A few weeks have passed since Claire’s 6th birthday party, and the Thunders family is back in their routine. Claire is adjusting well to her life with Johnny as her father, and the Heartbreakers as her extended family. Today, Johnny has decided to introduce Claire to a couple of his musician friends—Stiv Bators from the Dead Boys and Michael Monroe from Hanoi Rocks. He’s excited for Claire to meet them, knowing that they’ll adore her as much as he does.
The apartment is buzzing with activity as Johnny prepares for the visit. Claire is playing with her toys in the living room, while Vitani sets out some snacks for their guests. Johnny, dressed in his usual rock-and-roll style, checks his watch, smiling at the thought of his friends meeting Claire.
JOHNNY
(to Vitani)
They should be here any minute. I think Claire’s gonna love them.
Vitani smiles, placing a hand on Johnny’s arm.
VITANI
(supportively)
I’m sure she will. And I know they’re going to love her.
Claire, overhearing the conversation, looks up curiously.
CLAIRE
(excitedly)
Who’s coming, Daddy?
Johnny grins, crouching down to her level.
JOHNNY
(playfully)
Some really cool friends of mine, sweetie. You’re gonna have a great time with them.
A few minutes later, a car pulls up outside the apartment building, and out step Stiv Bators and Michael Monroe. Stiv, with his punk-rock swagger, and Michael, with his flamboyant style, exchange a grin before heading up to Johnny’s place.
Johnny opens the door just as they arrive, greeting them with his signature grin.
JOHNNY
(enthusiastically)
Stiv, Michael! Glad you could make it.
STIV BATORS
(grinning)
Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Johnny.
MICHAEL MONROE
(smiling)
Heard you’ve got someone special for us to meet.
Johnny nods, stepping aside to let them in.
JOHNNY
(sincerely)
Yeah, come on in. She’s excited to meet you guys.
Stiv and Michael follow Johnny into the living room, where Claire is waiting, clutching her favorite doll. She looks up at the newcomers with wide, curious eyes.
JOHNNY
(gently)
Claire, I’d like you to meet Uncle Stiv and Uncle Michael. They’re good friends of mine.
Stiv, ever the charmer, crouches down to Claire’s level, offering her a warm smile.
STIV BATORS
(softly)
Hey there, Claire. It’s nice to meet you.
Michael, with his vibrant personality, does the same, giving her a playful wink.
MICHAEL MONROE
(grinning)
You must be the coolest kid in town, huh?
Claire giggles, immediately warming up to them.
CLAIRE
(shyly)
Daddy says you’re both really good at music.
Stiv chuckles, glancing at Johnny with amusement.
STIV BATORS
(teasing)
Well, we try our best. But your dad’s the real rockstar here.
Johnny rolls his eyes good-naturedly.
JOHNNY
(mock-seriously)
Don’t let them fool you, Claire. These guys are legends in their own right.
As the afternoon progresses, the group sits together, sharing stories and laughter. Stiv and Michael, both captivated by Claire’s energy and curiosity, begin to tell her tales from their days on the road.
STIV BATORS
(excitedly)
There was this one time in Cleveland…we played this crazy show, and the crowd was wild! I think they liked the noise more than the music!
Claire listens intently, her eyes wide with wonder.
CLAIRE
(giggling)
Did you get scared?
MICHAEL MONROE
(laughing)
Oh, we were all a little scared, but that’s what made it fun! It’s all part of the adventure.
Johnny, watching the interaction, feels a swell of pride. He leans back, enjoying the sight of Claire so at ease with his friends.
VITANI
(whispering to Johnny)
She’s really taken to them.
JOHNNY
(nodding)
Yeah, they’re good guys. I knew they’d love her.
As the sun begins to set, Stiv, Michael, and Johnny decide to treat Claire to a little impromptu performance. Johnny grabs his guitar, and Stiv and Michael quickly follow suit with vocals.
JOHNNY
(grinning)
Alright, Claire. How about a little rock-and-roll lullaby?
Claire claps her hands, bouncing with excitement.
CLAIRE
(excitedly)
Yes, please!
The trio begins to play a soft, melodic tune, their voices blending together beautifully. Claire listens, her face lighting up with joy as the music fills the room.
CLAIRE
(whispering to Vitani)
This is the best day ever, Mommy.
Vitani smiles, holding Claire close as they watch Johnny and his friends perform. The warmth of the music, the love in the room, and the bond between them all create a moment that feels like magic.
As the night winds down, Stiv and Michael prepare to leave, but not before giving Claire a big hug and promising to visit again soon.
STIV BATORS
(affectionately)
You keep being awesome, Claire. We’ll see you soon.
MICHAEL MONROE
(grinning)
And maybe next time, we’ll bring you something special from the road.
Claire beams, hugging them both tightly.
CLAIRE
(cheerfully)
Thank you, Uncle Stiv! Thank you, Uncle Michael!
Johnny walks them to the door, giving each of them a firm handshake.
JOHNNY
(sincerely)
Thanks for coming, guys. You made her day.
STIV BATORS
(smiling)
She made ours, Johnny.
MICHAEL MONROE
(agreeing)
Yeah, she’s a special kid. Take care of her, man.
Johnny nods, watching as they leave. When he returns to the living room, he finds Claire already half-asleep on the couch, her dollhouse by her side.
VITANI
(whispering)
She had a great time today.
JOHNNY
(softly)
So did I.
He carefully lifts Claire into his arms, carrying her to bed. As he tucks her in, he kisses her forehead, whispering softly.
JOHNNY
(gently)
Goodnight, princess. I love you.
Claire, barely awake, mumbles back.
CLAIRE
(sleepily)
Love you too, Daddy…
As Johnny steps out of her room, he feels a deep sense of contentment. His life may have been wild, but with Vitani and Claire by his side, he’s found a peace he never thought possible.
