It Ain't Like That (a Layne Staley fanfic)

Chapter 3 - Record Store

Song: Got Me Wrong by Alice In Chains

On Wednesday morning, I woke up wide awake and ready to start my day...which never happens, unless I have something to look forward to. I worked on and completed a fashion design inspired by the mellow tones of the desert. I then called up Layne to see what time we were meeting up.
    "Yo! When're we meeting up?" I asked over the phone.
    "Hmmm...I dunno. What time works for you?" Layne asked me.
    "Probably around three." I responded.
    "Sounds good. What're you doing right now?" He asked.
    "Uh...well, I just finished a fashion design, and I'm really proud of it. Other than that, nothing." I said with a small chuckle.
    "Ah, alright. I just woke up...you're making me feel really unproductive." Layne said with a little giggle.
    "Nah, you're the one who's put out a full length record and is in a successful band." I laughed. We had a small banter until I realized that it was eleven-thirty and I wanted to get ready.
    "Okay...I've gotta go get ready...see you later?"
    "Yeah! Actually, do you want me to pick you up? Would that be easier?" Layne asked sweetly.
    "Nah, I'm good with my own ride." I stated cooly.
    "Alright. See ya later!"
    "Yep! See ya." I said as I hung up the phone. I had a huge smile plastered across my face. Layne just had the sweetest voice. His speaking voice was nothing like his singing voice, though. It was all soft and mellow, with not a hint of the pain and aggression that he delivered on Facelift. I almost got lost in my thoughts before I pulled myself back to reality and went to go get ready. I walked over to the shower and took one. After I got out and changed into some clothing, I walked over to the light brown vanity and put on some eyeliner. I almost felt like I was going out on a date--until I remembered the poignant 'as friends' statement. My smile quickly faded as I sat down to work on more drawings. About an hour or two later, I perked up again as I checked the time. It was 3:35. I gathered my things and called Layne to tell him I was on my way to the local record store, and he said he was on his way as well. I took the elevator down to the first floor of the hotel and then went out to my truck. I got in and began to drive, occasionally glancing at the map on the dash to make sure I was going the right way. The buildings and mountains were so beautiful that I nearly forgot about where I was going.
I made a left and found myself at the record shop. It was a small, old-looking place with a yellow and white striped awning rimming the edges of the roof. I got out of my truck and walked in. Instantly I saw Layne, with his hair pulled back into a ponytail and a leather jacket on.
"Hey." I said, tapping him on the shoulder.
"Hi." He said, smiling sweetly at me. We hung out and I ended up buying one record—Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. Layne bought Nevermind by Nirvana and Badmotorfinger by Soundgarden. After that, Layne asked me if I wanted to hang out at his place, and I agreed as long as he had beer.
Layne opened the door to his hotel room. It was certainly very nice, with a lovely bed and satin curtains draping from the poles that were attached to the wall.
"You probably already know this, but your hotel room is lovely."
    "Why, thank you, dear!" Layne said in a mock British accent. I rolled my eyes and laid down on the bed. Layne sat beside me.
    "Isn't it crazy how we ended up becoming friends? I mean, what are the odds of running into someone at a small taco place in the middle of nowhere and exchanging phone numbers?" I laughed.
    "Yeah, I know, right?! Shit's crazy. But I'm glad it happened." Layne said.
    "Yup. So how long're you in LA for, again?" I asked Layne.
    "Um...till, like, Saturday or something." He replied.
    "Ah, I see. I'm here till Friday. Anyways, what is your life like back home?"
    "Loud, crazy, and chill at the same time. Don't ask me how it works...I guess that's just Seattle for you." He laughed. I laughed as well and looked into his eyes—his beautiful eyes. His whole face was rather enchanting to me...his golden eyelashes, his cheekbones, his lips...it confused me, but I could look at them for hours. His golden blond hair was done in dreadlocks that hung loosely around his face, and they matched his beard. I didn't know how long I was staring, nor did I care, since he was just too beautiful. Wait, what the hell? Why was I thinking of someone—my friend in this way?
               When my eyes trailed back up to his, I noticed his gaze quickly flick away as he changed the subject. Was he looking at me too?
           "So, uh, what're your friends like?" He asked. I snapped out of it and responded.
            "Oh! Um, they're pretty chill. We usually just hang out and smoke." I stated. Isn't this supposed to be the part where we kiss?
             "Cool, cool. What about your parents? How's your relationship with them?"
             "Alright. I talk to my dad more, though." I said.
            "Uh-huh. I'm definitely more close to my mom. My dad was never really around."
            "Oh, that's terrible. I..." I ended up trailing off, due to my unrelenting desire to kiss him.
               "Well, uh...I gotta go...talk to Mike, you know, our bassist, so...catch you tomorrow?" Layne said awkwardly.
              "Yep, sounds good. Have fun!" I smiled, trying to hide the frown of disappointment that threatened to taint my face. I got up from the bed and picked up my bag as Layne walked me out.
           "S-see ya," I chuckled slightly, "Uh...sometime tomorrow?"
           "Sure! Can I go to your place this time?" Layne asked, almost as if he was aware of my feelings towards him...almost as if he...understood them? Or felt them himself?
            "Yep, that works. Do you do hugs?" I mocked his previous behavior, hoping to lighten the mood.
           "Haha, yes, I do hugs." Layne said. He then gave me a hug, but gentle this time. It lasted for quite a while, actually. His hand slowly ran up my back as my forehead rested against his chest. I then felt his chin move from my shoulder. I looked up at him as his lips moved cautiously to my neck, only to graze it slightly as he leaned towards my ear.
         "S-see you, Athene." He breathed. Shocked at his sensuality, I managed a quick, rather high-pitched, "Bye" as I paced away, turning back once to wave.

Okay, what the hell just happened?