Living Like A Runaway

End of the Beginning

-Jump to November 29th, 1987-

Two days later, and mine and Axl's wedding was one of the biggest subjects in pop culture around. Magazines with us at the ceremony or kissing in the rain were on every news stand, and a lot of the news networks had it covered as well. We, of course, had our own copy of the whole thing on video, but all the sent-in videos were things that the paparazzi had managed to catch. 

We did, however, submit a number of our professional photos with all of our different musical friends. Some of the paparazzi tried to get them interviewed as well, especially that of Steel Panther and Poison. Surprisingly, it was still raining in what was usually a sunny Florida, so everyone was packed into a hotel room for the morning of the day. We didn't really have to start getting ready for hours, as it was only about nine-thirty, so it wasn't like we were technically slacking.

Steven picked out Ghostbusters and Tommy picked out Back To The Future, so those were going to be our films of choice. We'd also ordered a painful amount of room service, because nobody felt like changing out of their pajamas just yet to find a diner or a McDonald's. As we were waiting for the food, however, Sonic pulled me aside.

"Should I tell them after the show?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. We were in the hallway, walking down to the balcony of the hotel so she could have a cigarette. "I mean, I don't want to say it before that and change the performance, but I also don't want to just blurt it out, y'know?" She lit her cigarette and I thought for a moment, the rain being the only real source of sound to fill the gap.

Finally, I sighed. "I think we should finish this tour the way we started it; together, as a band. I'd wait, honestly... and Sonic?"

She raised an eyebrow at me, still soaking in my first sentence. "Yeah?"

"I'm not gonna act like we've had the best relationship ever... but I'm also not going to act like you aren't important. Jeez, Sonic, you're part of what made this damn band so special. I'm not about to stop you from leaving, but at the end of the day, this band is something you and I created together, and just... don't forget that, dude." I frowned, unsure if I should have been feeling bad or not. 

The guitarist laughed. "I won't, Stel. Fuck, it don't matter what's gone on between us, that doesn't change the music. I just don't think this is for me anymore. Not this gig, anyway. Oh, and Stella? After I go, you wanna tell Nikki that I'm sorry?"

Now this, I definitely didn't expect at all, especially after all the bullshit that went down with Nikki. "What for?" I asked politely, a sincere confusion crossing my expression. Sonic wasn't exactly one to apologize, and if she ever did say sorry, it was usually cynical or at least fake. I thought I had a right to know why, though.

Sonic shrugged, and she looked over at me, blowing smoke rings out in front of us. "Eh, it'll make sense sooner or later. Just say it for me, will ya?" I nodded quietly, trying to rack my head as to why something like this could have been coming up now. It just made no sense. Sonic, ignoring my confusion, stomped out her cigarette and walked away.

Not even a minute later, my husband came out and wrapped an arm around me. "Babe?" he asked, "Are you okay? You and the psycho were missing, so I came looking for you." I half-smiled at Axl and pecked his lips.

"Sonic just asked me when she should tell the others; I said after the show. Then she told me to apologize to Nikki once she was gone. I have no fuckin' idea why, though." 

Axl shrugged, guiding me inside. "Maybe she's finally starting to get her shit together," he suggested. "She's been more isolated lately anyway, maybe because of the wedding." It was a fair suggestion, but I honestly doubted it. I dropped the subject for now, however, and joined the others in the room for breakfast and well-needed coffee.