mysterion

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

"Trust me getting Jack out was no easy task in itself. The man does not like the social scene as much as I do. But he's a small town boy who made it big. Unfortunately, he's a small town boy who made it big yet kept that small town boy personality. To get him out I literally had to try and persuade him that this could also be a meet and greet with the fans that he cares so deeply about because obviously, I couldn't just tell him that we were coming to set him up with the girl he's in love with but is afraid to say anything to" Robert said honestly as he felt her stealing his drink from him which caused him to chuckle as well. "That drink that you just stole from my hand is a very rare, very expensive Scottish scotch brewed in Eighteen-sixty-two and is nearly eight-thousand dollars a bottle. Whenever I come to any town I make sure that cases of this stuff are sent. And if not this exact one, one just as old and just as expensive" Robert said honestly. "Stick around you'll see that you like partying with a rock star and who knows you might even come to like the person behind the bad boy persona as well," Robert said honestly. He didn't understand why Crystal fascinated him as much as she did, he had never been the feely type of person that was Jack's area of expertise Robert had always been the ladies man choosing a different woman in every state, however, now he found himself drawn to Crystal.

Jack smiled as the people surrounded him and he began answering each and every single question that was brought forth to him, all of them except who Winters Love was written about. He hadn't even told Addie that she was the inspiration for the song so why would he tell his other fans about it.

"Well if she's running then we have to make this interesting," he said watching as Crystal yelled about how good Addie looked dressed the way that she was. "HEY JACKIE-BOY LOOK," he said pointing over to where Addie was standing. He could see that Addie froze as soon as Crystal yelled at Addie.

Jack stopped talking as he heard Crystal and then heard her say that Addie was looking good. Quickly, he whipped around seeing the woman he secretly loved dressed beautifully and he blushed slightly "Excuse me" he said to the fans "I must go and see my dear friend" with that said Jack made his way across the room to where Addie stood frozen from embarrassment "Well don't you look absolutely beautiful tonight. To what may I thank this pleasant meeting between us" he asked respectfully as he stared at his longtime friend and crush.

Robert looked at the waitress who walked by him "Could you bring me two more glasses of the good stuff please" he asked knowing that all of the waitresses had been told of the very expensive scotch brought by Robert. Slowly turning towards Crystal once again Robert smiled "Now that you've lit the fire it's time for me to pour gasoline on it give me a moment and watch this" slowly Robert walked to the bar where the DJ who was playing the music was "I would like for you to put on Winter's love for me please" he said pulling out a hundred dollar bill and handing it to the DJ as the song came on. This is when he grabbed the microphone that the DJ had set up and spoke "Hello and welcome to this beautiful club this evening. Tonight we are graced with the presence of hometown boy turned world-renowned musician Jack Stacera who is standing right next to his beautiful longtime friend Addie... Come on Jack dance with her."

All of the people upstairs began clapping as they heard about their hometown boy being in the club and then began chanting "Dance with her" over and over.

Jack began blushing as he heard Robert's words coming from the loudspeakers. Everyone else seemed to be pairing off now to dance to the beautiful slow song and so taking a deep breath Jack stared at Addie with a smile "I know that you're the kind of person who doesn't like the limelight having always liked to be in the background. I apologize for what Robert just did, it was not right but would you mind if I asked you for one dance, you spoke of how much you loved this song and I would be honored to dance with you to it."

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

Jack watched as the spotlight hit Adriana where she was sitting with his sister and mother. Smiling down at where Adriana was sitting he moved his hand signaling the man working the spotlight to move it quickly, knowing that Adriana had never been the kind of person who ever wanted the spotlight on her whether she was worthy of it or not.

Plucking a few strings on the brand new bass that had been given to him just to test the bass he smiled knowing that this bass had been masterfully crafted by whoever had made it, upon the request of his oldest and dearest friends.

This is when Jack Stacera ceased to exist as the music flowed through his body like rivers of gold flowing through paradise. This is how Jack had always been about music, why he had always loved it and one of the main reasons he had quit his job as one of the two top male models in the world to start a band all those years ago as a teenager. It was because of how musically inclined Jack was at writing lyrics, playing a multitude of instruments including the bass, his ability to sing, and the suggestion...Or well basically the push that Addie had given him that caused him to give music as a career a chance, now because of that push Jack was the lead singer of one of the hottest and most beloved bands in the world.

