Might as Well Face it, You're Addicted to Love (Joe Perry/Nikki Sixx)

Chapter 180: Night at the Mercury's Part 1 (Josephine Nicole Perry)

It's hard to believe that this time a year ago, I was still in a coma.... Living & Dead both. Really, I've been 'dead' inside though since then even after awakening. I've been trying TOO hard, to NOT try. Deep down, I've ignored that little voice....my gut as my parents have taught me when I should have listened. I've been in a fog, haze.... Whichever you'd wanna call it. Then I met Hunter Mercury at one of my absolute WORST moments, and still he stuck around.... he understood, he understands.... He's got lots in common with me. I made my first real friend, outside of extended family and I've been getting to know him. course, I've got the full support of 'The Perry Squad' as Uncle Pink calls them/us. It's been a busy day, but not busy if that makes sense. I've worked out, taken time for myself.... took care of everyone like always and made two chocolate-raspberry cakes and I gotta admit I am nervous.... like really nervous, Hunter and his parents are coming by to pick me up and will bring me back later tonight......

"Josephine..." Mom, I jump breaking out of my reverie and realize my mother is addressing me, dad by his side and my brothers and sisters watching tv but whom I know are listening in, "Hey, I didn't mean to startle you." He apologizes, bringing me into a hug calming me, "—I know that look honey, I feel how nervous you are. I PROMISE you're gonna be ok. I can tell you Hunter's parents love you already, how can they not..." A gentle touch to my face, tilting my chin up and I find myself looking into the eyes so very much like my own.

"I am.... getting in my head again..." I whisper.

"It's OK...but honey it's hard to get out of it.... but you can and you are. You've got this, I believe in you.... your dad does, we all do." Mom reassures me and the next thing I know is the doorbell rings and its time....

My parents hug me, my brothers and sisters do, and they check me over, making sure I have the cake....my phone and my bag as I open the door to find Hunter standing there.

Looking happy to see me, if I didn't know better.... his eyes staring into mine, those dark eyes which widen with surprise realizing what I have in my hands, as I explain....

"Um...I wanted to do something nice, so I made my favorite cake...it's chocolate and raspberry. I know you said I didn't h-have to do anything to thank you...or your parents but I figured it's the least I could do." I stammer my way through my explanation, my face flaming under Hunter's intense gaze. Well intense to me anyway.

Hunter shakes his head slowly, shaking himself out of his stupor before his expression morphs to one of apology & something else I can't quite define but it's not a bad expression. "---I didn't mean to make you nervous.... more than I'd imagine you are." His tone Apologetic & thoughtful, "---But thank you, you really didn't have to, but it means a lot that you did."

Goodbye, Love you's, & hugs are given once again and I find myself in a car with Hunter & his parents, who promise to bring me back and take good care of me & before I know it, I find myself standing in the stunning foyer, of a house that screamed Freddie Mercury & Brian May both. I can't help but gape as I take things in....

"This....is wow.... stunning but like it feels cozy too." I finally managed to find my voice.

"We thank you." Brian smiles kindly before taking my cake from me, Freddie slings an arm around his waist. They remind me so much of my parents. "---And for being my son's friend." Here he turns to Hunter, "Why don't you show her the house? And you two have a hang out while your father & I get started with dinner?"

"Ok mum..." Hunter glances at me, "I will." Again, those EYES. And is he blushing? Hunter leans in to whisper to me, "Dad bloody well can't cook & he 'helps' mum by making out with him."

"I heard that!" Freddie glares playfully at his son.

Hunter straightens & smirks, "You've got Vulcan hearing Dad! I bloody swear!"

"Comes in handy darling." Freddie waves his hand & adds on tone more thoughtful, getting an idea perhaps. He shares a wordless conversation with Brian who nods, smiling. "---Well naturally I figure you'd show Josephine the house a bit, however.... I think especially the practice room & studio. She'd I figure it would be more than welcome to play any of your mum's guitars. Josephine knows what she is doing, more than." Is he serious about that? Not going to lie, I'd love to but to go to such trouble for me.... just wow....

"I, would love that.... but you don't have to go to such trouble for me really." I protest.

"I wouldn't say such a thing if I didn't mean it."

"Fred's right, now you two go have fun, ok?" I gape at Brian, before I find myself giving in so to speak & smiling. This is awesome! I can't thank them enough, really, I can't......We part ways for now, Hunter's parents heading off to the kitchen while Hunter gives me a tour of the house & we talk.

My nerves are going away as I take things in, such beautiful.... beautiful rooms, yet rooms that are LIVED in. Hunter & I talking & for once.... Well, for the first time, I am really enjoying himself. We see all of the bedrooms, glance at the kitchen, the absolutely stunning gardens with the most beautiful roses & a koi pond with a pavilion.....Hunter does show me his bedroom as well.... very much shy & blushing as he shows it to me.... I find myself teasing him, which breaks the tension and then we arrive in the studio/practice room & I take everything in....feeling.... feeling PEACEFUL.

"You look so happy right now...." Softly, I bring my attention back to Hunter.... those dark expressive eyes that I swear follow my every move. "---I gather, like me this is one of the places you feel most at peace." He finishes.

"I am happy.... You don't know how much I needed this night. Your parents treat me like I'm one of the family.... for the first time in SO long, I am enjoying life.... myself now. Not that I haven't had some spots of joy this year, but it's been really.... rough." I tell him truthfully, finding myself tearing up.

"Oh Josephine, you're not the only one.... but I can see how much this means to you. You ARE part of the family; you're my best friend." Hunter tears up himself, "And I do believe my friend.... that...well, I've heard and seen you perform...but I'd love to get an exclusive performance. Jam with me darling?" The Way he says 'Darling'....

I place my bag, carefully aside.... quickly letting my parents & brothers & sisters know how things are going...popping off a series of texts & I can feel myself beam in excitement....

"Well best friend, I'd love to. Now, Queen songs are a given considering the company I am in.... but do you happen to know any of my parents' songs?"

"Oh Darling, course I do.... like I said, you have fans & I am one of them."

I've got fans, I can't get used to that.... but the way he says it.......

Without thinking I find myself grabbing his hand, practically dragging him over to the instruments.... him laughing, eyeing me....me laughing with him, as he sits down at his piano & I pick out a guitar.... drooling not going to lie & reverently tune the instrument, plugging it into the amp....

"You pick the song darling."

I mull it over a moment, before saying. "Well, 'Kings & Queens'.... it's one of my favorite Aerosmith tracks."

"Well, my dear friend, Josephine....'Kings & Queens' it is."

What happens when you combine, part Crϋe....part Aerosmith & add a dash of Queen? Something I am SURE will be epic, I get that feeling....

A/N: Hunter & Josephine hanging out, bonding.... Did you catch the sparks? There is so much more to come! There will be part 2!