Bandom One-shots book 3

Protecting What's Mine (Slash x Steven Adler)

(Slash's POV)

We had just killed it on stage.

The crowd was wild, the energy electric, and adrenaline was still pumping through my veins as I packed up my guitar. Sweat was dripping down my back, but I didn't care. We fucking owned that stage.

I was in my own little world, wiping down my Les Paul when I heard it.

Axl's voice.

And not the usual cocky, loud-mouthed Axl we all knew.

No.

Axl was pissed.

"What the fuck was that out there, Steven?!"

My head snapped up.

Oh, no.

I turned just in time to see Axl towering over Steven, his face red with anger, his hands flailing as he went off.

Steven.

My Steven.

Steven, who was standing there with wide, glossy eyes, looking like a kicked puppy.

"I—I didn't mean to mess up, man, I swear!" Steven stammered, his voice shaky, his hands fidgeting nervously.

Axl wasn't having it. "You fucked up the tempo three times, Steven! THREE. TIMES."

Oh, hell no.

Protective mode: activated.

My heart started pounding for an entirely different reason as I tossed my cloth aside, my jaw clenched. Nobody talked to Steven like that.

Not on my fucking watch.

I was across the room in seconds.

"HEY!" My voice echoed louder than I intended, but I didn't care.

Axl froze.

Steven's eyes snapped to mine, and I saw the relief wash over his face.

But Axl?

Speechless.

For the first time ever, Axl fucking Rose was speechless.

"What the fuck is your problem, man?!" I growled, stepping between him and Steven, my body practically vibrating with anger.

Axl blinked, his mouth opening and closing like he was trying to come up with some excuse.

"You don't get to talk to him like that." My voice was sharp, my eyes locked onto Axl's with a glare I didn't know I was capable of. "I don't give a shit what happened out there—you don't fucking yell at him like that."

Axl's eyes narrowed, but he didn't say a word. He knew better.

I felt Steven's hand brush lightly against my back, his fingers trembling.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the rage boiling in my chest.

"Just... go cool off, Axl." My voice was quieter now, but there was no mistaking the threat beneath it.

Axl mumbled something under his breath before finally walking away, and the second he was gone, I turned around.

And there he was.

Steven.

My heart broke.

His bottom lip was trembling, his eyes glassy and red like he was barely holding it together.

"Hey, hey, come here, baby..." I whispered, my tone immediately softening as I pulled him into my arms.

Steven collapsed against me, burying his face in my chest as his shoulders shook.

"I'm sorry, Slash... I—I didn't mean to mess up..." His voice was muffled, but I could hear the pain in it.

"Shh, baby..." I kissed the top of his head, tightening my hold on him. "You didn't do anything wrong. You hear me? Nothing."

I felt him nod against me, but he was still shaking.

"C'mere, let's get you outta here, okay?" I murmured softly, running my fingers through his damp curls.

I grabbed his hand and led him back to the dressing room, closing the door behind us before pulling him onto the couch with me.

Steven didn't even hesitate—he crawled right into my lap, curling up against me like he was trying to make himself as small as possible.

"I got you, baby... I'm right here," I whispered, pressing soft kisses against his temple, his cheeks, anywhere I could reach.

His breathing was still a little uneven, but I could feel him starting to relax as I held him tighter.

"Why's he always so mad at me?" Steven mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

That broke me.

I tilted his chin up gently, making him look at me.

"Because he's an asshole sometimes, baby. But you? You're perfect."

Steven's eyes shimmered, and I kissed him softly.

"You're my everything, Stevie. Don't ever let anyone make you feel less than that."

His lips quivered, but he nodded, pressing his forehead against mine.

"I love you, Slash..."

"I love you more, baby."

We stayed like that for a while, just holding each other.

Eventually, I shifted us so we were lying down, Steven curled up against my chest, his head tucked under my chin as I ran my fingers through his curls.

"You comfy, baby?" I whispered softly.

Steven hummed, nuzzling closer. "Mmm... 'm safe with you."

My heart swelled.

"Always, Stevie. Always."

As he drifted off to sleep, I pressed one last kiss to his forehead, holding him like I'd never let go.

Because I never would.