[IC] Contracted - Dead Hopes and Dreams

[Orchestratic]

TAP-tap-tap, TAP-tap-tap, TAP-- TATatatatataTATatatatata TAP!

The unpleasant sounds of a metal spatula and blade of a kitchen knife drumming on a griddle were turned into rhythmical combinations as they echoed into the small corner diner. "The Best Around Waffle House" was a small establishment on the corner of Tim and 88th Street. They may not have had the most space or the best class, but they did have Parker as a chef, whose father had taught him to cook with five-star quality.

TAP-tap-tap, TAP-tap-tap, TAP-- TATatatatataTATatatatata TAP!

In fact, if he had been any less of a cook he would have been fired long ago, for his irritating habit of bringing his musical hobbies to work have caused more than a handful of complaints. Pamela Vick, his boss and the lady who lived in the apartment above the diner, was actually quite fond of the music, but she knew that if she let him get away with it all the time they'd eventually lose all of their business.

Tap, ta-tap, tap, ta-tap, tap, ta-tap, tap --

"Excuse... ex... EXCUSE ME!" Parker nearly lost grip of his makeshift drumsticks when the shrill voice of a hungry, impatient and clearly angry woman interrupted his groove. Parker spun from his place of filling a simple order of pancakes and scrambled eggs to see a middle-aged red-headed woman in the doorway of the swinging kitchen door striking a pose that clearly stated "that 'Employees Only' sign means nothing to me right now" and a glare that added "and neither do you". Asking the question seemed pointless, but it somehow seemed more rude not to inquire anyway.

"I'm sorry, can I help you?" He asked, fearing her lash. Being yelled at by someone didn't scare Parker, but his short-fuse reaction did. Ever since he was a child, his anger was something he couldn't control, and he really didn't want to get fired for yelling at this woman -- he actually liked this job. Luckily, however, she was just as invested in keeping this interaction civil.... after the initial yelling to get his attention, of course.

Taking a breath and dropping the glare, she cleared her throat and began. "I've had a really, really stressful work day, and I was just looking forward to eating in peace and--

"Of course, ma'am, I'm terribly sorry," Parker said with his signature crooked smile. Almost every person in the Mors family had reliable charisma and a silver tongue. "I'm a drummer in a band, and we have an important gig this weekend. I won't bore you with the details-- nor will I disturb your meal any further. Please, enjoy your meal."

A few hours later, Parker's eyes were excitedly set on Jill -- the name he gave his purple van which he could see out the back window as he was taking off his hairnet and apron. It was just a little passed five and The Harbingers band practice began at six on Thursdays. This barely gave him enough time to get home and get changed before heading to Revelation Studios. Surely Soren would need a ride, as well. Luckily, Parker's drums were still packed in Jill from Tuesday's practice. "G'night, Pam," Parker said over his shoulder as he hurried out the door, not even bothering to wait for a response. He was usually more polite than that, but the woman was pushing 60 and fading hearing required three to five sayings of "goodnight," each increasing in volume, and he simply did not have the time nor patience for that.

Even though he knew the band would understand if he were late, patience was one of Parker's worst attributes. This became more fact than opinion as he sped through another red light in front of his apartment building, giving the signal to Soren to buzz the door open (so Parker wouldn't have to dig out his key) and to get his self ready: three short honks and a long one in a slower (not to mention monotone) version of the beginning of Beethoven's fifth symphony from Jill's horn. Since the rhythm Beethoven used for that intro is also Morse code for the letter "V", Parker and Soren liked to joke and say it stood for "Vroom time." After the honks were made, Parker began step out of the van but paused a moment, then quickly whipped out his phone and began a text to Soren, who he just realized might not be home.

"Are you home? If so, just hurry down and bring me a shirt to change into. I actually have a pair of shorts in the van to practice in. If you're not home, where are you so I can pick you up?" As the message sent, he hoped his best friend would hurry back with his text - and also be home - because it was now 5:10.

[Orchestratic]

Void.

[Orchestratic]

Void.

[22ice22]

Dangling his feet over the back of the couch, Søren was laying with his head hanging off the front of the seat. In his hands he firmly held Nete, his beloved bass guitar named for one of the Mousai Apollonides. His fingers gently sliding along the strings and across the strings as he played a sponatneous song that grew and changed with every passing moment.

