yeah. I know that..."

"Oh, I forgot you knew everything about me."

"Well, not everything. J-just the basic facts." I surely didn't know about the thoughts in his head. He was pretty weird.

"You wanna check the bus?" He asked randomly, ignoring what I just said, again. He seemed very agitated, though, but his offer surprised me.

"Uh sure, that'd be great to have a little tour."

He smirked. "Cool, follow me then, professional lady."

I rolled my eyes again. Gerard led me the way and I followed. I was kinda nervous you know. This guy was very straight forward, maybe a bit too much for me. But anyway, we made our way to the bus and I managed to keep my calm no matter what.

"So yeah, this is the living room, if you wanna call it like that." Gerard pointed out once we'd just climbed the staircase. "Mostly to play video games or jam, that kind of shit." He strolled to the little fridge and grabbed a beer.

I nodded as I examined the scene closely, taking in all the details. I then noticed a note pad on the coffee table. I stared at it for a while. I wasn't going to open it, trust me. But Gerard saw me, just as I leaned towards it.

"Hey don't touch that." He barked. "That's private stuff."

I took a step back. "Huh, I wasn't going to."

"Oh yeah? Well, it sure did look you were." He pressed his back against the kitchen wall, eyeing me fiercely. "Don't start that crap with me or I'll have to kick you out, I've seen others like you before."

I frowned. "What do you mean- others like me?" Just what the hell was he talking about again?

"Journalists." He shot. "They pretend to be your friend but stab you in the back as soon as you look away."

I scowled. He was such a drama queen I swear, starting an argument because I dared to look at his stupid book. "Hey relax! I was just curious for a second, that's all!" I crossed my arms. "If you don't want people to look at your stuff, might as well just hide the damn thing. And I get that you're a rockstar and all, but that doesn't mean you have to act like an asshole!" Wow, there I said it. The thing that boiled inside of me since I saw him. I regretted it instantly, though. It wasn't very professional.

But fuck it, it felt good.

Gerard was lost for words. He just stared at me, looking really pissed off. Emotions fought on his face like he was retaining himself to say something. Something vicious and very less sophisticated than my subtle ways.

I had to apologize, I had to. I blushed a little. "Hum.. s-sorry for saying that, I know that wasn't very prof-"

"Professional of you yeah, I know." He cut me abruptly. "You're all about that professional bullshit."

Our tensions raised again, higher.

I scowled again. "And that's a bad thing?"

"Nah, just, annoying..." He groaned, throwing his empty can in the trash. I was astounded at how fast he drank. "Anyway, the show's starting soon. I think you should go. I need some time for myself." He grabbed another beer from the fridge and walked towards the sofa. "We'll do the rest of the bus tour later."

I swear I had never seen someone change emotions so rapidly. But I'm pretty sure our encounter is what created this sudden need to be alone. The energy between us gnawed on my nerves. He was an impossible person to be around, always throwing shades or making sarcastic comments. So full of himself and probably always drunk.

I sighed loudly and rolled my eyes. "Fine."

And then I left, faster than I could ever imagine.

Fucking rockstars. I tell you. Those bloody fuckers, they really have it all you know? The good looks, the fame, and the freaking attitude. Although I was happy to know that the rest of them weren't like him. Because from what it looked like, I wouldn't be able to interview Gerard Way so soon. Well, not until I'd get to know him better. But it was so frustrating because a part of me was attracted to him- and the other... well... the other despised him.

"Note to self: Don't be too honest with precious little rockstars."


I really needed to cool down so I hopped on stage, showing my pass to the security guards. The rest of the band was already prepping for the show. I smiled at them, briefly, they did the same to me. I found a random bench and sat on it, writing some insights as the tech guys wandered around me.

I stayed there silently until Gerard joined the others, he just walked past me, adjusting his earplugs. He didn't even bother to look at me. The 5 of them united in a group hug, holding each other's back as the crowd was already cheering for them.

It was something like 7.30pm when the show started. Everybody lost their minds, it was crazy. I got closer to have a better look.

Gerard was already teasing the crowd.

"COLOMBUS CITYYYY! ARE YOU FUCKING REAAAADY? WARPED TOUR 2000 MOTHER FUCKING 5! LET ME SEE THE BIGGEST FREAKING MOSH PIT IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!!!"


