The Kings: A Band's Tale

Now Over At Doncaster [11]

As the bus hummed along the quiet road, the scenery outside the windows shifting from rolling Scottish hills to the gentle countryside of northern England. The concert in Scotland had been a huge success, but exhaustion was starting to settle in as The Kings and their entourage leaned back in their seats. Uno sat near the front, next to Denise, his Stratocaster resting on the seat beside him. His luggage, full of neatly packed suits, was stacked in the storage compartment below the bus, while everyone else had already begun to doze off.

Denise turned her head toward Uno, who was staring out the window, lost in thought. She nudged him gently with her elbow. "You alright?"

Uno blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Yeah, just thinking about the next show in Doncaster."

"Well, you're in luck." Denise smiled, her yellow eyes glinting in the dim light. "My grandparents still live there. I was thinking... how about we crash at their place tonight instead of some random hotel?"

Uno raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Your grandparents' place? You sure I wouldn't be intruding?"

"Intruding?" Denise laughed softly. "Uno, you're practically family at this point. Plus, it's better than staying at some cold, impersonal hotel. They've got a cozy little cottage near the forest. You'll love it."

Uno looked at her, considering the offer, then nodded. "Alright. I could use a quieter night. But are you sure? I've got a ton of stuff with me."

Denise waved a hand dismissively. "Please. I've seen you carry your entire wardrobe before a show. What's a few bags and a guitar?"

Uno chuckled. "Fair point."

Denise turned toward the driver, tapping him on the shoulder. "Hey, can you drop us off near a small cottage just outside Doncaster? It's close to the forest."

The driver gave a thumbs-up. "Sure thing, Denise. We'll be there in about an hour."

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As the bus pulled up to the cottage, the quiet night air greeted them with a gentle breeze. The small, cozy home was tucked near the edge of the woods, surrounded by towering trees that swayed slightly in the moonlight. A soft glow emanated from the cottage's windows, casting warm light over the driveway.

Uno stepped off the bus, looking around. "This place is amazing. It feels... peaceful."

Denise smiled, breathing in the familiar air of her childhood home. "Yeah, it's always been like this. A little corner of peace."

Behind them, the bus door swung open, and they began pulling out their luggage. Uno's Stratocaster case came first, followed by his suitcase packed with suits. Denise grabbed their essentials-a shared bag of clothes, toiletries, and other necessities.

"Alright," Denise said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "We've got this."

Uno lifted his suitcase with ease and looked over at the rest of the band still lounging inside the bus. "See you guys tomorrow morning for rehearsals?"

Lance, who was half-asleep, gave a lazy wave. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get too comfortable at Denise's grandparents', alright? We've got a show to prepare for!"

Olivia added with a laugh, "Make sure Uno doesn't get lost in the woods."

Uno rolled his eyes but smiled. "I'll be back in time. I promise."

With final waves and goodbyes, the bus pulled away, leaving Uno and Denise standing at the edge of the driveway, surrounded by their luggage. Denise grinned, nudging Uno with her elbow. "Come on, let's get inside."