Søren sighed happily. He loved these moments him and Nete only, everything but the music they were creating forgotten. 'If only it could be like this all the time' Søren thought to himself as he continued to play. His eyes closed softly as he let his mind meld into the melody that he and Nete created.

Three short honks from a horn followed by a fourth longer one broke the serenity of Søren's mind. Throwing his feet over his head he rolled off the couch and onto his feet, and played a final a chord to the improvised song. Slowly removing the bass from his grasp he set her in her case. He sighed again this time in slight aggravation as his phone went off, it was almost defintely Parker asking him to grab something and to tell Søren it was time to head to practice. Grabbing his phone he unlocked the screen and checked. "Yep it's from Parker," he confirmed out loud, "And, he wants me to get him a shirt. Of course."

With Nete safetly settled into her case, he closed it and set it by the door. Søren then proceeded to grab his black and red striped jacket, slip it on, slide his phone into the jacket's pocket and grab a miscellaneous shirt for Parker. Not even bothering to text Parker, he gingerly picked up the case by the door exiting the apartment and locked it behind him.

Stepping out of the apartment building, Søren approached Parker's van. Opening the passenger door he chucked the shirt at his friend and stepped in after placing his guitar behind the seat.

Looking over at his friend Søren mockingly called out, "Come on Parker for someone so impatient you seem to take forever to get ready. You don't even look like you're ready for band practice and to think you are four years my elder, the shame."

[Leviathan]

“Then shade in what you have and it won’t look like a complete failure.” A burly man with a full yet well maintained beard joked in a dull tone. He was hovering over a woman with vibrant cerise colored hair in loose curls nearly reaching her elbows. Her intense cyan tinted eyes were heavily focused on finishing a piece to add into her growing portfolio. Not many pages were filled as of yet since she just started not too long ago, and the majority would need to be on skin to advertise her true still. Petra did indeed have potential to become a great tattoo artist one day especially at such a renowned place as Voltic. Though, her heart truly lied with playing guitar. It was always nice to have a backup plan until The Harbingers took off…and she knew that they eventually would.

“If it’s a failure, Trent, it’s only because you taught me.” Petra jested before waving her teacher away as if she could not be bothered with his lowly presence any further.

Trent scoffed while walking to the reception desk and every footstep he took almost seemed to shake the very foundation—precisely how massive this giant of a man is. “Hey, don’t you have some sort of music practice with a band that is never going to get off the ground?” A smirk crossed his lips as he began counting money from a customer.

“Shit, you’re right. I am taking off, guess I’ll see you guys later…if I still have a job here.” She crossly referenced a few days ago when she had walked the entire half hour only to be told she had been let go. Trent had a famous temper and sometimes unintentionally took it out on the people who worked with him—and that day it had been Petra. Her fingers gathered the pristine portfolio and tucked it into a briefcase, and she walked back to the employee lounge to place the item into a locker. She twisted the combination close and motioned for Crocell to join, he usually rested obediently on the plush leather sofa snoozing away. Her hand tossed a studded one strapped bag over her shoulder and picked up her weathered guitar case.

“You just never know do ya doll.” Trent yelled back to Petra managing to stay straight faced.

She stuck out her tongue while exiting the front of Voltic and held the door open for Crocell to strut through. Petra had to leave especially early now that her car had been sold for some extra cash, luckily though Revelation Studio was closer to her work than from Sunrise Plaza. She had not bothered telling the others or wanted to involve them in her financial crisis. Everyone had that friend who was dirt poor and inadvertently bogged down the fun with their lingering money woe…such a killjoy and she refused to be that person. She did technically have a car but left it for her father since it had been Milo’s muscle car, the one he cherished like gold. There was not much belongings Milo had to go around and her father at least deserved that much. During her brother’s lowest point he had managed to sell nearly everything he acquired over his short life. Putting these painful memories aside her eyes fell to the happy go lucky Crocell who panted with his tongue hung out the side. Before any drool could drip down upon the sidewalk he would lap it up only to begin the disgusting cycle again.