The sounds of their guitar were vicious and electrifying. They started playing The Ghost Of You.

And I swear, when I heard the first riff of Ray's guitar, my heart almost stopped. I drifted in a trance immediately. And I couldn't lie, no matter how much of a cocky dick he was in private, well, at least with me, Gerard Way was a fucking god on stage. His soaked strands slicked back on his scalp, drenched in complete sweat, making hips move I didn't know could exist. His hazel iris were dilating in a black pupil like he'd just summoned a demon.

I watched them pour their hearts out through each song. They were all sweaty, especially Gerard who wouldn't stop walking around.

Time didn't matter anymore.

The audience lost their shit.

It was so intense.

It was so good.

I was in a total state of bliss.

The show ended as soon as the moon appeared. The 5 of them walked towards me, water dripped down their faces as if it had been raining on them. They were all out of breath, panting madly. I tossed myself on the side so they could pass.

"Wow, that was great!" Ray claimed.

"Yeah, I hope you took some notes girl! Cuz we just killed it!" Frank said as he bumped my shoulder.

Bob and Mikey smiled at me and I both high-fived them.

"Good job guys, that was insane." I told them, still febrile from all the emotions.

And then, there was Gerard again, eyeliner smudged all over his cheeks. And I don't know why he did that but- he winked at me. I guess I blushed a little even though I didn't want to.

The 5 of them exited the platform, exhausted but hyped. I just followed silently.
I could still hear the crowd calling their names.

*

We all ended up at the same spot from earlier. The night was young and a fire burned inside a metal barrel, right between the 2 sofas. I noticed Bert McCracken, hanging with Gerard, they looked really close. Suko had also joined the party. The first day of the tour was finally over and everybody smashed their faces.

Well, everyone except me.

I really wanted to do an interview but from what I looked like, I'd have to wait another day. I simply contented myself to revise my notes in a corner.

"Mia, what are you doing there? Come party with us!" Suko yelled as she noticed me in the back. "This is the first night! You don't need to work all the time!"

"Huh, I just need to finish this. Don't mind me, I'm fine."

"Ugh, alright..." She shrugged as she wandered back to the party.

Look, I don't know why I felt the need to isolate myself like that. Maybe it's because I felt like I didn't belong with them, that I was an outsider. Only there because someone hired me to.

So yeah, I stayed there, all alone, probably for an hour, or more. Yeah... more. I didn't pay attention to the world around me. I could hear the sound of the wind, it danced through the tall grass behind me, I really loved it. Almost like a piece of music. The sound of summer.

"The enemy." A voice claimed as I examined my papers. I looked up- it was Gerard and he seemed pretty wasted.

I sighed. "Why do you always say that?"

He grinned lazily. "Because... You're a journalist."

I frowned at his words.

Gerard crawled beside me, he dropped his butt on the ground. "Why're you standing here all alone?"

"Well, I'm the enemy, apparently."

He laughed silently, smirking, yeah again. "You're right about that."

It was actually nice to not see him on the fence, even though he kept on calling me the enemy. But maybe this was just a way to tease me. I didn't know actually, he was very hard to read.

"What are you constantly writing in that book anyway?" He asked, voice throaty.

"Things."

Gerard squinted. "Things?"

"Yes, things that are relevant for my articles." I pressed my notebook against my stomach, feeling invaded.

"Like what?"

"Well... mostly about the way you all just smashed that stage." I said. "And other details I can't tell you yet."

His eyes widened. "You wrote stuff about me?"

I shook my head. "No, not about you personally."

"What does that mean?"

I sighed. "Jesus Gerard Way this is private! I can't show my work when it's not finished. You should know that. You're a writer too..."

He grimaced. "I'm not a writer."

"Well, you write music, that's the same. My writing process is very personal. I wish you would understand that and let me do the job I was hired to do." I said, hoping he would stop.

He sighed. "I guess I just need to get used to it, you know...having a journalist around." He grabbed a rock from the ground and toyed with it. "I never got along with the press."

I waited before speaking. "Well, it'd be a lot easier for both of us if you'd just give me a chance."

Gerard threw the little rock he had in hand and we both watched it as it bounced in the distance. I didn't know if he would reply something nice to me. He was thinking about something.

Then he cleared his throat. "I...I remember you, you know." He murmured, way too carefully as our eyes met. "...from the bar."

