sad, beautiful, tragic // j.r.b

four

Julien kept her eyes on the door the second Hazel told her she was leaving, it was nearly impossible to focus on anything else. Either with the anticipation of seeing her again or just with making sure that she was safe. She didn't know why but any time she laid eyes on her something tugged at her, like she wanted to protect her. Her thoughts were so Hazel occupied she wasn't sure how she even made it through the first couple of songs, at least thankful she knew them like the back of her hand. Though the second she saw the timid brunette making her way into the lit performance hall she caught herself thanking every deity imaginable that they were in between songs.

She loosened a heavy breath, a small smile tugging on her lips as her brown eyes met hers. Hazel sliding into the seat that she had saved for her, a small rose in the center of the table. Lifting a delicate hand Hazel waved, and Julien almost cringed at how hard her heart slammed in her chest at the simplest motion alone.

"Earth to Julien, stop thinking about pussy for one second." Phoebe nudged her a bit causing her to jump as her hand flew to the microphone. And for the first time ever she almost felt... nervous? "Sorry everyone, Julien's crush just walked into the room so she's a little distracted."

"Phoebe!" She nearly squealed as her jaw dropped, a chorus of laughter spreading across the nearly packed bar. Though with wide eyes Julien caught herself looking almost fretfully at Hazel, sighing in relief once she saw her hiding a chuckle behind her hand.

"Whenever you're ready, Julien."

"I'm gonna fucking kill you after this." She glared, and with one push of the guitar pedals in front of her they launched into the next song.

Hazel cheeks were bright red as they stayed directly locked on the tattooed guitarist. The way her hands strummed on the electric guitar while her fingers danced on the frets. Goosebumps exploded over her skin as she stepped up to the microphone and her voice rang out over the audience. Phoebe's and Lucy's voices blended perfectly which she almost wouldn't have expected in their difference in tone. The energy of the three and the rest of the audience almost made her want to jump up and start dancing herself. It didn't feel like a local band performing at a downtown bar, this felt like an actual concert. One that made her smile more than she had in a while. Because it was a feeling she hadn't felt in a while.

The group did a few more songs before taking a pause, each one making her want to get up and move more. And if it wasn't for the fact that Julien came running right in her direction afterwards she would've almost been disappointed. "Haze! You came!" She seemed almost breathless as Hazel hopped up to approach her, a bright smile on her face that Hazel couldn't help but return. "And you actually wore it."

To her surprise Julien didn't hesitate to toss her arms around her in a hug whenever she approached her. The two earned a smirk from Phoebe as she slid past the two, meanwhile Lucy made her way to the center of the stage for some solo time. "I said I would." Hazel flushed at the sudden embrace, trying not to get lost in her scent again as Julien softly ran her hands down the fabric of her own flannel. "It's comfortable."

"I'm glad." Julien added, almost reluctantly pulling away as she came eye level to Hazel. "I knew you'd get cold and forget to bring a jacket so..."

"So you know I'm stubborn then." Hazel teased earning a little shrug from her in response.

"Maybe." Julien remarked, "Do you wanna sit?" She asked with a glance towards the table Hazel was previously at, sliding an arm around her waist instinctively before going bright red and drawing back much to her dismay. "Fuck, sorry if that was too forward."

"No, it's okay." Hazel voiced, her smile not fading for one second as she drew Julien's arm back around her. "Let's sit."

The table was set for two, something Hazel should've picked up on probably as they both took their seats. Julien shyly drawing her arms back around herself though wanting nothing more than to wrap Hazel up in them again. "So, do you guys usually give each other solo time whenever you play?"