Summary: "What can't handle it? Like my dad always said. If you want a job done right, you gotta do it yourself."

We agreed on a day to meet. Saturday while Fang went to her therapist. It would keep her out of the area and give us a bit of wiggle room for shopping around. Naser had an idea on where he wanted to go first but having backups was always nice.

 

Only issue now was the fact I gassed myself up hard for something two days away.

 

I glanced at my phone.

 

Scratch that, now it’s only one day away. 

 

I was parked on Fang’s couch again, physically exhausted but unable to calm my resting mind. The cane was clearly an improvement, but I had reached my limit once again. I don’t know much about blood loss, or much about medical stuff in general, but I feel like I should be healing faster than this.

 

But that wasn’t important, well it was but… I’m rambling. Anyways right now I’m watching tv unable to sleep.

 

My mind kept flip flopping on whether or not this was a bad idea. Would Fang really appreciate the gesture? Would she think I was trying to buy her over, that I pitied her? 

 

It was too late to back out now. But that fact only made me feel worse. Old habits die hard I suppose as my mind ran through excuses to call it off, but I wasn’t going to. Not this time.

 

So instead I was stuck here watching tv at 12:55 am, trying to slow my mind down so I could finally get some sleep. 

 

Fang went to bed a while ago, probably tired after her gig. She earned it. I guess I never paid much attention to their music, my focus being drawn to Fang herself and self pity. They had the individual skill, now if only they could flow into an identity. 

 

Skylar was emotional, letting her feelings control the pace of her music. But this could also be her strength. It emphasizes the moments she personally connects with, adding a soul to her voice that spoke of wisdom beyond her age. The downside being that if her bandmates aren’t prepared for it they’ll lag behind for a second before picking up. I’m guessing it has something to do with performing in front of people, so it might be difficult to fix in practice. More experience she gets, the better the dynamic..

 

Jacob was the most… average? He was quick to follow along with Skyler, even was able to match her intensity at some parts. Hitting a little harder, a little quicker without feeling like he was trying to steal the spotlight from her. If I had to find something to critique… His regular play was a bit too soft. It risked being drowned out in some parts. 

 

Fang was… weird. She was good, nothing wrong with her performance. Hitting every note and managing to not get left in Skyler’s wake. But it was almost.. robotic. Like she was going through the motions and was almost checked out mentally. And when you’re clearly unhappy on stage people will pick up on it. Luckily Skyler should draw most of the attention, but people are bound to notice eventually, especially judges. Had they gone with a more emo-ish sound then it could probably play to that crowd no problem. But most rockers don’t want to watch a person who looks emotionally dead inside.

 

It was all of these jumbled thoughts that kept me up. It fucking sucked. I know I should be sleeping. Insomnia was never an issue I’ve faced much, hell it was mainly the opposite. But here I was, watching infomercials. Shamwow guy fix my problems…

 

Unfortunately he only spilled more juice on the counter, making me cast my eyes down to the towel that covered the stain from my drink. Does shamwow work on carpets? I figured they would. Eh, I'll try and clean it tomorrow when I could stand again.

 

 

I don’t know how or when, but I eventually fell asleep. I didn’t dream, just closed my eyes and when I opened them again Fang was in the kitchen talking to someone. Her voice broke through the fog in my head as I stretched and tried to pinpoint who she was talking with.

 

“Look who’s finally awake.” Oh it was Naser, duh. “I see you’re catching up on your beauty sleep. Though I guess you're definitely going to be needing it now.” His laugh was cut short by a thump beneath the table and a stern look from Fang. “Ow! Jesus! I’m coping, this is how I cope with things that stress me out!” He growled, rubbing at his shin. 

 

“What’s for break-” I yawned. “-fast?” I chose to ignore dick Naser.

 

“More like lunch, it’s 1pm dude.” Huh, well shit that explains why Naser’s already here. 

 

“And lunch is going to be something you have to handle because I’m heading to practice.” I noticed Fang was already completely dressed. I really was late…

 

“You sure you don’t want to stick around a bit and see this?” Naser asked suddenly. Fang shuddered.

 

“Yeah no.” She shook her head as she grabbed her bass. “You have fun though, I’ll get to see it when I get back.”

