Broken and Fearless // C.B.

Chapter 46

I noticed that Panic! had released a new album and screamed. I mean, I knew it was coming, but between all the insanity of videos and recording and family and friends, I'd forgotten.

Sam came running into the kitchen. "Juliet? What's wrong?"

I grinned, showing him the notification of the new album. "I got a video for today!"

I ran upstairs to grab my computer and camera. Colby was at his computer and gave me a look. "Sorry."

He blew me a kiss and then put a finger to his lips. I nodded and grabbed my stuff and made my way to the computer room that the boys used for streaming. Thankfully, it was empty.

I set up my camera and got settled and started recording. "Hello, world of YouTube, and welcome to an album reaction. Today, as you hopefully know, Panic! at the Disco has released a new album. Now, if you've noticed, I haven't reacted to any of the songs. I like reacting to the album as a whole so that I don't have to listen to a single and then have to wait for an album. So, here is Pray For The Wicked. The first song is Silver Lining."

I played the song and by the end, I was singing along. "Now that is how you start an album. This is gonna be awesome! Next up, we have Say Amen (Saturday Night). Oh! There's a music video for this one. We're gonna watch that."

I played the music video and frowned. "News story? Devil's Key stolen. Okay. Wait. Devil's Key. Hang on. I'mma keep my thoughts quiet for now. And now he's killing people. Violent, but I'm kind of living for it. My Saturday nights are never as intense as this; even living in a house full of boys. Kick to the balls. I like how he did that for the high note. Beat up by a girl and a bat. Okay, then. Wait, wait, wait. I hear heartbeats. Gimme a moment." I pulled up This is Gospel and played the beginning. "It's the prologue! Oh my gosh! The trilogy is now complete. We got Hey Look Ma, I Made It."

The song began and I soon found myself swaying along. As soon as the song finished, I gave a nod. "I like this one too. He really did make it. He's come so far since Fever all those years ago. So far, this album is great. Alright. High Hopes up next." I played the song. "Once again, great song. It's got a very positive vibe, which I like. Roaring 20s coming up."

I started the song and soon was singing along with the chorus. "This might be one of my favorite songs off the record, but there are six more songs, so I can't say that with certainty. Dancing's Not a Crime. I mean, it's not, far as I know, but let's see why he says it's not a crime." I began the song. "Dancing's not a crime unless you do it without me? Clever. I like that. See, that's an example of a successful pickup line. Boys, step up your game. This is pickup lines done right. Next up we've got One of the Drunks. I wouldn't know what it's like to be drunk. I can't legally drink, and I'm a good kid and follow the law. Let's play it."

Once the song finished, I frowned slightly. "Okay, another favorite. Geesh. I'm having a hard time picking my favorite song. Next up, we got The Overpass. Huh. Interesting. I'mma be honest. This might take a couple listens. I think it'll grow on me though. Songs usually do. King of the Clouds is song number nine. I'd like to be the ruler of the clouds." I played the song and it soon finished. "That was a short song, but that's good. I do like the high aspect this song seems to have. We're nearing the end of the album, and that's making me sad. The penultimate song is called Old Fashioned. Now, despite that I'm not legal, I do know that it's a drink. Lest you forget, I live with people over 21."

I played the song and was soon singing along. "Once again, that's a favorite. It's so incredibly difficult to pick my favorite song. So, thanks. Final song of the album is Dying in LA. I live in LA, so I think this song will hit home. And something tells me it's gonna be a ballad."

I began the final song and grabbed my koala. "Piano. It is a ballad. Don't mind me; Eliot is just gonna help comfort me because I'm pretty sure I'm gonna cry." Halfway through the song, the instruments switched. "Okay, now we have strings. That was a beautiful transition." The singing ended. "Did he really leave a minute for strings? Yes he did. Wow. That for sure is my favorite. I felt like I was dying, but suddenly, I feel like I was resurrected. Music is incredibly powerful. It expresses the soul in a way nothing else can. If I didn't have music, I don't know where I'd be."

I turned off the video. "Alright, guys. That was Pray For The Wicked. It was worth the wait. Now I've got more songs to play over and over. Sorry, roommates. If you enjoyed, I'll be back next week with more cringe-worthy content."

I turned my camera off and started replaying the album from the beginning. As I listened to the music, I edited the video and put it up. Once again, comments came flooding in. I did my usual thing of hearting some comments and reading through them.

I truly had the best fans. They were so supportive, and I was truly grateful to have them in my life.

Jake appeared in front of me and asked, "I see you put up an album video. Why don't you listen to the singles that were released earlier?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Did you even watch the video?"

He shook his head. "I rarely watch the videos you guys put up. So, why don't you do that?"

"I don't like having to wait for an album to drop after listening to a single or several singles. I'd rather listen to it as a whole to get the full experience."

"That's an interesting take. I don't think I know anyone who's done that. You don't even listen to the songs on the radio?"

"I play my own music. Or CDs. And if someone plays the songs, I distance myself. That way, I don't know what to expect from the album. It's more fun that way."

"That's... That's actually really cool. It must be hard not spoiling the songs."

"It's easier than you think. Not a lot of our friend group listen to the songs I listen to, so I don't have to worry as much about the songs being spoiled."

Arms suddenly surrounded me and I jumped. I heard a groan and Colby said, "Ow."

I turned to see him rubbing his chin. "You really need to stop jumping and hurting me."

"Sorry." I replied. "But you've got to stop scaring me."

"I think we can work something out."

"Work something out, huh? How about you just stop scaring me and I'll stop injuring you. That sound good?"

Jake rolled his eyes and walked away. Kid clearly wasn't keen on the flirting going on before his eyes.

Colby laughed and kissed my cheek. "I think we scared him away."

"Nah, he'll be back."

Sure enough, Jake reappeared and said, "Movie night."

"What movie?"

Jake just grinned, and I had the feeling it would probably be something I hated.