She took this Doberman with her practically everywhere she went since he needed his exercise when she wasn't apprenticing at Voltic. He was a very tame and low activity dog and walked well on the chained leash for a once abandoned mutt. They passed by a couple buildings on the way while he remained upright not letting the multiple smells of Hollywood deter the familiar path. When both eventually arrived she opened the front door and headed into the studio room the group usually occupied.

“First ones.” She said aloud.

Petra did not even need to point to a place for Crocell to lie since he found one himself and hunkered down straightaway. With the promise that her pet would remain absolutely quiet there had otherwise been no trouble permitting him to stay. She sat down upon the charcoal colored sofa across from the recording equipment to bring out her guitar to tune. The others would surely arrive in a matter of minutes.

[Orchestratic]

The shirt hit Parker's face and hung from his head for a moment before he removed it, revealing his sarcastic scowl. "Thanks for the ride, Parker..." he said in a mocking voice as he began changing into the plain white shirt Soren had brought him. "I'm terribly sorry that my job runs late sometimes," he continued with a small smile in a playful tone. "It's not like we'll be late, so keep your panties on." His relationship with Soren seemed impenetrable by the many small mocking jokes they made to each other. Starting the van once again, they made their way toward the recording studio, chatting idly as they rode. It was almost 6:00 now, and the sky was darkening beautifully. It wasn't long before they pulled into an empty spot at Revelation Studio's parking lot. The exterior looked worse than the interior, but the interior wasn't a whole lot classier. Wherever they could practice and follow their dreams didn't seem to bother them. Didn't seem to bother Parker, anyway.

Shoving the driver's side door open, Parker let his feet hit the ground while he leaned against his seat, his back to Soren as he pulled a small orange bottle from his jacket pocket. He pushed and twisted the cap to grab four small yellow pills from the bottle, the same thing he did before every practice. He didn't know if Soren knew the severity of his addiction, but he was at least aware of it. He quickly dry swallowed the opiates as he was rounding the van behind the cover of the tinted windows, going to the back. "Hey, will you help me get these in?" Parker asked his best friend, gesturing toward his drum set stacked in the back of the van, strapped to the sides.They had a trailer to haul everything in, but as long as they were practicing where all of the sound equipment was already present, it was obviously easier keeping the set in the van.

[RawrEspada4]

It was 5:36 when Matt's alarm finally woke him and forced him to roll out of bed. He hadn't gotten to bed until almost 11 A.M. after a double shift at the Denny's where he worked. His alarm had been initially set for 5 P.M. but after multiple times of hitting snooze he knew that he to get up or he was going to be late. Rolling out of bed he grabbed a shirt off the floor and the pair of jeans he had worn to practice Tuesday. After sliding into the clothes he walked into the bathroom, quickly brushed his teeth and proceeded to leave the apartment, only slowing long enough to grab a mountain dew from the fridge, grab his jacket off the couch and scoop his wallet, phone and keys of the table by the door. Jogging down the stairs and out onto the street he unlocked his Vespa from the streetlight. Hoping on the Vespa he check his phone, it was 5:43 and nobody had texted him yet. Taking a second to strap his helmet on he did some quick math and figured even if he hit every stoplight he would only be maybe 2 or 3 minutes late. Taking off from the curb Matt zoomed through the streets, hitting only a single red light he managed to pull into the space next to Parker and Soren at 5:56, a total of 4 minutes early.

Pulling his helmet off he looked over at Soren and Parker, he stepped off the Vespa "Hey guys, need some help?" referring to the drums the two were unloading.

[22ice22]

The moment the van pulled to a stop in the parking lot, Søren opened his door and tumbled out of the van struggling with the seatbelt as it wrapped around his leg. Straightening himself up Søren leaned back into the van to grab his bass. As he started to step around the van with his case cuddled closely to his chest he heard Parker beckon for his assistance with the drums. With a child like pout on his face and a sigh Søren turned to look at his friend, "I don't want to. They're heavy. Besides my precious Nete needs me more." Then looking at the case he spoke in a quieter voice, "Don't you? Hmmm?" Looking back at his friend after a moment of quiet cooing to his instrument he sighed again, "Fine, I'll help. Only because then I get to play my bass. Plus I guess that some help from someone as awesome as me might be required." Slinging the bass onto his back with the case's shoudler strap, Søren skipped over to Parker and the drum kit.

