Anything Goes

A Rebel without a Band

“And you didn't even think to tell me what was going on?” Tracii squawked as he paced in front of me like an angry parrot. His face looked a million times better, but my head hurt. I still felt like utter hell, but nowhere near as bad as I did the other night. My chest ached and sometimes my heart would skip a beat out of nowhere, but I felt a lot better. My fever was slowly going down too. About damn time.

The doctor called Izzy’s phone for me and told me I was going to make a full recovery and that no permanent damage had been done. She mentioned that I might have a permanent heart murmur from the whole thing and I'd have to be on antibiotics every time I got strep for the rest of my life, but that the swelling would go down and I'd be back to normal in a few weeks. I was still at Izzy's place, but he was confident enough that I'd be ok to leave and run errands. Duff stopped by periodically (probably at Izzy's request) to check in on me.

And now Tracii showed up out of the blue because word travelled fast about my ER trip. I didn't realize I was so popular.

“Tracii, I already said, it happened too fast. If Izzy hadn't gone out to look for me after work, we'd probably be having a very different conversation.” I sighed, rearranging my blankets on Izzy's couch.

“Still, you could have at least told me. I had to find out from Nadir D’Priest, of all people.” said Tracii. He then felt the need to sit next to me on the couch and rub my back.

“Tracii, please stop.” I said without looking at him. He took his hand away.

“I mean, I know we're not bandmates anymore, but we're still friends, right?” He asked. I nodded into the couch. “Right. So...how do you feel?”

“Better than I did three nights ago, trust me. Those meds work.” I stopped and felt my chest as I my heart skipped a beat. “Mostly.”

“Well, that's good. I'm glad you're doing better.” said Tracii. And he sounded like he meant it. “Band isn't the same without you, trust me. The guy we got to replace you is a prick. I'm thinking about kicking him to the curb.”

“You're too picky. That's your problem.”

“I most certainly am not. I just want to work with people who are dedicated and decent. And look good in black jeans. Is that too much to ask?” Tracii moaned dramatically.

“Apparently.”  Tracii clicked his tongue.

“Yeah, ok. You sure you don't want to come back? Please?”

“Yes.” I sighed. Though, that offer did sound slightly tempting. It was only hitting me now that I was out of a band. I was lucky to still have my job after how long I'd been out of work. I was a rebel without a band. And with all the confusion of the last few days I didn't really mention it to Izzy. He'd say my health is more important anyway, whether or not I agreed.

“Come on, let's please do something again. You're the best singer I've ever met. I hate this new guy and so does everyone else. We can even make a new band. Izzy can join too. I heard he quit London.”

“Wow, news travels fast.” said Izzy dully from the doorway, his arms full of grocery bags. Tracii jumped ten feet in the air.

“Holy shit! You scared me!” He said. “Nadir told me where you live, I swear.”

“I guess we aren't gun-shy after what happened.” said Izzy, setting his bags down. “And of course he did, because he has nothing better to do with his mouth than run it. Sorry about your face.”

“It's...fine? I guess? Sorry about your hand.” said Tracii. This just turned fifty shades of awkward. Izzy shrugged. He stepped around him and over to me and his tone of voice noticeably changed. “How do you feel, Axl?”

“I'm ok. I've been sleeping on and off today.” I said. Izzy dug into his bags.

“I got you some orange juice, cough meds and tea bags. I hope that helps a little. Did you take your meds?”

“Yeah.” I nodded. Tracii looked like he wanted to make himself scarce.

“Er...am I interrupting something? And I hope I'm not?” asked Tracii.

“Nah. You've already darkened my doorstep, pull up a chair.” Izzy waved his hand casually. Tracii sat down in the armchair looking mildly uncomfortable.

“Did you really quit London?” I asked, sitting up and gathering up my blanket.

“Sure did. Told those pretty boys to eat it and I walked out.” said Izzy, leaning back into the couch. “So, I am now officially bandless. Shit happens.” He looked over at Tracii. “How's your band, Tracii?”

“Oh, uh...not great.” Tracii said. “Our new lead singer is a jackass and we're all sick of it.”

“So I heard. What's this about you wanting to get a band together?” asked Izzy. The cool, edgy blackbird persona came out. It was kind of sexy, actually.

“I mean, me and the guys were thinking about it. We need a singer though. And…” Tracii shifted his feet. “We could probably use another guitarist too. It's hard being the only shredder up there…”

“What's that? Is that an invitation?” Izzy asked. He subtly put an arm around the couch behind me. Tracii went pink, a color I've never seen on him.

“I mean, if you want? I don't have a name or anything picked out.” Tracii shrugged. Izzy nodded slowly.

“Ok. I think that actually sounds pretty good. But we're not rehearsing until Axl feels better. No excuses.”

“Ok, ok, I get it.” Tracii said impatiently. “This isn't my first band.”

“Hey, I'm just saying. Protocol and whatnot. Can't be too thorough. And if I agree to this, this is OUR band. Not Tracii Guns and Company. Capisce?” said Izzy with a mildly threatening air. Tracii squirmed.

“Yes, yes, yes, ok. I get it already. Are you in now?” said Tracii desperately. Wow. I've never seen Tracii fold so quickly. The guy must be really desperate.

“Sure. Count us in. But not until Axl feels better. His health comes first. You can wait a little bit.” said Izzy.

“Oh, thank God!” Tracii exhaled dramatically. “I have the rest of my band, we can just combine. I'll go tell them and think up some names. Feel better, Axl.” He leapt up like he’d been electrocuted and dashed out the door. Ok then… Izzy laughed and shook his head.  

“And if he even thinks about draping himself all over you like some horny schoolgirl, I’ll break both his arms.” said Izzy with a grin. But we both knew he wasn't kidding. He slid an arm around my waist and stroked my side. It tickled a little. My heart fluttered and a blush crept up my face.

“I dont think I've ever seen him so uncomfortable before.” I said, settling back into Izzy.

“Good! Maybe he'll back off then.” Izzy shrugged, putting his arm around me. “I hope I didn't just sign my life away. The rest of the guys in that band had better be good. I want to really stick it to Nadir.” He stretched a bit before glancing at me. His hand brushed my cheek. “How's your heart?”

“Fine. It doesn't hurt as bad anymore. And I'm sick of sleeping.” I added hastily before Izzy could even open his mouth. But he didn't say anything. Instead he pushed me back gently into the couch, wrapped an arm around my waist and rested his head on my chest. He closed his eyes. He was silent for a few seconds.

“I’m not a doctor, but you do sound better.” Izzy said into my shirt. His breath was warm, and so was the rest of him. “And I'm sorry you're sick of sleeping. I could sure use a nap, though, and you make a really nice pillow.” He nuzzled me gently, his inky black hair tickling my stomach. With shaking fingers and a bright red face, I ran my hand gently through his hair. Every inch of him was so warm. He sighed softly into my shirt. I had forgotten how much he'd been through the last few days, with taking care of me and all that. He must be really worn out. I peeled my blanket out from around me and covered him with it. I petted his hair gently until he fell asleep.