As the concert went on Jack and Robert took turns singing the songs that the co-vocalists had made famous over their career. Hours went by with them switching back and forth. Though once Jack placed his bass on its stand and made his way over to a beautiful white and gold piano the crowd went absolutely ape-shit, cheering as loud as they could cheer for they all knew that the song Winter Snow was about to be played. Even though the song had only been out for a three months tops this had become the most bought, most famous song that the band had. Mostly because Jack put his heart and soul into this song more than any other song he'd ever written, played, or sang this song was about the feelings he had suppressed for years that had finally exploded out of him in the lyrics of Winter Snow.

This was the last song that they were playing since it was the theme to their Winter Love tour. After the song was over Jack took a deep breath as he stood up hearing the crowd cheering was exhilarating to him, giving Jack the same high that drugs would give addicts. Walking over to the front of the stage Jack spoke softly "Thank you, everyone, in this beautiful town. It means more than you could ever know to see so many familiar faces here tonight. And I wish to thank all of you again for coming to our hometown tour in the place where this band really began" with a final bow he walked off stage.

****

After the show, Jack wanted nothing more than to go home with his mother and sister to spend time with them as he had planned to do the entire time since this was the last show of the tour. However, Robert had different plans for the band though. After returning to Jack's large home in town he spent a little while talking Jack into going to a bar for an afterparty. This idea did not even slightly interest Jack until Robert began talking about how it could also be a meet and greet with the fans.

"Come on Jack I'm being serious here, sure you're not a partier we all know that but all those fans came to see their hometown boy if we go to the club you will be able to have personal conversations with people who could've been fans of yours before all the fame and fortune. It could really help you get back to your roots and become the Jack Stacera that was born and raised here in town" Robert said with a smile knowing that there were other reasons that he wanted to go to the club but knowing that this explanation would most likely change Jack's mind.

Jack sighed "Fine, fine I will go and get dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a nice shirt" he started but was quickly interrupted by his best friend Robert once again.

"No, no Jack I know you wish to be comfortable but we're going to a club you must look your finest especially since that's how you're known to dress. Everybody who knows you knows that you wear the finest suits anywhere you go."

"Come on Rob you know that the suits are my persona. Mr. Good boy in the fine suits with a heart of gold, not the actual Jack Stacera" Jack said trying to argue but knowing he was going to lose.

"Jack you are Mr. Good boy you made his persona, you live his persona each and every single day while also keeping Jack alive. Your fans love you but they also love Mr. Good boy do it for the fans who love you."

Jack sighed a defeated sigh "Fine five me about fifteen minutes and have the rest of the band ready to go, I don't want to spend forever out there. I'd like to come home spend time with my family, my friends and just have me time" Jack said as he walked to go get dressed. It took about thirty minutes before he came out in an all black fine Italian silk suit and a pair of old-school Oxford dress shoes. "Alright are we ready to go," he asked curiously.

"Looking good man the ride's already outside the boys are already in it. And everything is ready for us to party all night long after rock 'n' rolling all day" he said making a Kiss reference knowing that Kiss was one of Jack's favorite bands. As soon as the two vocalists got inside of the limo the limo drove off towards the club. As soon as the lights of the club could be seen Robert began physically shaking with excitement because he loved going clubbing and also he knew the surprise that was waiting for Jack inside the V.I.P room of the club. Because he had planned it with Crystal before they had ever even got onstage at the concert. As soon as the limo stopped Robert rushed everybody out and grabbed Jack pulling him through the entire building towards the V.I.P room even though Jack was fighting the whole way.

"Hey...Hey calm down Rob we're supposed to be meeting and greeting fans that's the reason I came here with you" he said honestly as he was shoved through the club by his best friend.

"Trust me there will be time to meet and greet with our fans my dear friend. Right now though I have something that I'd like for you to see" Robert said with a smirk plastered on his handsome features. This time Jack gave less fight as Robert pulled him through the club and they walked up to the V.I.P room. The guard outside did not even ask them their name knowing who they were and immediately let them inside.

"What is this big surprise," Jack asked as he walked up the stairs leading to the massive V.I.P room that had all kinds of black lights and other lights giving the room a dark and mysterious hue to it. As soon as he reached the top of the stairs he could see the disarraying number of lights shining in each direction, the dark hardwood floor, the dark leather chairs that were faced towards the window so that everyone could see the people downstairs dancing.

"Ah, well you'll see just momentarily," Robert said seeing Crystal out of the corner of his eyes "Eventually everything will make sense my dear old friend. For now though" he said raising his fingers and the man brought over two very old scotches since Robert was known at all the clubs "Drink up" he said handing the drink to Jack before walking across the room to where Crystal was and he tapped Crystal on the shoulder "It wasn't easy but I managed to do what I said" he whispered in her ear.