As they were unloading he heard the voice of Matt call out to see if they needed help. Quickly snapping his head up Søren responded with a quick, "Yep!" as he continued to help Parker. Pausing for a moment he looked at the pieces of the drum kit in front of him. Nodding to himself Søren grabbed a cymbal and snare and took off inside the building. As he made his escape from the work he yelled back to the others, "I'll grab these, you guys get the rest and I'll see if Petra is here yet. If she isn't I'll let you know."

Heading back to their recording space Søren chuckled to himself, he had yet again avoided actual work, he was proud of himself. Entering the area he notice Petra on the couch with her guitar out. Setting the pieces of Parker's kit down, he slid the case for Nete off his back. As he opened the case with care and lifted out Nete he called out to Petra, "Parker and Matt are here. They're grabbing the rest of the kit." Now with Nete over his shoulder and his fingers playing a light rhythm he turned to face her and asked, "Been here long?"

[Leviathan]

Before Søren walked through the door Petra had began playing a chord she had been trying to piece together for a couple of days. Always practicing before bed and usually waking during the night with musical notes appearing to her during dreams. Sometimes they just needed to be unscrambled and would sound quite nice but other times she could not figure out the tune. The notes sounded like a gilded mess at the moment, and even more so without the amp plugged in. Slender fingers used the pick to glide across the strings and determination shown onto her intense hazel eyes peering down onto the black guitar. Both Crocell and Petra's head raised to the sound of a door creaking open, and the dark colored dog snorted in boredom before resting again.

"Parker and Matt are here. They're grabbing the rest of the kit."

"You lazy bastard." Petra jokingly commented to him with a wide smile never one to watch the vulgar words that occasionally flew from her mouth either. Knowing good and well that he left the group to defend for themselves once again. She could recall multiple occasions seeing him behind the counter at the music store pretending to work on the computer, and it would make her chuckle every time. "I don't know how the others let you get away with it. Probably because of your dashing good looks right?" She rose from the seat and rested the guitar on a stand that the studio provided. "I don't know though, probably ten minuets but I'll be back." Her hand pushed open the door and she began jogging to meet the duo. Her hands then fidgeted with the metal clasps above the door so it would remain open when she left to help.

"Søren neglecting his team player duties again I see." She smiled to both the guys before walking over casually to pick up the hi hat stand and the cymbal stand. "By the studio's clock it would seem that you are late." Petra was on a mission to playfully dig into each one of the band today like usual. Though the topic of coin did worry her a bit since the studio charges by the hour like most did but everyone split the cost. She hid the worrisome fact with a vibrant smile and would figure out something like she always did if they needed extra funds from her. Even while dating Parker the topic of money every now and again unsettled her because he had it and she did not...but it never became too much of an issue. When she finally took a step back and was honest with herself about their parting ways, she sometimes felt unworthy of him because of that--among other things, and that weighed heavily on her.

[Orchestratic]

Raising an eyebrow at his best friend as he seemed to gently talk down his guitar, his look of confusion (and possible concern) turned to one of disappointment. Happy that Soren had reluctantly agreed to help for a change, he began unhooking all straps from the drums and accessories just before the quiet sound of a Vespa approached from behind them, but was ignored by Parker. Soon, however, he looked over his shoulder at the voice behind him, then turned his full body's attention around when he realized the voice was Matt's. Before he could accept the offer of assistance, Soren did so in his place, as expected. Parker gave Matt a crooked smile that compiled acceptance and gratitude anyway before turning back to the set to grab some pieces. By then, he noticed Soren escaping with little weight and glared at his back, prepared to yell but sighed at the futility. Nothing he wasn't used to.

Grabbing one of the two bass drums, he hoisted it over his shoulder in a way that seemed awkward but had become habit to him by then. "Thanks for the help. You can escape with little duty like our pestilent bass player if you want. It's not much work for me anymore, honestly." He wasn't entirely telling the truth, but he could do it pretty quickly by now, although he was secretly hoping he wouldn't pass up the offer. Until the Roxys from before kicked in, this would be a bit challenging.