The light of the fire reflected in his irises and it took my breath away, but I didn't say anything, I just waited for him to continue.

"I guess I-" He paused, like the words he was about to say made him uncomfortable. "...should thank you for like- taking care of me and...stuff." Gerard sniffed, trailing off to the ground.

Okay, he was embarrassed, but it was kinda cute.

I almost smiled. I really liked that part of him. "It's okay, Gerard. I only did what a person in their right mind would do. I knew that you remembered me."

Gerard looked at me again, not blinking, not even smirking. He seemed very thoughtful. Like he'd just opened a part of him and already regretted it. I guess the alcohol was to blame, or maybe something else, I don't know.

Gerard then cleared his throat and stood up. "Yeah anyway, I should really get back."

"Oh, yeah, s-sure.".

There was Bert in the distance, waving at him with a couple of shots in hands. "Gerard, where the hell were you? Com'over here yeh lil' pussy!"

"Yeah yeah, calm down." He shouted back, a bit overwhelmed as he lifted his pants.

I watched him silently as he went off, just before Bert dragged him out of my sight.

I spaced out for a couple of seconds. I didn't understand this guy, at all. One minute he would tell me to leave, that I was the enemy, and then the other he would thank me? I was very, very confused. Oh well, at least it gave me some kind of hope. A hope to reach him.

I sighed heavily, closing my book as I shoved it in my pocket, thinking a bit of partying would do me good after this crazy day.

I found a mini bar that stood lonely under a tent and picked the first bottle I saw. I think it was Tequila or something like that. Anyway, I smelled the inside of the bottle just to make sure it was real alcohol and don't worry, it was. It burned the inside of my nostrils and smelled like the depths of hell. I groaned as I grabbed a plastic cup, filling it halfway. I also used some random fruit juice to mask the strong taste of the booze. I grimaced, observing the darken mixture in my cup just before taking a huge sip. I almost choked to death. Yeah, I'm not super badass, if you haven't noticed.

I made my way to one of the sofas and threw myself on it. Ray and other punks played guitar in front of me, Wild World from Cat Stevens. It was great. There was also Frank right beside me. He was chuckling, talking to some weird ass guy.

"This is so stupid how can you say that?" He laughed weakly.

Then I coughed without warning.

Frank finally noticed me and grinned. "Hhhhhhhey, Mia! Haven't seen you in a while! Want some of this?" He showed me his hand- a yellow pill shined in the middle of his palm. "It feels amazing." He told me through gritted teeth, clenching his jaw. He was tripping deep. It was all clear now.

"Huh, is that ecstasy?" I asked, holding my cup against my crossed legs. Dammit. I already regretted coming here. The temptations were too real.

"Shhhh-" He shushed me, still laughing. "Not so loud!" He leaned closer to whisper in my ear. "This is one of the best pill in the world."

"Oh...Well, I don't think I should hum-" My eyes wandered around as I flushed. "This is not-"

A-and... shit.... there I saw it- right in the corner.

Something I didn't expect to see.

Something that blew my mind.

My jaw dropped, completely.

Gerard was making out with a girl against a bus, right in the back. It was the girl from earlier I think. He devoured her neck with so much need, so much hunger, it was crazy. And the girl? Well, the girl was gone. She was gripping his hair, she tugged on them. Her mouth was opened wide as she panted heavily. All the while Gerard was grinding his hips against her like a wasted mess, touching her ass. This was so animalistic I swear, so filthy and dirty, just no shame whatsoever.

Oh, god.

Why was I watching them?

I guess it kinda turned me on because fuck, it was hot as hell. But a part of me was tensing up now, it was in my stomach, the very pit of it, it's like a knot was forming.

"Mia? Hello?" Frank waved a hand in front of my eyes - I jumped.

I glanced around to make sure Suko wasn't there. "Okay fuck it, give me that pill."



Notes

(almost famous references for those who noticed) xx

Comments

Yeah! Love your updates.

JackieK JackieK
11/3/19

@mychemaddict
@MotionlessTragedy
I'm trying to be the writer I once was. Its slowly coming back after almost a year.

E___ E___
10/5/18

@Inky Black
I started writing again<3

E___ E___
10/5/18

Ugh this is so good, I need more! One of my absolute favorites.

Inky Black Inky Black
7/31/18

Love This story hope you're still planning on more.