Friday night. A month has come and gone with the changes already paying off. Benji is a master of the bass, never missing a note and backing me up perfectly every performance. Life has returned to my music, with me swaying on stage and belting out my lyrics with a vigor that I haven’t had in four years. No matter the crowd, I try to draw out as much energy as I can out of them, stomping my boots up and down the stage playing my guitar with as much power as I can pour out. The normally lifeless souls that would drift in and out would stay, seeing my youthful intensity on display. Each night this week the crowd grew just a little more, and I would see a few posters stapled to the powerline poles, with some even in the hands of locals. Whatever Anon and I are doing, it is fucking working.

Preparing for tonight’s show, I sit in the back tuning my guitar while humming to a beat in my head, my tail swinging like a metronome keeping me on target. Just as I finish, the door opens and Dave steps in, holding a fresh pizza in his arms that he slides onto the table.

He looks over at me with a fatherly grin, dusting off his hands and sending flour everywhere around him. “Look at you, Fang. Haven’t seen you this happy in ages and you’re looking so healthy!” He walks over and pinches one of my cheeks. “Some meat on those bones of yours again.”

I pretend to be upset with him, playfully slapping away his hand with a giggle snort. “Stooooooop. My face can only take so much punishment! I gotta look my best tonight.”

“You always look your best these days, Fang. There’s a glow about you that can only mean one thing.” He peers down at me, studying my face as I blink in confusion. “You’re in love, aren’t you?”

Any attempt to deny it is already screwed before it gets out the gate as a blush overtakes my face in an instant as I cover myself in my wings before stammering out a bunch of half-finished sentences. “Ye…no…maybe…yes…dangit…probably. Fuuuuuuck. Yeah, I am Dave. Am I really that bad at hiding it?”

He leans toward me, still grinning like an idiot. “Yes, you are, Fang. But that’s good!” He claps his hands down on my shoulders, startling me. “You’ve been a ghost here, Fang. I knew how bad you felt but I couldn’t do a thing to stop it. Whomever this is that’s come into your life is exactly what you’ve been needing for so long.”

A warm smile graces my beak as I nod. “You’re right, Dave. He is exactly what I needed to pull me out of my funk. Sorry I’ve been so fucked lately. I haven’t been in the right head space in who knows how long.”

“You haven’t been for two years, Fang.” He’s right…it sucks but he is absolutely right. “It does my heart good to see you like this, so full of hope. Not bad for my bottom line either. People are pouring through the doors this week, more than I’ve seen since before Skin Row became the disaster it is now. All here to see you, and of course to eat away their paychecks in pizza.” He chuckles to himself before grabbing the pizza off the table and placing it on my lap. “Eat up. You need your energy for your show tonight.”

Taking a piece off the edge I take a bite, savoring the taste of freshly baked pizza…he definitely brought this from home. “God Dave. If people could have here what you can do at home, they’d never go anywhere else. Thank you!”

“You’re very welcome. You keep this up and I can actually afford that brick oven I’ve always wanted…and then who knows? Maybe I can change this whole place for the better.” With that, he slaps my back with pride before heading toward the kitchen to prepare goodness for all the people to come.

 I call out to him just before he gets out the door. “Dave…just…thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You’re the father I wish I’d had growing up.”

He grips the edge of the doorframe, taking a moment to absorb what I said before slowly turning his face back to me, a happy tear in his eye. “It’s been my pleasure, Fang. I would have loved to have you as my daughter.”

A silent moment passes between us before he smiles one more time and leaves. I meant what I said. He has been far more supportive of me than my dad had ever been. Not that I hate my father, but it would have been nice to get something other than the cold shoulder and yelling when I was going through my phases. If Dave hadn’t been around, I don’t think I would have lasted more than a year here.

I grab another piece, taking time to enjoy the homecooked crust and fresh ingredients as Benji and Jacob walk through the door. I smirk as I see their noses twitch as they catch the smell, almost floating across the floor to me.

“Caught your noses did it, guys? Here, have a slice.” I hold the plate out to them as they each eagerly snag a piece. Their faces turn to pure bliss as the flavors hit their tongues.

“Holy crap, I love Dave’s home cooking.” Benji licks his fingers clean before slipping his case off his back and setting it against the wall. Jacob’s face is too busy twitching for him to say anything as he stumbles over to his drums.