By this time, Petra's voice had penetrated their exchange. "What else would he be doing?" His attention was instantly turned to the approaching guitarist with the same shine in his eye that was present in every similar situation between the two. What could he do about it? It didn't work between them the first time, and there was no point in causing a 'Yoko Ono' situation, although he doubted that outcome. He was sure they were just left over feelings, anyway; these things happen.

"Well,we were all late together, so from our standpoint you're just early," he retorted with his usual crooked smile. "I'll be sure to apologize to the studio when I get inside," he continued sarcastically as he grabbed the petals with his other hand and continued inside. If there was one person more than Soren he could count on to take him seriously only when necessary, it was her.

When inside, he set his large bass down with a grunt as softly as possible, then attaching one of the petals. Eying Soren out of the corner of his eye as he did so as he played nearly silent riffs on his beautiful Nete. "You do realize that Crocell is more help than you right now, right?" He spoke out to Soren while correctly positioning what pieces of the kit were already in the building, then smiling to Crocell as he went to his corner and bent down to pet him before heading back out to the van.

[RawrEspada4]

After Søren accepted the offer of help Matt proceeded to grab the other of the two bass drums as Parker gave him the opportunity to head inside without putting in any work. He turned with the bass drum in his hands just as Petra called out to harass them for being late. "Looks like we'll need to just set the studio clock back a little bit," Matt joked, his signature grin splitting across his face, "But in all seriousness sorry for being late, had a double shift last night and I kinda overslept." As he spoke his grin shifted into a look of pseudo-embarrassment. Normally Matt was on time, hell often he or Petra were the first in the studio but since he had started picking up extra shifts he kept cutting it closer and closer to being late.

Following Parker into the studio he set the bass down next to the one Parker was fiddling with and began to help set the kit up. Looking up from the drum he was helping to assemble he rationalized Parker's statement aloud. "You know to be honest, Søren the longer it takes to get set up the more money we are wasting. At least Crocell isn't wasting money." Finishing the drum set up, (or at least leaving what little reminded to be done to Parker) "Anyways, guys maybe we should get started before we waste more of our money,"

[Orchestratic]

Parker laughed mockingly as Matt endorsed his joke to Soren as he left to get the rest of the toms and small pieces of the set. When he returned, practice assumed right away, as Matt was very correct about wasting their money.

---

Placing the last piece of the drum set into it's place in the van and clasping the final strap [Time-skips rock], Parker closed the back of his beloved van with a huff that basically said 'that took for-fucking-ever.' Leaning back against the van, Parker checked his phone and responded to a few text messages before stopping cold and nearly dropping his phone but caught it and slid it into his pocket instead. With a clean look in his barely opened eyes, he took a deep breath in and leaned his head back against the van as well-- The pills he had taken during break were taking effect. His head fell back into it's upright position and his mind came back to Earth as he focused on his band-mates once more, twirling his spare drumsticks in his hand idly.

[RawrEspada4]

Cracking the can of mountain dew Matt leaned against the wall of the studio taking a drink while watching Parker finish loading his drums. Watching the rest of Harbingers just hanging out around the studio an idea struck Matt. "Guys! We should all go out for din..." His trailed off mid-sentence as his eyes dawned on Corcell. Wherever they went they would have to make sure that dogs were excepted or that it was outside. Keeping his eyes on Corcell Matt resumed his speaking "Well you know with most actual restaurants out the window we could just all hang out at one of our places... I can buy pizza," He added the last part knowing that like most twenty-somethings the band weren't normally in the mood for passing up free food.

[Leviathan]

"No no, I am teasing like usual...don't worry about being late. After all, we all know you're the responsible one." Quickly the vibrant female covered her tracks when Matt apologized, and turned his serious amends into a lighthearted response while following the duo inside. Crocell, much like his human companion, lit up when the drummer approached. His docked tail began wagging a hundred miles a minuet while greeting both hands with licks of happiness. Petra retrieved the guitar from the stand and brought it into the second room to begin practicing with the band. These were grueling yet pleasant moments composing music and meshing each of their styles together. For that duration it felt almost if they were in another plane of existence but unfortunately time passed by extremely fast, and before she knew it practice ended.

