Whole New Complexity (A Sequel to Crazy As Normal)(Izzal)

Chapter 16

Axl doesn't plan to leave Izzy right away. They have band things. They're tied strongly by the pure friendship. The selfless part of him definitely avoids the breakup of the band but yet, the selfish part of him wants to throw up everything. He has to softly land at the right place in a right timing. They don't stop handjobs and blowjobs, or sweet pillow talk, or the flirting kisses, if he may add to the list one more thing, all of which constantly kill his soul of course, but to be truly honest, he desires both of them in their perfect bedroom alone all day long, even though his love will remain one sided in the future as well.

Okay, let's be reasonable. That isn't practical, so he's dwelling on the thought of a move. The problem is simple; Where does he go? Erin's place is impossible. He's not heard from her since the my-Izzy fight. Moreover, he's not talked to her intensely and has regarded her as his ex. That means he has to find someone else. However, almost all the acquaintances are mutual, Izzy would find out the place in which Axl's hiding so easily. Therefore, he has no place to go. On the contrary, the music things will go more smoothly since he's going to appear whenever and wherever the rehearsals will be held. Izzy might get suspicious about him. To pretend that the moving isn't a big issue is tough, yeah right, this part will be really, really tough, but he won't ruin a so-called gate to success at least. He is responsible to all of his band mates. He's tried to be as reasonable as he could. Has he been calm while planning the escape journey? Not the slightest. Oh if only he didn't realize his real feelings for Izzy.

Whatever he feels, time waits for no one. The band has a gig tonight at Madame Wong's East, a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. Axl comes here alone. He's trying to be alone. He's trying not to think about Izzy. He looks up the banner in sorrow. There are three Chinese characters on it he has no idea of. They are always an illustration to him. Will the love for Izzy become meaningless like the Chinese characters one day? He hopes so.

At the backdoor of the restaurant, Axl hears someone calling his birth name before he technically goes into the building.

"Bill! Hey! Bill, it's me!"

Axl turns around, finds his ex bassist. They played in the band, Rapidfire, several years ago when he'd introduced himself as Bill Bailey. They hug and clap each other on the back like they have nothing on their mind. Actually, Axl's departure from the band was sort of a trouble. They made a record and after three days passed, he quit the band.

"What's up?" Axl smiles. Mostly, Mike should have had the ill feeling but now he's glad to see Axl. Luckily for him, Mike's a nice guy.

"Oh, I have a lot to talk about. We should catch up! How about this weekend?"

Isn't it specific? Axl asks. "Were you waiting for me?" Because if so, it's kind of creepy.

"Nah, I just passed by and I found you. But it's always fucking awesome to see an old buddy, right?"

Mike looks the same as Axl knew but his tanned skin gets darker. To look at his acquaintances who keep their health always brings Axl peaceful feelings. Axl needs to get some relief for a change. Maybe having a drink or something with him will be a good break. "I'll give you a call. Did you change your phone number?"

The throaty voice comes from behind Axl before Mike replies to him. "Can you step to the side?"

"Hey, Izz." Axl pulls away from Mike and says.

Izzy grips two guitar cases with both hands, seeming to have watched the happy reunion from the beginning.

"You might not know him. This is Mike. He plays bass." Axl faces to Mike whose arm still remains around his shoulders. "Mike, Izzy. He's a talented songwriter and a kick-ass guitar player. Have you ever heard us? We formed Guns N' Roses."

"Yeah, everyone talks about you guys. I didn't know you sing in a high note. You're fucking crazy!" Mike claps Axl's chest. "Give me a call. I didn't change my number."

Axl thought that he would leave when he stepped back, but he pulls him to him again, whispers into his ear. "He's that Izzy you didn't stop talking about, huh? I thought you had a thing for him. Seems you still have."

Axl immediately flushes when he understands the words. "Hell no!" His whisper doesn't reach Mike since he has already walked two feet away.

Did Izzy hear what Mike said? That's embarrassing. He looks down at his black western boots, covering his face burning like a volcano with his orangish hair. Izzy doesn't utter a word, so Axl sheepishly looks up at him.

"Oh," awes Izzy. Significantly and theatrically. "He's your Mike and you're his Billy. I see."

Axl smells a quip but isn't sure. "He played bass in Rapidfire." He replies in a bland tone to seek Izzy's angle.

"Well, you have those intimate friends everywhere. That's very beautiful. Always value them." A wily expression spreads across the guitarist's face.

"What are you talking about?"

"The facts." Izzy turns his face and no longer looks at him.

"The facts of what?! Why the fuck are you angry?" Axl throws the questions but Izzy doesn't answer them and gets into the building.

Axl follows him. His wide strides show his anger clearly. Finally Izzy stops before the door of their dressing room. Axl grabs his hand. With the other hand, he pushes the black curtain of his hair behind his ear that totally hides his expression.

"Izzy, what's wrong?"

"Get your hands off me." The taller man stares at the door, his cheek is as pale as ice and the calm voice refuses his closest friend completely.