“Shake it off, guys. We’ve got a show to play soon and only a little time to warm up.” I flip the last piece into the air before snapping it in one bite, wiping off my hands and grabbing my guitar.

“You got it, Fang.” Benji grabs his bass, plugging in his amp, and Jacob successfully navigates to his seat without smashing into a wall, giving a shaky thumbs up.

The music in the backroom this week has been far more uplifting than the usual fare. My voice is still husky—years of smoking haven’t been kind—but there is a lightness to it all the same. Hopeful lyrics instead of the dismal ones I have been singing for years, the fire in my soul starting to burn a little more each day. The kitchen staff started propping the break room door open to listen one day, letting the music flow throughout the back of the pizzeria as they hammer away at dough, and now it’s something else I look forward to. It feels great knowing that the people who have to be here also want to listen to our music, even when we’re just warming up. Benji looks happier, too. I don’t think he really ever wanted to play the guitar, and the deep bass suits his style much better as his feathery tail swings with the beat.

Showtime is coming up so we take a break, wiping away sweat and rehydrating for a few minutes, not wanting to go up on stage looking a mess. Jacob brushes his hair back, Benji stretches his arms while shaking his feathers, flicking off sweat in every direction, and I run my hands over the light layer of hair on my head, once again marveling at the silken texture that’s slowly returning.

Stepping out on stage is surreal—not an empty seat in the house and my jaw drops as I take in the sight. All of them look over at us as we finish setting our stuff with not a bored eye in the crowd. It’s fucking happening, it’s really fucking happening. After all these years of playing for a bunch of dead souls, my heart long having left me, I’m getting my real chance I wanted four years ago. Anon is dead center right in front, his smile showing a sense of pride as he watches me step on stage. His beautiful ptero in her element, surrounded by the crowd he helped create. I blow him a kiss which he catches and slaps on his lips.

After getting everything set to go, I step up to the mic, taking a moment to draw in a deep breath. This is everything I have been hoping for, I need only keep going and show the world how good I truly am.

I hear Benji whisper behind me. “Shit, Fang…we are gonna need more merch.”

I have to stifle a laugh as I introduce the band to cheers I’ve never heard before. As we play our set, the crowd is into it the entire time, following my energy on stage as I flow from song to song, my voice holding strong as dazzling tones pour from my snout. They are captivated—many have been here for years, barely giving me a passing glance but now that my spark has returned, they can’t believe what they are hearing. This has to be someone different, I bet they thought, and they are fucking right. This is the real me. The young woman with fire in her spirit and a song to sing to whatever audience will listen.

As the set comes to a close, I end it with one final flourish across my guitar and what follows sets my soul ablaze. Cheers, erupting from every seat, clapping echoing from every corner, and Anon whistling as he stands up first, looking right into my eyes. It takes all my willpower to hold my composure as I bow to the crowd, waving to them as I sniffle back joyful tears. It lasts for a good minute before they finally quiet down long enough for me to speak.

“Thank you, everyone! Glad you enjoyed the set! You’ve been the best crowd I’ve ever had and can’t wait to see you guys next time. Merch, as always, is by the door. Thank you and good night!” I wave one last time, getting a few more cheers as I sling my guitar over my shoulder. I watch as they start to head home, Anon hurrying over to man the merch desk. CDs and shirts flying off the shelves until a scant few things remain on the racks. It is more than I can take as I cover my beak with both my hands, happy sobs breaking out of me as Benji walks up and puts a hand on my shoulder.

“This is what I always knew ya could do, Fang.” I look over at him, his eyes glistening in the bright stage lights. "We’re on our way up. Nothing can stop us now, not with you doing what you were born to do, playing that guitar like a fucking master.”

I choke back a few sobs, looking over at the near-empty racks. “They fucking love us, Benji. Before, we could barely sell a CD a month if we were lucky, and they just cleared out the whole fucking table.”

He laughs as he gives my shoulder a squeeze. “We are gonna have to get our asses online at this rate. Guess we better put in a new order for some more merch, else we are working for pennies.”

“I’ll get on it as soon as I get home tonight, don’t worry about it.” I see Anon counting up the till, clipping bills into three separate bundles as he slaps the cashbox closed and walks over to us.

“600 bucks even, dudes. Profit. Already took out what you’ll need to restock. Here ya go.” He hands out the three bundles, one to each of us, before setting the box down on the speaker.