---

Petra patted the side of her leg as a gesture to Crocell that he was now free to follow. The mutt stretched his brawny body and yawned loudly before striding out of the doors with confidence like he owned the place. After tagging along outside with guitar case in hand Petra hoped no one would notice her white Integra type r missing from the lot. Leaving Revelation Studios on foot would surely be odd, and lying was not a trait she liked to utilize but anything was better than owing up to her current situation. When reaching the concrete Petra set down a collapsible plastic bowl retrieved from her bag. Her fingers twisted off the cap of a bottled water to begin pouring the clear liquid for the dog to start lapping up. Her peripheral vision caught sight of Parker who seemed to be dozing off. The once warm smile on her lips faded as her expression hardened a bit. There could be multiple reasons for his drowsiness though that seemed unlikely. She was no stranger to seeing signs like these caused by something other than lack of sleep...but hoped with everything that her woman’s intuition was wrong.

“Even better. Who’s the lucky host going to be?” She could not cook to save a life but thought the idea of hanging out at one of their places would be nice...because she also did not have a kitchen. The tall guitarist rose to lean against the van beside Parker and ran fingers through her glossy tresses giving him a slightly unusual look. Her nonchalant expression was a cover trying to shield her concern the best she could. In her experience it was difficult to tell a fib when within arm’s reach of someone because nerves would set in, and she could also observe his body language when he responded. Of course, this strategy could fail and at the end of the day she was not a lie detector. She would simply have to trust his answer and keep a subtle yet watchful eye on him, and hopefully if something was up he would confide it to her later.

“I don’t know if this one can keep up though, you tired?” She questioned casually.

[Orchestratic]

Minding far from the parking lot now, Parker barely followed the conversation around him. He would never push the limits of his consciousness and sobriety in the company of his beloved band-mates, and for many reasons. Most prominently was his best friend, considering they share a home. He knew his friends wanted to look out for him, so it seemed merely courtesy to keep it to himself. So for now he kept his feet on the ground, but he saw no harm in letting his head bounce between the stars meanwhile.

As he felt Petra pull him into the conversation, his thoughts regained their weight and pulled his head straight down and forward with them. The short conversation replayed in his head once more, making sure he hadn't missed anything but leaving a miniscule delay in his response. "Hm? A little; been getting to work a little earlier for Pam's sake," he chuckled, referring to his boss. "That woman can guilt you into anything." Deceiving any of the Harbingers felt criminal to Parker, but having a silver tongue was really one of the only things he credited to his self and his bloodline, and this route seemed smoother than a parking lot intervention. Pushing himself upright off the van he reached toward the dark sky with a stretch as he moved his attention toward Matt. "If we're looking for a place to eat, I don't mind the company if you don't mind the mess..." shifting his eyes toward Søren as he dropped his arms, he continued with his trademark crooked smile. "... can't speak for the guitar-whisperer, though."

[22ice22]

Standing by the side of the van Søren half listend to the conversation around him. At the current moment his mind was focused more on Parker. Søren had taken notice of Parker's drowsiness and though he didn't say anything, he was pretty sure what had caused it. After all he and Parker weren't only roommates they were friends and while Søren wasn't about to confront his friend about his pill habit, he could still watch and make sure Parker didn't go too far. For one they were friends and two Parker was his chauffer as Søren liked to call him.

His attention snapped back to the conversation as Parker spoke. Hearing Parker's excuse for his drowsiness Søren was a bit dissapointed, it appeared that he hadn't completely taken into account that he roomed with one of his bandmates, and while it was true that Parker had left a little early for work today, it wasn't really enough to cause this much exhaustion in Søren's opinion. When Parker offered up their place to eatt at Søren nodded and replied with a serious voice and a contemplative face, "Yes we can all eat and rejoice at our place of residence. By the way I totally need a business card with that on it. On the top it would say Søren Wyclif, Guitar Whisperer and then the next line would the say Bassist for The Harbingers the bottom would then have my number on it, for all the ladies of course." Nodding slowly in agreement with himself he looked at the others. "Any of you guys know a good place to get a bunch of business cards made?"

