Midnight Blues // Jake Kiszka

twenty three

A/N: Thank you to all my new readers and thank you to everyone for baring with my hiatus! I decided to extend this fic a bit longer because I have some more ideas! Enjoy and thank you all <3

**THREE YEARS LATER, JAKE'S POV**

"Well congrats boys, you did it. You went platinum." Their manager spoke, beaming. 

The smile that spread like wildfire across Josh's face was wider than any he had ever seen before. It was rightfully so because holy fuck, a platinum album within 10 years of being on the music radar. They had worked their asses off for this, putting in copious hours and drinking obscene amounts of caffeine. It really felt like we made it, so why the fuck am I so sad? Wait, sad isn't the right word. There's a gaping hole in the middle of my chest, and I just feel tired. I'm tired all the time lately. I look around the room at all the gleaming faces, and the champagne bubbles spewing out uncontrollably from the bottle Sam popped open. This is what accomplishment is supposed to feel like. After this, we'll be going back to Frankenmuth for much awaited time off with our families where we can recharge. I should be happy, but I know that as I sit in my childhood bedroom and take in my surroundings, there is still going to be something missing. There has been since Freya. 

"Also, I know we promised you boys some time off and you will definitely get it, but Kerrang! wants to do a feature on you boys and I think that's a great opportunity to spread the word even further that Greta Van Fleet is here to stay!" 

"Awww come on, we worked so hard for the platinum!" Sam whined, sipping the bubbles off the top of the champagne bottle. 

"I know and that's why it makes sense. Besides, it won't stop you from going home. They agreed to do the interview for the magazine remotely via skype and they even said they'd send a photographer out to Frankenmuth to better accommodate you guys." 

I knew there was a catch, there's always a catch...

I take a swig of beer from the amber bottle I was subconsciously clutching. I was both annoyed and thankful that we were still doing something. I needed something to distract my brain from her. 

More people filled in the conference room to celebrate with us and Josh had called our parents to let them know about the good news. My mind was buzzing from all the alcohol and conversation. 

"Dude, we fuckin' did it." Danny said, clapping my shoulder. 

"I know, it still feels kind of surreal." I mustered. 

"I know, it'll hit us when we go home though. My mom is very adamant about throwing us a little party and I think Josie said she wanted to make us a cake." Danny chuckled. 

"Oh god," I laughed "I honestly just can't wait for a good night's rest."

"Me too man, big time." 

Before we knew it we were saying our goodbyes and heading back to Frankenmuth. The interview and photoshoot weren't for a few days, so we actually had a chance to celebrate with our families. The magazine had said they wanted a "fresh-faced band", so down time was essential. The flight was fairly quiet and before I knew it, sleep was ushering my eyes closed. 

//

"Congratulations my dears!" Mom said as she opened the doors. She kissed all three of our cheeks as we shuffled into the house, duffle bags in tow. The house smelled warm and had a heavy aroma of spices. It was almost autumn and there was a faint chill in the Michigan air. It felt familiar and comforting and my body seemed to relax as soon as the wind made contact with my skin. I was finally home. 

"It smells so good in here." Sam noted

Josh and I nodded in agreement. Mom laughed and pulled us all into a hug.