Jack turned around to talk to Robert after being handed a drink though before he could even begin to look for his friend he was swarmed by other V.I.P's who were fans of his band the Lords of Captivating Hearts and they were asking him a million different questions about anything they could ask about. Mostly though they were asking about the song Winter Love and asking who it was written about, why it sounded so good. Jack smiled as everyone spoke to him and even though he was getting asked about Winter Love he was not going to answer it either since he was unsure about how to go about telling everyone else about his crush for a woman whom he hadn't even told himself.

And all of a sudden out of the Shadows came... Mysterion the lord of Darkness!

~~Le second Bump~~

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

Jack looked up at Crystal as she was completely honest with him. He had to say that he was actually quite impressed with this woman not only for her talents but also because she spoke her mind which was something that most people refused to do around Jack because of his 'status' in society. Which was something Jack had always disliked, he was no different than any other person in the world, sure he played music for a living, sure he had won many very prestigious awards for his music but to him, he only saw himself as that little pudgy boy who lived next door to his best friend Adriana 'Ri-Ri' Menzel who grew up without a father but had an amazing mother and baby sister. "I love Addie as a friend nothing more, and I can assure you that I know how truly incredible of a person that Adriana is. It's been a few years since we've seen each other sure, but she is still as amazing of an adult as she was a child" he said looking at Crystal honestly through the mirror in front of him "And if you think I'm dense that is your prerogative good thing we live in a free country huh" he said hearing Larry coughing to almost nonchalantly tell Crystal she'd stepped over some boundary "Don't worry Larry I'm a big boy if she steps over the line I have no problem putting her in her place. And I respect her for being brutally honest with me even though she's wrong" Jack said with a wide-eyed grin before getting out of the seat that he had just been in before walking out of the room not to smoke but to get some fresh air.

"Wow you really got under his skin," Robert said scratching his chin lightly, hearing the scratching noise of his fingers running across the five 'o' clock shadow growing on his face, "I think he might finally be able to kick the bad habit of smoking finally" with this said Robert sat down on the couch before kicking his feet up and laying them on the table in front of him. "I must admit though miss Crystal it was kind of hot watching you take care of Jack the way you just did, so few people give him that and that's actually what he desires" Robert said lazily as he placed his arms behind his head as he relaxed "Jack is a celebrity who wishes to be considered a regular person instead of as a celebrity."

"It's because Jack was raised to work hard and not worry about compliments," Markus said honestly "He was raised by a single mother working two jobs to feed her and two children, she was very busy but no matter how tired she was she always had time for her children and that attitude in life soaked into Jack even though he's made it big he still see's himself as that little boy from L.A" Markus had known Jack since he was a small child since his brother Alexander, Adriana and Jack all ran around together.

Jack had walked around for half an hour finding it best to be away from everyone since he needed time to think. This was something Jack did quite often especially as of late. The man who lived slept and drank Rock 'N' Roll had begun to actually dislike the constant concerts as well as the life on the road which is why he was staying at home with his mother for the next few months after the show tonight. It was Jack's way of getting back to his roots so where he could hopefully reignite the love he had for music. Finally looking at his watch Jack made his way towards the stage since the show was about to start.

"Hey brother you were gone a while you alright," Robert asked curiously as he saw Jack walking back up after having been gone for over half an hour without telling anyone where you were going," Robert asked being genuine with his worry for Jack the two were good friends.

"Yeah I'm fine, let's just get to the music Robert I'm not in the mood to talk right now," Jack said walking over and to where all of his basses were sitting in a row, he wasn't sure which one he was going to play tonight until he heard Markus' voice behind him.

"Hey Jack I know your birthday isn't for another few weeks" Jack said honestly with a smile "But Alexander and I bought you something special for your birthday and I just cannot wait any longer for you to see it" he said pulling a beautiful Coffin Bass Case out and placed it on a table in front of where Jack stood "The case has you written all over it I know but the actual gift is inside... I know you'll love it brother" he said allowing Jack to open it.

Jack's eyebrow furrowed as a beautiful coffin bass case was placed on a table in front of him. Anyone who knew him knew he loved the macabre, the dark and scary. Halloween was his favorite holiday and he threw an amazing party every year on Halloween but then he found out that the case was only the beginning. So he opened the four latched on the case hearing them clicking as they were unlocked, reaching out he slowly lifted the case lid and his eyes lit up, his mouth dropped as he truly was in shock. Inside the case was a beautiful, custom-made Dragon Bass reaching out he touched the beautiful and cold metal of the bass as he pulled it from it's resting place as if lifting Excalibur from the stone. "Markie...This...This Bass I can't."