[RawrEspada4]

Leaning against his Vespa a grin tugged at the corner of the singer's mouth as he watched his bandmates. It was undeniable that each of the members had there own oddities but they had a spark that he hadn't seen in the other projects he had been a part of. "So it looks like you get to host Parker," Matt said the grin finally winning out and becoming fully apparent. The grin partially came from the fact that the band was getting to hang out and partially because with Parker hosting he didn't have to worry about racing back to his loft to clean up before the others could get there, besides not hosting also meant that the leftover mess of pizza boxes wouldn't be his problem. Parker unlocked the van's doors and everyone started getting, watching the group clamor in Matt thought about joining them but decided he didn't want to leave his Vespa. "Parker it cool if I just follow you there?" Matt asked, receiving a nod in answer he mounted his Vespa. "Oh one more thing..." Matt rushed his words as the others were about to close the van's doors, "What does everyone want on the pizzas?". After a few minutes of debate the group decided on three pizzas of varying types accompanied by a couple of two liters and some breadsticks. Placing the order from his phone Matt started his Vespa and Parker pulled the van out of the studio lot.

---

After a short jaunt across town the group arrived at Søren and Parker's apartment. Dismounting his Vespa Matt saw that the Papa John's delivery car had just turned on to the block. 'Well that was some fast service' Matt thought to himself, calling out to the group as they unloaded from the van that he'd wait outside for the pizza he watched them head on in as the delivery man pulled up. Handing the guy three 20s Matt took the order and followed shortly behind the rest of the band.

[Orchestratic]

Parker nodded with his own smile after Søren's crack about getting business cards for a term Parker now planned on using a lot, agreeing to host as planned. "You all remember our place is rather messy, so I guess as long as you're alright with that, then onto our place it is." Seeing it appeared Petra had walked to the studio today, Parker figured it only natural that she would end up riding with he and Søren, so he opened the sliding door to the back of the van on his side as he rounded to hop in the driver's seat. After nodding to Matt's question, he hopped in took a deep breath and rubbed his eyes, preparing himself to drive. He hadn't considered the fact that he could be responsible for both his friend's lives before taking roxies during practice, but he guessed he deserved this and hoped it would help him keep his addiction better managed.

---

[Incoming: long-ass description of a shitty apartment. Feel free to skip to the end.]
After they pulled into the parking lot to High Hills Living Spaces, Parker didn't even notice the pizza delivery vehicle rounding the corner, so when he called out and told the rest of them to head inside Parker was left wondering if Matt just didn't enjoy their company as much as they all did. He hoped he was reading too much into it as they climbed the outdoor stairway to the top row of apartments and entered room number 4E, home sweet home. The apartment on the outside looked worse than it did on the inside, but the inside wasn't a whole lot better. On the outside, the color was a fading gray color sprouting from what was once evidently an eggshell white, and one of the two street lamps that lit up the small parking lot had been out since the day Parker had moved in. On the inside, however, Parker made sure that the walls stayed in better shape, and the white color remained more intact. Most portions of their walls remained empty unless Søren had decorated it; Parker only had a picture of his deceased younger sister and a picture of his mother before the accident had given her brain damage. The carpet was the generic gray and purple clash of colors that had came with the room, plus a few food stains that had been added since their arrival. Although Parker had a bit more money than it would seem, he always tried to live under budget so the money would be there if he ever fell short of supporting himself -- or his best friend and roommate, who had somehow talked a talker into paying only 35% of the rent. Parker always wondered to himself how he ended up paying the larger portion without argument, but he guessed it was just due to the fact that he never wanted to live alone, and would do whatever he could to ensure that he didn't have to. Besides, Søren would cough up the extra money if ever prompted... Parker assumed.

The door to the apartment always gave in too easily causing it to slam against the wall when most people entered, and this time was no different. Parker eyed around the room that was the living room until the carpet turned to tile where there was a small kitchen and felt a little embarrassed by the disorganization, but it was nothing worse than some clothes strung about. Parker slipped out of his shoes and immediately swept the remote up off the coffee table that was surrounded by a pair of unmatched chairs and a two-seated sofa, turning the TV on to his favorite comedy channel before dropping the remote onto the chair he most often sat in as he passed it on his way to the kitchen. There was a small hallway to his right where the living room ended, and at the end of it were two bedrooms and a bathroom with a slightly cracked mirror to set the mood with the rest of the home. Parker opened the fridge and noticed how bare it was looking, then was suddenly even more thankful that Matt had decided to buy them all pizza. He then remembered Matt had also ordered drinks, so he quickly grabbed four mismatched plastic cups and put some ice in each. "Sorry about the... well... place as a whole, I guess," he called over his shoulder to Petra and Matt if he had entered, "but it has it's perks... like being as cheap as it looks, for instance," he finished the thought as he placed the cups out on the coffee table in the living room.