As all three of us stare at the cash in our hands, stars light up in our eyes. This was just one show, in the middle of Skin Row with an audience of people who barely have cash to scrape together for rent let alone anything fun, and they nearly cleared out the racks. We look at each other before the joy takes hold as we all hug, bouncing in place and cheering.

“We’re a real fucking band, guys!” I shout as I stomp my boots against the stage. The energy is infectious as Anon walks up and I pull him into the huddle. He is a part of this same as the rest of us and deserves to share in the moment. After a minute of bouncing around like a bunch of idiots we calm down, all collectively catching our breath.

Jacob speaks for the first time since we got out here, stuffing the stack of bills in his pocket. “Holy shit, I get to eat something fresh for once instead of whatever is left over in the heating dish.”

Benji is flipping through the bills, licking his finger as he counts. “Might be able to get me a bike so I don’t gotta run here all the fuckin time. I can at least fit that in the back so no one steals it.”

“And I can buy some real damn BBQ sauce and the good nuggies!” They all collectively give me a look as my face grows pink. “What?? I love my nuggies and I haven’t had the good shit in months!” I huff as I shove the stack into my shirt.

They all break out in laughter as we take down the stage. The work goes by a lot quicker when we are happy with our work instead of constantly disappointed. It was the biggest crowd we’d ever had; I’m not sure if we could’ve fit anyone else in here and still had room for customers to eat. Benji and Jacob are quick to head home, not wanting to have a stack of cash in hand in the seediest place in town. In the end it was just Anon, Dave, and me. Dave locks up before hugging me and giving Anon a look up and down, fear in Anon’s eyes as Dave measures him up. He flashes a toothy grin at Anon before slapping him on the back, nearly knocking him off his feet before heading home.

Anon rubs his back from the devastating pat of approval. “Holy fuck, I think he knocked a disc loose.”

I snicker as I rub his back and he sighs with relief. “I mean, he could have done a lot worse if he saw something he didn’t like, so count yourself lucky.”

“No joke, dudes got arms for days. Well, let’s get out of here before we lose the rest of the sun with you having a stack in your chest.”

“Anyone reaching down there will never see their hand ever again. Well, maybe not everyone…” I flutter my eyelashes at him with a smirk, absolutely demolishing the dweeb as he tries to prevent his brain leaking out his ears.

“You are going to kill me one day from blood loss.” He wipes his nose with a napkin, a tiny red splotch soaking through.

“You’ll survive, maybe. I’m never going to give you a break, by the way.” I take his hand in mine and pull him alongside me.

“It’ll be a good way to die.” He flicks the napkin into the trash as we head toward my apartment.

I don’t care about the depressing sights on the way home anymore. I know this place won’t hold me for much longer. My band is taking off with my hard work and energy and Anon’s seemingly endless ability to spread the word. In just a month, both of us have begun to turn the whole thing around. Every day we are making a profit, our merch no longer just hanging on the shelves, forever ignored. As we get close to my home, I stop him. Anon turns to face me with a confused look.

“What’s up, Fang? Something on your mind?”

I grip his arm in mine, turning my face up to his. “Anon, I’ve been thinking…my lease is almost up and saving money is important if we ever want to get out of here so…” The hopeful look in his face is too cute for words. “Can I move in with you?”

Doesn’t take long for his face to go through a whirlwind of emotions as what I am asking him bashes right into his adorable face. “Spend every night with you and never sleep alone again? Let me think about it…for literally no seconds. Of-fucking-course you can, Fang!” He pulls me into a hug, squeezing me a bit too tight in his excitement.

“Anon…my lungs…please,” I croak out as I feel my ribs trying to readjust themselves in my chest.

“Oops! Shit, sorry!” He releases his vice grip as I take in a sharp breath, my vision slowly filling back in as air returns to my lungs.

“It’s…hah…okay. Just remember you aren’t the lanky fuck you were back in school.” Catching my breath takes more effort than I expected. Raptor Jesus, he could’ve snapped me in half if he wanted to!

“But, uhm…” He clears his throat with a sheepish laugh. “Yeah, it’d be awesome to have you at home, Fang. I need to do some serious cleaning first.”

“Just don’t let me find any weird-looking tissues and we’re good.” Another seal pops loose in his nose as he holds a hand over it. I shake my head at him with a playful smirk, grabbing his arm and pulling him along. “Come on, let’s go inside. It’s fucking cold out here.”