"Just shut up and take it," Markus said laughing as he hugged Jack "Now go get out there your fans await."

"Thank you," Jack said hugging Markus before attaching his shoulder strap to the bass before placing the strap across his shoulder "You're right I hope to see you out there" with that said the band walked onto the stage as the crowd erupted with cheers for the band that had come from this city. Jack walked up to the microphone a huge smile on his face as the city he was born in applauded him, this was all too surreal sure he'd played every major concert hall around the world but somehow being in this small club, with the people he'd grown up with was much more exhilarating to him. As the crowd died down he was still smiling from ear to ear "Wow, I can't even begin to explain how I'm feeling" he said scratching the back of his head gently "I'm honestly at a loss for words guys, I've played crowds at every single concert hall or location from one edge of the world to the next but being here on the stage where it all started for the first time in years has me feeling like that kid who took a chance all those years ago. Tonight we have some very special guests though, some that need introductions because they were a vital part of this bands success. First off my friend Markus' and Alexander's brother who was our original guitar player and also the chauffeur for us before any of us had our licenses, next baby sister Ally who is one of my favorite people in the world, third is my friend Adriana Menzel who not only painted the backdrop for this stage but was also the first manager of our band. She gave us a swift kick in the ass a few years ago when the band was afraid to go on stage so without her this band wouldn't be here. Then there's my mother, she let us use the garage to practice our music even though at first we were absolutely terrible, my God cats were screeching we were so bad and she never did anything but continue to tell us to keep going. I heard practice made perfect from her so much I would've thought that was her catchphrase but they all supported us even to this day and they're still very important to me so give them all a round of applause" he said listening to the crowd clapping. "Alright so let's stop getting all mushy and get to the part you came for the music" he said as he began playing the music, the setlist was twenty songs long, all of them the bands most well-known songs the show went on for three hours with them playing but finally Jack who was perspiring walked back up to the microphone once more "Alright everyone for our last song I was just told by Robert there was going to be a special surprise one that I don't know as we play our song Winter Love so I'll give Robert the microphone to talk" he said walking over to the piano which was waiting for Jack to play.

Robert smiled as he walked up to the microphone that Jack had been using knowing that Jack had one attached to the piano "So I know I'm not a hometown boy but I've been with the band for quite a while. However, we have a surprise for Jack since his birthday is coming up tonight we are not going to have Christopher Cotner to come play bass on the song Winter Love like we usually do instead I will be playing bass. But here is the real surprise tonight we have a very special guest coming up to play lead guitar on the song Winter Love and that person will be coming in right over there" he said pointing to the curtain "Come up special guest" he said smiling knowing the secret no one else not even Adriana knew.

As Robert called out for the special guest to come up and show himself to everyone Markus walked onto the stage holding the guitar he had originally played for Lords of Captivating Hearts using his real arm he waved to the crowd and smiled at Jack who looked utterly and completely shocked to see him with on the stage.

Soon the band began playing Winter Love which was one of the softest and most beautiful songs the band had ever played.

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

Jack smiled as he looked at Adriana happily "Alright Ri-Ri go and have dinner with my mother I will see you later on" he said happily as he stood and hugged her before watching as she walked away, he couldn't help but feel though that a piece of him was missing, he was in his own world thinking of what would happen if the two finally got together, there was over a decade of friendship between the two, they knew each other better than anyone else in the world, they knew each other's likes and dislikes as well as dreams and the two would probably make the greatest couple because neither would hurt the other. But the fear that crippled Jack was that she was one of his only true friends, one of the very few people who knew every dark secret Jack had yet she didn't think of Jack as a monster which was weird to him because he saw himself as a monster quite often.

Allison 'Ally' Stacera was Jack's fifteen-year-old sister had just heard the great news that her brother was in town for a concert it meant that she would be able to see her brother who she had always idolized, her big teddybear of a brother who would turn into a grizzly whenever someone had hurt her and it had been too long since the two had seen or spoken to each other but she knew her brother still loved her because she'd always get gifts being brought to her at school and at home. Flowers, stuffed animals, among many other things. Though her brother always came home for Christmas which made her happy.

"Mom have you messaged Addie yet" she called out to her mother who was in the kitchen getting ready to go to the club where The Lords of Captivating Hearts were going to be playing a welcome home concert where everything began.