[Leviathan]

“Ladies?” Petra arched a brow while crossing her arms in a playful manner. “I am curious to know exactly what ladies you’re speaking of.” She warmly smiled before hopping into the cherished van. Crocell followed behind excited as ever for a joy ride. The Doberman placed two paws on Petra’s lap begging to be nearer. She frowned debating how on earth this could possibly work but cradled underneath the dog’s shoulders, and pulled the heavy monster onto her lap with a grunt. He almost weighed more than she did, and he had more muscle to boot. “Mac and cheese!” Petra yelled from the decked out van to Matt who asked about the pizza toppings. Depending on where he went that probably would not be an option, though she loved that kind. “Or Hawiian’s fine…” She grumbled assuming that her second option would most likely be more accessible to retrieve. When Matt took off Parker could be heard giving a warning about the apartment. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you guys.” She joked while they set on their way, and she scratched the underside of the dogs chin while watching the scenery pass by.

---

After arriving the vibrant haired band member and her pet trekked up the steps. While shown inside the crumbling complex Petra began organizing the disheveled items in her head, almost falling back into the caretaker role. She did not mind chaos but wanted to take care of her friends, and make everyone’s life a little easier …especially Paker even though she did not show it too often. She had gained the orderly trait after her brother Milo passed. The image of finding him backstage surrounded by clutter still burned into her mind, and he deserved better than that—most everyone does.

Crocell hopped onto the chair Parker usually sat on not minding the remote which lay underneath his belly, the animal could be heard making his content snort before gradually closing his sleepy eyes. Petra chuckled internally and smirked at him. Her hazel eyes began scanning about the room before gathering some clothing off the sofa where she decided to sit, and placed them in a pile beside the arm rest. This place was a dream compared to the dump she stayed at. The first couple of nights were spent sleeping on her clothing sprawled on top of the motel’s shady blanket. The sheets were completely out of commission due to the many mysterious stains. She had to save up to purchase her own bedding and also sandals in order to stand in the shower filled with cracks and sketchy tile. The first paycheck was used on cleaning supplies and bottles of bleach, and she nearly asphyxiated herself from the cleaning chemical fumes. It was much better now…well, livable at least.

“Why are you apologizing? I expected a complete mess but you guys never cease to surprise me.”

[RawrEspada4]

"If you expect a complete mess you should check my place out some time," Matt chuckled as he entered the apartment a few moments after the rest of the band, pizza and drinks in tow. Noticing the coffee table Matt set the food and drinks and began cracking the boxes open revealing the pizza and bread sticks that lay within. "Oh and I'm sorry to announce but Papa Johns it seems does not carry mac n cheese pizza," This comment came as Matt grabbed himself a slice of the all meat pizza and with his free hand began pouring himself a glass mountain dew. With a glass of dew in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other Matt flopped himself down on the sofa, with a look of content on his face. 'Friends, food and down time what could get better than this?' Matt thought to himself as he took a bite of the delicious meat covered pizza. And as if the cosmos themselves had heard his thoughts Matt's phone began to vibrate as he received a text message. Setting his cup down on the table Matt fished his phone from his pocket while continuing to eat his slice of pizza. Reading the text Matt couldn't help but laugh at the complete perfection of the situation although the laughing caused a piece of pepperoni to fly up his nostril and cause to him to run into the kitchen and proceed to stick his head and the faucet to rinse the burn out of his noise. After he had managed to rinse most of the pain out of his noise Matt found his way back to his sit at the couch he reread the text a couple of times just to make sure he wasn't seeing things. Confirming indeed that the text was real he turned to the rest of the band. "So guys, ignoring my little fit there, how would you feel about getting into a Born of Osiris show for free this weekend?"