It's a Long Way Down

Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Party

"Are we all having a good time?!" Copia called out to the crowd as Ember walked towards him. Sodo had thought she should use his guitars for the time that he was filling in for Rain on bass, but Ember told him she preferred hers. Of course, the one song she did use Sodo's guitar was when they played Zombie Queen, getting to use his old Hagstrom. Copia looked back at her and said, "Come on out little one. Show them what you've got."

She walked forward, starting to play Kiss The Go-Goat, making the fans scream. She was a little glad the show was almost over. She had fumbled on a few of the solos that she didn't usually play and missed her queue a few times as well since she wasn't used to basically being Sodo on stage. Luckily, this song went off without a hitch, just having Square Hammer left to play. Once Copia gave the queue, Ember walked to the front and started to play the song, Sodo soon joined her, playing the first note on the bass and looking at his mate. He knew she was beating herself up over messing up some songs, but there was nothing she needed to worry about. He thought she was doing great.

They soon finished their set and they handed their instruments to their techs before heading back on stage and waving to the fans, handing out the leftover picks. Ember stood up straight after tossing a pick into the crowd when she felt a hand on her arm, making her jump and look to her left, seeing Sodo standing there. He subtly pulled down his mask, revealing his mouth, doing the same with hers, as he stood in front of her, his back to the crowd connecting his lips to his mate's. The crowd went wild as he held her face with his left hand, his right on her hip.

Her hands automatically went to his chest as her eyes fluttered closed, melting into the kiss. When he pulled away he told her softly, "You did amazing, baby. Don't beat yourself up about any of the mistakes. It'll happen. Okay?"

She nodded, making Sodo offer her a small smile, pecking her lips once more before lifting his mask once again. Ember did the same and continued throwing the picks into the crowd, a smile on her face and any negative thoughts she had running through her head gone.

Once they got back to the church, Ember saw a small glimmer of blue, making her squint her eyes as she got out of the van, soon realizing who it was. She started sprinting towards them, engulfing them in a giant hug, "Thank Satan, you're okay."

Rain had to hold back a groan of pain, knowing his best friend was just worried about him. He just wrapped his arms around her and said, "Yeah. I'm okay."

Sodo and the rest of the band soon caught up to her, noticing Rain, smiles covering their faces. Swiss said, "I thought you were getting released tomorrow."

"I may have used some of my abilities to heal myself a little so I could get back faster. Their food sucked," Rain said. Sodo patted his back and said, "I'm glad you're back, bro."

"Yeah, I am too," Rain said. Ember then pulled away from him, Sunshine quickly taking her spot in Rain's arms. Ember looked at Rain sadly, telling him, "I'm sorry this happened to you. You were never supposed to be hurt. None of you should ever get hurt because I have a target on my back."

"Ember, baby, I told you it's not your fault. Besides, the bullet was meant for me, if anything it's my fault," Sodo told her. Aether shook his head, "It's neither of your guys' fault. It's Sister Imperators' fault for not knowing when to stop. She's starting to put all of us in danger with her personal vendetta against you two."

Sodo watched as Ember's face twisted in realization, making him say, "Don't even think about trying to blame yourself for that, Ember. Aether's right, it's not often he is, but he's right. It's Sister who can't seem to realize she can't do anything about us being together. Do not blame yourself."

Ember simply glanced at Sodo sadly before walking into the church, her arms wrapped around herself. Swiss then spoke, "Hey, let's have that party tonight. Celebrate Rain's survival."