Ariel Stacera smiled as she worked in the kitchen getting dinner ready for Adriana, Ally and herself since Jack would be busy getting ready for the show that they were having. She also knew another surprise that Ally and Adriana didn't know just yet. Jack and she had talked and he was taking a couple of month hiatus from playing shows to write new songs since this was the last show on their current tour and he'd be staying in the town where he grew up in his mothers home. Hearing her youngest child Allison calling to her she answered her daughter "Yes sweet hard Addie is coming over now she said she'd be a few moments she just got done visiting with your brother."

As Jack was finished being made up by Crystal Jack too his position in the chair that the two other band members had been in already. Jack was curious as to what Crystal would do to get him ready for the concert since she had done different things with the two other members of the Lords of Captivating Hearts before he had time to say anything though he heard what Crystal said about how she knew Jack had known Ri-Ri but how she was different now and also she knew that Jack loved her "Yeah I love her like a friend" Jack said lying through his teeth since he had only admitted his love for Addie to Robert and Markus.

Robert heard what Jack had said and laughed to himself "Come on Jackie-boy we have eyes you are madly in love with Adriana you have been since you were kids and while I usually say that all men shouldn't get married or stay in a monogamous relationship with what I saw today between you and Addison I realize that I was wrong you two kids belong with each other and you've made me want to become a better one woman kind of man myself."

Markus couldn't help but laugh out loud as he heard Jack stating that he only loved Adriana as a friend. "Listen, buddy, all of us here in this room loves you. And every single one of us with the exception of the beautiful young lady has known you since we were kids which means all we want is the best for you and Addie so you need to quit lying to yourself first because all of us can see the truth about how you feel. Listen to Black Death, Bequeath unto you, and Deadman's tale all of them prove what you already know. There is a famous quote from someone who I cannot remember that said any artistic person, whether it be an author, painter or whatever puts their own feelings, personal life experiences, and a piece of themselves into their work even if doing so without knowing those songs I just spouted off all have the same underlying tone a man deeply in love afraid to tell the person they admire and I thought this even before you told me of your feelings. Now you've written Winter Love a song that is so unlike anything you've ever written it's an absolute surprise to have heard it. And this song was about an actual incident that happened between you and Addie so I'm surprised she didn't know you wrote it specifically for her."

Jack listened to what everyone had to say "Thank you all for your input, I'm glad to have heard it but..." Jack said taking a deep breath "You're all wrong Addie is my best friend always has been and nothing more. Even if I were to have feelings for her which I don't of course but even if I did. There could never be anything between us because I couldn't take the chance of losing the greatest friendship I've ever had. So please, please let us move onto a subject that doesn't make me want to rip every single hair out of my head one by one" Jack said still afraid to admit his feelings to the group of people. "And thank you, Crystal, for wanting to help me it means a lot that a complete stranger would do such a nice thing for me and also thank you for taking care of Ri-Ri in my absence I'm glad to know she has such a wonderful friend looking out for well being... Not to rush you or anything but how long will this take I uh... I need a cigarette" he said honestly not knowing whether or not you could still smoke in the club.

"Jack if you need too you can smoke in the dressing rooms I have no problem with that" Larry said having stayed quiet throughout the entire conversation. He also felt a little bad for having hit on Adriana now knowing that Jack had a thing for her.

"Good I really need one" Jack said as he reached inside of his pocket and grabbed an unopened pack of cigarettes before having them ripped from his hand.

"No you've not had a cigarette in six months, you promised to quit smoking and you're going to do just that. Especially since you can't just smoke one every time you get uncomfortable. It's time you started standing up and dealing with problems head-on instead of just hiding from them" Robert said knowing he was sounding mean but he did what he had because he cared for Jack.

Ally finished getting dressed and as she looked at herself in the mirror she couldn't help but grimace she had always hated her freckles and pale skin though she loved her red hair(she had dyed it to make it slightly darker than her normal orange-red hair) especially the way it was done now. "Mom is Addie here yet," she asked as she looked down where a picture of her mother sat on the table. It was a picture of when her mother was a child and she realized just how much the two looked alike.

Ariel smiled as she finished supper and began plating it so they could eat as soon as Adriana arrived "Not yet sweetheart but come down she should be here soon" she said finishing up putting food on the table.

