The Kings: A Band's Tale

Going To Ireland [22]

The hum of the tour bus engine and the rhythmic clatter of its wheels on the road provided a soothing background as The Kings made their way to their next destination: Ireland. The atmosphere in the bus was relaxed after the intensity of the concert earlier that night, the weight of the emotional performance slowly lifting from the group.

Uno and Denise sat together in one of the cozy two-seater booths toward the back of the bus. Uno leaned against the window, his blue hair still slightly damp from a quick post-show shower, and Denise nestled against him, her head resting on his shoulder. The dim light from a nearby reading lamp cast a warm glow over their faces.

Denise tilted her head to look at him, her yellow eyes sparkling mischievously. "You've been awfully quiet. What's going on in that dramatic rockstar brain of yours?"

Uno smirked, turning his head slightly to meet her gaze. "Dramatic, huh? You're the one who stormed on stage tonight with backup vocals like you were leading a revolution."

She chuckled, reaching up to playfully flick his nose. "Someone had to make sure you didn't melt into a puddle of emo tears in front of all those fans."

Uno laughed, grabbing her hand before she could flick him again. He interlaced his fingers with hers, holding her hand tightly. "Fair point," he said, his voice softening. "But seriously, thanks for that. For being there."

Denise's teasing grin melted into a tender smile. "Always, Uno. You know that."

He leaned in closer, resting his forehead against hers. "I don't know what I'd do without you," he murmured.

"You'd probably just write angsty songs and brood in dark corners," she teased, but her voice was gentle.

Uno laughed, pulling her closer so that her body fit snugly against his. "Yeah, well, the songs would all be about you, so joke's on me, I guess."

Denise's cheeks flushed, but she rolled her eyes playfully. "You're impossible."

"And you love it," he quipped, his blue eyes twinkling.

She huffed, pretending to be exasperated. "Unfortunately for me, I do."

Uno tilted her chin up with his free hand, a playful smirk still on his lips. "You're not very convincing," he said, leaning in to brush a soft kiss against her lips.

Denise responded immediately, her arms sliding around his neck as she deepened the kiss. The world outside the bus seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of their connection. When they finally broke apart, Denise rested her head on his chest, her heart pounding.

"You're such a tease," she mumbled, her voice muffled against his shirt.

"You started it," Uno retorted, brushing a strand of her brown hair away from her face.

From the front of the bus, Lance's voice cut through the quiet. "Hey, lovebirds! Keep it PG back there! Some of us are trying to not feel single right now."

Denise burst out laughing, hiding her face in Uno's chest as he rolled his eyes. "Get a life, Lance!" Uno called back, his tone lighthearted.

Angelo chimed in from the other side of the bus. "You two are so sickeningly cute it's almost inspiring. Almost."

"Don't encourage them," Matt added, though the amusement in his voice was obvious. "It's bad enough they commandeered the best seat on the bus."

Uno smirked, wrapping his arms tighter around Denise. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Matt."

"Neither does public affection," Sherwin deadpanned from his corner, earning a round of laughter from the rest of the band.

Denise tilted her head up to look at Uno, her eyes still sparkling with amusement. "Maybe we should tone it down before they start writing angsty songs about us."