The walk up the stairs leading to my apartment takes us a little longer as we refuse to separate from each other. We walk up the steps side by side until we reach the door where I fish the keys out of my pocket before unlocking the door, Anon pushing it open with his free hand. I won’t be sad to say goodbye to this place. It may be home, but it holds so many bad memories. The marks hiding behind the posters that cover my walls are moments I will enjoy forgetting—back when I had so little to live for. I have a new life to live, away from here.

We break away from one another with me shutting and locking the door and him lounging on the couch. I look over at him, the amber in my eyes having that old gleam back in them. I take the cash out of my shirt, setting it on the counter before walking over to him. He looks up at me as I gaze down at him, the fading sunlight illuminating my body. Health has returned to me—I fill out my clothes again, and the bags under my eyes that used to never fade have disappeared. My wings look as pristine and beautiful as they had so long ago, every feather back in place. My hair is growing out, a little over two inches now sitting upon my head, and sitting below me is the cause. My dweeb, my new oasis in my sea of regret.

Emotions start to overwhelm me as I gaze into his eyes. I never knew I could feel this again, the love in my heart that had died so violently years ago but never truly disappeared. I had tried to kill it, thinking that burning him out of my whole life would have made me happy, but it spiraled me down even further. That night was a mistake we both regretted. Our lives had taken dark turns as a result and we both would have ended up in early graves if we hadn’t found each other again.

I need to feel something different tonight, something more. I need to show him exactly how I feel.

My eyes half close as I stare into his, the sunlight slowly fading as the dim light of the streets takes its place. Slowly lowering myself, I sit down beside him, reminiscent of the time he had fallen down the steps when I tended to his injuries, the day we both admitted to each other how much we liked each other. A like that turned to love, same as it has now. He stares back into my eyes, a dusting of red across his cheeks, the amber in my eyes reflecting as the dim light touches my face. There are no words that need to be said as I gently lower my face to his, putting a hand behind his head and bringing his lips to my beak.

I can taste his lips pressing against mine as I hold him tight. Anon leans up and pushes against my body, a hand resting on my waist and pulling me closer. We explore each other’s mouths, an easier task for me than it ever will be for him as my lithe tongue can reach further than his. Not that he seems to mind, it appears only to entice him further as he presses hard against my lips. A few soft moans escape from me as we show our love, both his hands holding my waist now as I keep his head locked tightly in my grip.

After a minute I break our kiss, pulling back from him, panting to catch my breath, my cheeks long since turned bright red. He stares back, a glint in his eyes, not of lust but of a love lost—now found—that warms both our hearts. My arms hang over his shoulders as I lean in close to him, pulling him against me. My wings wrap around behind him as I kiss him again, barely giving him much time to recover as I press hard against his chest. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to love someone like this again, and I honestly can’t see myself with anyone else but him. Even after all we went through, I never looked at another person the same way since. After tonight, I’ll never need to. I have him now.

His hands run up my sides and up my back, settling just under my wings, keeping me as close as possible to him. Another couple minutes passes in our passionate embrace, all the fire within me seeming to burn ever brighter as time seems to slow down. I break away from our kiss again, looking deep into his eyes, one moment passing into another until I can finally speak.

“I love you, Anon, so very much.”

He brushes his hand through my hair, smiling as it shimmers under the fresh moonlight now pouring through the window. “I love you too, Fang. More than I could ever express.”

“Then let me do it for you.” I pull him back to my lips, caressing the back of his head as he grabs at my waist to hold on for dear life as I nearly rip the air from his lungs. Gently releasing him from my grip as we part, I stand up from the couch, leaving a slightly confused Anon below me.

“Uh…Fang, did I—”

I press a finger against his lips. “Shhhh, dweeb. You didn’t do anything wrong…” I toss aside my shirt and unbuckle my jeans, leaving him nearly catatonic upon the couch as he comes to grips with the situation unfolding in front of his eyes. I straddle his lap in my black underwear, sharing a loving gaze with a smile on my lips.

“Anon, I guess I should apologize.”

“F-For w-what?” He stammers out a response, trying desperately not to crumble into a pile of dust under me.

I lean down close to his face and whisper into his ear. “You aren’t really going to be getting much sleep tonight.”

“Oh…holy shit.”