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

Markus smiled as he looked at, Adriana, he could tell that she understood what he was saying, they had spent multiple hours talking about her secret love for Jack just as Jack and Markus had spent multiple hours talking about Jack's secret crush on Adriana. He was sure Adriana's friend knew about Adriana's crush but Markus was most likely the only person in the room that knew of both crushes. And he was going to have Crystal help him figure out a way to get two of his best friends together finally after years of denying the other the truth. Knowing that it was time to change the subject because of the way Adriana looked "I forgot to tell you Ri-Ri that Rachael just found out that she's pregnant you're going to be Auntie Ri-Ri, Alexander and Jack you're going to be uncles as well" he wanted to give them all good news. As Adriana asked Alexander what the song Winter Love was written about and why it was a ballad instead of the normal rock song that Lords of Captivating Hearts was known for Markus smiled waiting to see the answer that he gave her since the song was actually written about the time where Jack and Adriana had been walking in the snow and they had fallen and he nearly kissed her, the song was a way to right the wrongs so to speak lyrically by showing what would happen if he had kissed her that night.

"I uh" Jack stumbled as he tried his best to come up with a false story about what the song was truly about but he had never been able to lie to Adriana. As Robert came to his rescue which caused him to mouth the words 'Thank you' so where only he could see "Yeah the song was apart of a... Uh, time in my life where my hopeless romantic side bled through my rock star persona of being all together" though right after he said this she ran out of the room.

"It looks as if I am" Robert said with a smile watching as Adriana ran out of the room and came back moments later with a wet cloth and began dabbing Jack with it trying to take care of him and Robert knew then that these two kids truly were made for one another but neither of them was in a position to tell the other their feelings which actually made him sad. Robert up until this point had been the kind of person that believed one man should not settle down and that he should instead be with multiple women but now seeing Adriana and Jack together he knew that he had been wrong his entire life and that certain people in life were actually made to be with each other.

Jack smiled as Adriana touched his face the contact was something he'd missed, though it also made his heart skip a beat. "I'm...I'm fine Ri-Ri," Jack said both embarrassed and sad that he almost had to lie to her since he wasn't ready for her to know that he loved her just yet, the two had just been reconnected after years of being apart so there was no need to scare her away or ruin their friendship. "I'm not sick it's just a little warm in here."

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

Larry had to admit that he was slightly shocked that his flirtatious remark had gone either unnoticed or ignored. He was a very kind-hearted, good-looking man who also had a lot of money he truly was what most women would consider the perfect man. The best thing about it was that no matter what Larry would never womanize or disrespect a woman in any way nor was he cocky about his looks or riches and so he cleared his throat slightly. Looking over to Crystal he shrugged his shoulders knowing that this woman was Adriana's best female friend.

Robert sat in the chair that Crystal had sat out for the members of the band to sit in so she could help make them look better for the concert tonight. "You'll get your beer I can't believe that someone so beautiful, and intelligent could also be so... Oblivious to real life events happening in front of her. You'd think being as beautiful as she is she'd be used to getting hit on with a string of heartbroken boyfriends behind her. But I guess certain people live their lives differently, I mean Jack get's hit on every single day of the year and in the years I have known him he's never had a girlfriend so I guess good-looking people can in fact stay... Pure at least in certain ways.

Markus smiled as he walked over and immediately hugged Jack who you could tell was extremely happy to see one of the founding members as well as the original guitarist for The Lords of Captivating Hearts for the first time in years. "My God kid you've gotten so big and so grown-up," he said placing a very soft tap straight to Jack's chin with his left hand which was his real hand. It was good to see everyone together again but somehow, being the only person in the room that knew of the mutual crush that Jack and Adriana had for each other he felt like it was going to be his job to eventually get the two together but not as of right now, right now they needed to get used to being around each other again. As Adriana shouted at him Markus actually jumped slightly before laughing "Fine, fine kid calm down... I currently don't have any memes to give you... How about instead I get you a boyfriend" he asked teasingly as he winked at her knowing she'd know what he meant not knowing that Crystal would also know what he was talking about.

Robert heard Crystals comment about only being able to do so much and sarcastically he said "Ha, ha you're really funny has anyone ever told you this" he asked curiously as he stood up slowly. "And cocky, my I'm telling you the more I get to know you the more you seem like my kind of woman," Robert said teasingly before walking away to go sit on the couch beside Adriana.

Jack looked over to Ri-Ri as he heard Adriana ask him about why their new song Winter Love was written and especially why it was a ballad since LOCH was normally not the kind of band to play a ballad. For once Jack was actually speechless, sure he had explained to Elizabeth Viduelle the woman who had shown them around the building why the song was written but he couldn't tell Adriana that the song was written for his love for her, that he was madly in love with her and had been since they were kids. And he began trying to think of an acceptable lie to tell her so where he wouldn't have to tell her the truth.

