Everything Harmony: Church Balls (A The Lemon Twigs Fanfiction)

II. Sweet Vibration

(( Header image by theivoryheart! It's beautiful thank you))

I heard distant murmuring around me that got clearer as I regained full consciousness. I feel asleep in the bus? I try to sit back up, feeling the weight of a blanket on my lap.

"Mornin'," a sunglasses clad Danny joked as he noticed I woke up.

"She's awake?" Brian called from the front. 

"Sorry, was I out for long?"

"No, no, don't apologise," Michael waved his hands around, "it's been about an hour by the way."

"We're almost there?"

"Hmmh."

"...Where is "there" exactly?" I innocently asked.

"Next location of the tour."

It had completely slipped my mind! I don't know how it could have, but it did!

"Oh, right," I smiled.

"Sorry your new dads will be away for a little bit," Michael joked. 

Or half-joked, I suppose? It's kind of true.

"Tell you what," Brian exclaimed, "we'll give you a bit of cash to spend. Get yourself a drink and a snack."

Reza giggled, "We can get you a spot at the front row."

"Or a spot on stage!" Michael shouted.

I cringed just imagining myself in front of that big of a crowd. "Oh, no, I couldn't do that."

"Ah, shit. We were kind of counting on you being a new touring member, right, guys? Your mom told us you're really good at guitar and keys 'n stuff."

I couldn't tell whether or not Michael was joking. "Er... A school talent show is way different."

Brian gently gave Michael a "lay off" look. "No, you're right. It's a lot for us to ask, Yn." 

Michael pursed his lips slightly into a half-smile, half-pout. "It would have been cool for you to join us, though."

I doubted my own skills, let alone performing in front of a crowd. I don't want to ruin the experience for eager fans - if I were in that crowd I'd be mad at me, too.

–

It was a few hours later. The crew had set up the stage and The Twigs were getting ready backstage.

I clutched the money that Brian gave me in my hands. It's not like he had to give that to me - I have my own wallet and all. But it was such a sweet gesture that I couldn't refuse. In a weird way, I didn't know whether I should have just kept it or not. It was definitely not a keepsake but I loved holding onto things.

I decised to buy a soda when I was swept off by The Twigs. "What? What's going on?" I laughed.

"Come!" they encouraged, "you don't want to miss the show, do you?"

I let them bodyguard me to the front, giggling like a schoolgirl. 

–

That evening felt like a haze, it was so unreal. 

They performed the majority of A Dream Is All We Know, with the odd Songs For The General Public and cover songs here and there.

It was the most fun time I ever spent. It almost made me completely forget about how I got here in the first place. 

I didn't want it to end. Fans were acknowledging me and initiating conversation, and the music was amazing.

–

"Did you have fun?"

"Mhhm!" I nodded in agreement.

Michael stared at my phone and randomly remarked, "do you think it's called a laptop because it's like a phone but too big to hold with one hand so it's gotta be on your lap?"

"Wow, shit, I suppose so."

We were already bonding like we had always been friends. Even I'm surprised how quickly I adapted. Maybe I'm used to really intense and strange situations at this point.

"Catch," Danny yelled as he threw a plush toy my way.

I barely caught it with both hands and gazed down at it. It was a little brown monkey plush. "Shane?" I snickered.

"Yeah," Brian said.

Michael continued, "we bought the little guy second-hand a while back. We thought you'd like it."

"I-- no, you're really spoiling me! Are you sure you want me to have it?"

"Sure."

"Are you okay with hugs?" 

I felt some hesitation until all four of them give me a warm embrace.

"What's with all the gifts?"

"Welcoming gifts!"

"Yeah, but, I mean like, why?"

"We didn't want you to feel bad anymore. It's been a long day and we wanted to take your mind off of that."

It felt as if an apparition of my mum came to me, telling me how they could treat me well, better than she ever could. She was right, in a way. I didn't have a lot of friends growing up, nor did I have a lot of things for myself. We have always had money troubles. 

Now I felt safe and comfortable. Without worry.

I felt around for the Shane plush, but couldn't find it. I audibly whispered, "what?"

Just from the corner of my eye (lol) I saw a shadowy grey move and leave. What in the hell was that?

"What's wrong?"

"I swear, someone was just in here! I think they stole Shane!" I freaked out.

Brian squinted his eyes.

"Oh, god... he is back... Evil Brian."