Feels Like We're Living In The Past (Modern Monkees AU)

Prologue: The Beginning Part 3

"Poems is how Lennon started, we can help ya think up a beat for it" Mike suggested as Davy seemed reluctant to show his piece.

"I-I 'ave a tune in mind, I just dunno if you all would like it"

"Take a deep breath, David, we're your band mates, we'll like whatever you write" Peter tried to reassure him with a smile.

"Could I.. sing some of it?" Davy asked, although seemingly shy about the idea.

"Of course, just lemme get my earplugs" Micky joked, earning a friendly shove from Davy.

The room fell silent, and Davy cleared his throat, closing his eyes in hopes to raise his confidence.

I wanna be free

Like the bluebirds flying by me

Like the waves out on the blue sea

If your love has to tie me

Don't try me, say good-bye

And at first, Davy grabbing at his chest seemed like part of the song, but as his face twisted in pain and his singing suffered, his friends began to panic.

"Are you okay?" Mike tried not to sound panicked, one hand on Davy's back and the other grabbing his arm.

"I-I'm just.. Out of breath is all" But he didn't look up, eyes screwed shut.

"Then why are you in pain?!" Micky was half-way to standing, ready to take his friend to the hospital if necessary.

"It's nothing" Davy waved his hand in the air, "It'll go away soon"

"This is normal for you?" Mike looked at him, somehow more concerned.

"Davy" Peter spoke up softly, surprising Mike and Micky at how calm he seemed, "I-I noticed in your suitcase, I wasn't snooping, b-but I saw first-aid bandages a-and if you're binding with those y-you could crack your ribs" The calm seemed to disappear from his voice.

Davy didn't speak, his eyes open now, a mix of surprise and worry in them.

"Oh Davy, you gotta get those off, man, they're so dangerous" Micky stood, going to Davy's side, using a careful hand to guide him up, "I hope you didn't wear them on the plane over"

Davy shook his head, "I-I thought it'd be too long"

The rest of them stood as Micky led them out of the room.

"I'm sure we can scrape up the money for a proper binder" Micky thought aloud, causing the others to agree, although Mike was a bit confused.

He didn't know there were other methods is all.

"Wait" Davy spoke, and they all stopped walking, "None of you a-are mad?"

"Davy, look at us, do you really think we'd be transphobic?" Mike scoffed, a small smile pulling at his lips.

"Yeah, why would we be scared of you?" Peter smiled, and while most of them sighed, Davy couldn't help the little laugh he let out.

"Thanks you guys, I mean it"

-

Jam and recording sessions could only happen at Micky and Peter's, since transporting the drums proved difficult. So when Mike saw a run-down beach house for rent, he was quick to see if they could afford it.

It only had two bedrooms and the plaster was falling off, but it was cheap, and Mike figured if they got jobs on the side they could afford it. And from the photos online, he could picture Micky's drums set up, the other three standing around him, just playing. It almost felt like the place was made for them.