"Go on Jack just let her know that the song was written because you've not dated anyone since you were in middle-school and that the song is a representation of your own deep seeded hopeless romanticism and the wanton need to find your soulmate. Again you've known Jack you're entire life Adriana how is it that a man who spends his entire life singing and talking to the masses seems to find himself speechless around a person he's literally known his entire life?"

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

Jack smiled at Adriana as he heard what she said about how they became famous due to their musical inclination. "Yes our talents obviously skyrocketed us to where we are now but if it weren't for your speech that night of our first show here the entire band was ready to walk out scared" this was something he had never told her Alexander, Markus and Jack had talked for hours before the show. They had played small venues with tiny crowds which were fine but as they peaked out at the large room and saw over two thousand fans waiting for them to play the biggest stage fright attack had hit the band. And the three originals decided they couldn't do it. Then like the Ring General she was Adriana had come in and given them a speech which changed their mind and from there the band was on the fast track to where they currently were at in the music industry. This was the first time that anyone other than the three original members of the band knew of what really happened but he knew that it was time Adriana knew just how important she truly was to the band's success.

"You know I've always loved your art," Jack said smiling as he pulled out his cell phone and he went to his gallery he still had old photos of Adriana and himself inside it. Slowly he scrolled through the pictures until he found the picture he was looking for in the front room of his home he had the three paintings that Adriana had signed and given to him hanging up so where anyone who came into his house could enjoy them "Three Menzel originals are hanging in my front room framed for the viewing pleasure of all who come to visit me" he said handing her, his phone so she could see. "I would love to see some of the paintings you are working on you know I've always loved your artwork Ri-Ri." Again, however, Adriana's friend Crystal pipe in with something he hadn't known and it made him feel special that he would be the first guy inside of her home other than her friends' six-year-old nephew. He was about to say something to Adriana but before he could say anything a knock echoed through the room and Larry Prince came walking in and Jack greeted him like the old friend he was.

"Wow you're kind of bossy," Robert said teasingly as she told him she didn't remember telling him he could move. "I kind of like it," he said in his own joking way but he sounded perverted as always. As he heard her saying that she bet a pint of beer that Mr. Prince would not only hit on but get shot down by Adriana he smiled always having been the one for a good bet Robert smiled at Crystal "I'll take that bet" he whispered back to her happily.

"It seems like the old gang is back together, let us try to keep ourselves out of trouble the last time you were all here I vaguely remember a farewell party that got a little wild." Larry said smiling "Jack and Alexander you're still as ugly as I remember," he said teasingly "Robert I don't know you so I won't say anything though I will admit Adriana you've really grown into your own. You are even more beautiful than you were before which should be an impossibility" Larry said smiling as he sat across from the couch where Jack and Adriana sat.

"Don't worry Mr. Prince we'll get to know each other really well before the show" he said staying still since Crystal was trying to get him ready.

Jack laughed as he heard Larry "Come on Larry you know as well as I do that the only reason the party got crazy is because you made it that way you were quite the troublemaker...Unfortunately though your craziness was like a disease because after we got rid of you we picked up ourselves the same kind of personality with Robert over there."

Markus Markovi Alexander's older brother and the original guitarist for the band had woke up that morning excitedly. As he woke up he placed on his prosthetic arm and readied himself for the day by showering and getting dressed. He was ready to meet the band at the club but in his excitement, he realized that he was four hours too early. So he waited and had now finally made his way to the place where it all started. Currently, he was making his way down the hallway leading to the dressing room. Casually he slipped inside and saw that the whole gang was there, due to the money that the band had made he had the best of the best prosthetic arm that money could buy and because of that he had taught himself how to play guitar again and he wanted to surprise the band because no one knew of his secret. "My dear God.
Jacob Stacera, Alexander Markovi, and Adriana Ri-Ri Menzel all sitting in the same room all grown up" being the oldest member of the band he had been like everyone's older brother and had taken care of everyone and he continued to do this until the accident that had taken his arm all those years ago.

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

"Wow he actually let you know his personal thoughts and feelings," Robert asked honestly as he looked over at Adriana with a smile "He's very private with his personal life and yet you seem to know everything about him which surprises me."

