Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time

Chapter 13

Locked eyes and an easy smile leant itself to being quite the successful form of flirtation, at least for Brendon. Of course after the departure of two of his band members, the atmosphere in bars was nothing more than a gentle ringing in his ears and a faded light. A girl with short black hair and and beautiful big eyes steps in his peripheral vision. It's Sarah. Of course he remembers Sarah. He stole her away from another man; a successful and almost forceful attempt to mask the inevitable emotional downfall that would soon crash down on him. They had shared kisses and a bed, but the heavyset thump in his chest couldn't make room for her, because he wanted that, to feel. He still does.

She smiles at him and he attempts to give one back. She must have noticed the lack of honesty because the next time he looks at her, the smile has turned into a small frown.

She asks, "You alright?"

"No," He says immediately.

A hand is placed on his back, but Sarah is silent until a few seconds go by and she asks the bartender for some drinks.

Brendon says, "I can pay for those."

Sarah says, "No, I'm gonna treat you."

He wonders why she's being so kind. Just because he looked upset? He hadn't called her in days, in fact they had barely seen each other lately. She raises her shot glass and Brendon does the same. The musician takes the alcohol down quickly.

"Thanks." He says, giving Sarah a more genuine smile.

"Of course." She replies.

Nothing too significant comes from the night. They talk for a while, and Brendon avoids talking about why he was upset. Sarah never asks, but there are moments where Brendon wishes she had. The one thing before they depart consists of Sarah suggesting that they should see each other again, because she had missed him. There were no conversations about a boy or girl in her life at the moment, so Brendon dares to think she had stayed single for him. But how could she even love him, he thinks. As much as he loved the touch of her hand and the kiss of her lips, he doesn't think he would be good for her. At least not now.

As weeks go by, Brendon spends the free time he has with Sarah. He even brings her along to watch a photoshoot for his band's upcoming album Vices and Virtues. Most of the time he couldn't help but think the cameras should have been on her instead of him. It's the way her fingers intertwine with his as they walk down busy streets. He thought the only thing his digits would find comfort brushing against was the keys of an old fashioned piano. Touching her... seemed so dangerous to him. His heartbeat pounding against his chest; how embarrassing if she heard. It took time to find that Sarah was her own symphony. The inspiration he got from her emitted the most beautiful sounds on a guitar; a piano. Her smile would be the center focus. He'd write about his feelings; his honest hesitation. His words had to speak the truth even if the result wasn't tied in a pretty gold ribbon.

It's the night he'd show her the song. He had been working tirelessly trying to make it sound perfect. He didn't want to just show her the track, but play it for her. Of course in the message he sends to her, he doesn't quite mention it. He hopes it will surprise her.

He hears the doorbell ring and he's quick to get up from his seat. He takes a breath before opening the door. Sarah stands there with an eager smile, "Hey, Bren."

"Hey." He says with a smile.

She walks in and he leads her into the livingroom. She takes a seat as Brendon grabs his guitar. Before the musician starts, he says, "Sarah, this song I wrote for you, uh," He pauses, "Yeah, I hope you like it."

Brendon begins to play. He looks up to Sarah who's already smiling ear to ear. He shakes off the oncoming butterflies and begins to sing, "I was fine just a guy living on my own...."