"That's because she knows me better than anyone Robert. Adriana knew me back when I was pudgy-faced Jacob Stacera" Jack said honestly as he looked at Robert and then back to Adriana "Ri-Ri, Lex, and Markus were my only friends and we were very close we knew everything around each other no matter how deep or dark the thing was" he then smiled as he placed his hand on top of Adriana's patting it softly "You always will be my best friend as well no matter what Ri-Ri" Jack said honestly as he heard Adriana's friend Crystal talking about how she would think over Jack's offer to be the bands, full-time cosmetologist but ho she loved being a freelancer. "If you love being a freelancer, be a freelancer you have to do what you love because if you do you'll never work a day in your life and that's the best feeling in the world" however, as Crystal joked with Robert about actually making him beautiful Jack couldn't help as he burst out with a laugh people rarely put Robert in his place other than Jack so it was nice to have someone else doing it. Though as Crystal made the comment about Adriana thinking that another member of the Lords of Captivating Hearts was actually Mr. Sexy his eyebrows raised curiously wondering if she might feel the same way towards him as he felt towards her. But those thoughts were quickly pushed to the back of his mind because there was no way that his best friend could ever think of him the way he thought of her.

So when Adriana changed the subject Jack let out a sigh of relief as he looked over to where Adriana was sitting "I'm glad to hear that you liked the new song I took a chance by writing a song that LOCH wasn't known for but it seems that our fans have enjoyed it though I am upset that you had to buy your own copy. I am famous because you pushed me to fulfill my dreams and so you should reap the rewards of the perks that comes with it" he said smiling "Before we leave though we need to hang out just the two of us for old times sake it's been way too long."

"Ouch" Robert said teasingly to Crystal as she spoke about how she'd try to get him to live up to the name Mr. Sexy "I have never heard such hurtful words coming from such a beautiful mouth" he said making his way across the room to sit in the seat that Crystal had placed for him to sit in, as she placed the cape around his shoulders so she could begin her work "Do whatever you please, I love it when a beautiful woman is near" Robert said winking at her playfully.

Lawrence 'Larry' Prince JR had been late coming to meet the band that his father had helped years earlier. Larry was the same age as Jacob now known as Jack and Adriana Menzel he had actually gone to school with both of them and had hung out with them casually as young teens especially while the band was playing at the club which was then owned by his father.

Stepping out of the orange Nineteen-Sixty-Nine Miura P400 that his father had owned for years Larry looked at his watch and realized just how late he actually was. This was an important day for Larry it was the first homecoming of Jack Stacera and Alexander Markovi in quite a number of years and for their homecoming one of the biggest celebrations in the city was happening the day after the concert which was happening tonight. Quickly, Larry fixed his suit making sure that there were no wrinkles as he sped through the halls of the club as he made his way towards the dressing room. It took several minutes for him to get to the dressing but soon he knocked on the door twice before entering the room "Lords of Captivating Hearts" he said excitedly clapping his large hands together before rubbing them as well. "It's an honor to have you here at this establishment, my father wishes that he could be here but he has, unfortunately, had a heart attack tonight though the doctor's assured me that everything should be fine in just a couple of days which is why I was late tonight. I apologize vehemently for being late and I hope that you will understand."

As Larry entered Jack's eyes lazily went over towards the door as it opened, seeing a young man Jack remembered that Lawrence had, had a son which meant that the Mr. Prince Elizabeth had spoken about earlier was the son, not the father. Standing slowly he reached out and shook Larry's hand politely "Mr. Prince it's a pleasure to see you again, it has been a few years since we last stood in each others presence. I was a lot younger back then had long hair and a goofy mustache because I thought it made me look cool. And if I remember correctly you had long hair as well" he teased as he heard about Larry's father "Give your father our love he was a massive part of the success of this band, he was the only club owner in town who would give a chance to a bunch of misfit boys and a pretty girl manager. If it hadn't been for him we wouldn't be where we are now" he said honestly "Come in we're just getting ready" Jack said waving his hand towards the room. "It is your building after all."

Larry smiled as Jack came to shake his hand, politely he shook Jack's hand as well "Yes, yes I did have much longer hair back then, that and I also had a denim blue jean jacket with a Megadeth, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne and Anthrax patch sewn on them.
I also had braces and it's surprising you remember that after all these years Jack" Larry said teasingly as he walked in and sat on a chair.

Robert heard the whole thing going on and as Larry said he couldn't believe Jack remembered that Robert spoke, slowly as not to mess up Crystal who was working on him "One thing I've learned about Jack over the last few years of being on the road with him is that Jack has the memory of an elephant years later he'll throw out something that happened at a previous concert and it's mind blowing because Lex and I usually have forgotten about it.

Remember When? |EasilyAmused & Mysterion|

Robert Gaffinger