 

“See what? What are you two talking about?” I had absolutely no idea what was going on. 

 

“Congratulations Anon.” Naser turned towards me with a smile on his snout. “You get to take your bandages off!”

 

“Huh?” Already? That felt too soon… “like off off?”

 

“Yup. Technically we could have done it earlier but you kept irritating it so I let it sit for a while longer.” He shrugged.

 

“So what, it’s done?”

 

“What?” Naser quirked an eyebrow. 

 

“I’m good then?”

 

“No, of course not.” He chuckled a bit. “Are you dumb? You still got stitches in there and I still need to keep it cleaned. Yeah man you’re not done with me yet.”

 

Ok. I did feel a little dumb. I blame the fact I had just woken up.

 

“Alright later bitches.” Fang's boots clicked as she marched toward the door. 

 

“You sure you don’t want to see this?” I caught her eye as she passed. “I could use a second opinion from someone who’s not a dick.”

 

She hesitated for a second. Her golden eyes drifted to the left side of my face, shimmering with an emotion I couldn’t place, before snapping away back towards the door.

 

“Not right now..” her voice was low. “When I get back I will. Sorry…” 

 

“Hey it’s no big deal.” I don’t know what caused the shift in her emotions, but I was about to do my best to curb it. “Don’t worry about it, he’s not that much of a dick.” I hoped the joke would lift her spirits a bit, but I don’t think it worked.

 

“Look, it's nothing.” She shook her head. “I’m just being dumb. But I really do have to get to practice. They really took what you said to heart I think. Told ya you were good at this by the way.” Her snout poked back inside the door. “Thank me later.” And it disappeared as it shut.

 

“Thank her for what? Letting me help her band?” Eh, she would be getting that ‘thank you’ sooner than she probably thought.

 

“Maybe you’re just ugly?” Thank you Naser for the insight. “But I wouldn’t take it to heart. I think she’s squeamish ever since she brought you back.” He shrugged. “I mean it was pretty gnarly, I was struggling a bit and I didn’t even like you.” Now that I thought about it, Fang had made herself scarce everytime it was time to change the bandages.

 

“Well what about now?” He looked confused so I clarified. “Do you like me?” I hesitated a second. “Not in a gay way.” I added.

 

“I… don’t know.” He scratched at his chin, avoiding eye contact with me. “You’re not like I remember you. And I don’t know if that’s from a biased perception or if you’ve changed.” I didn’t feel like I’ve changed. “Add in the stress from everything that happened and I don’t know what to think of you. Are you even Anon? Or just the pieces that are left? Maybe it’s just the first time that I’ve met the real Anon.” 

 

What the fuck is he talking about? I’m guessing a minor in psychology?

 

“I… don’t know where I was going with that.” He shook his head. “Anyways the gist is that the you in front of me isn’t the you that I know, you know?” I shook my head this time. “I don’t know you. This entire time I’ve had a vision in my head of who I thought you were, a very negative vision as well. But that isn’t you. So to answer your question I don’t know if I like you or not, because I don’t know who you really are.”

 

“So not friends got it.” 

 

“But not enemies.” He flourished his hand in front of his face as he seemed to search for a word. “Acquaintances?”

 

That didn’t sound too bad.

 

“Acquaintances.” We shook hands for some reason. I’m… not sure why.

 

“So!” He clapped his hands together. “Let's get those off you!”

 

I plopped down in the seat next to him and let him do his magic, each tug sending flares of pain through me. Naser had cut my pill usage. He kept the bottle on him so I was at his mercy. After awhile he finally stepped back and tossed the stuff in a garbage can. 

 

I had my phone in front of me, only hesitating a second to tap the camera icon. Yup about how I remembered it.

 

The swelling had gone down, redness too. No longer was half my face a tomato, instead only the jagged line was discolored. I couldn’t tell if my eye had gotten better past it no longer appearing bloodshot. 

 

I gingerly traced a finger along it, following the line along my face until it tapered off into the scab on my forehead. 

 

“Not bad right?”

 

“I look like I should be snorting coke and shooting an m16…” My face twinged in pain in time with my grimace.

 

“Are you joking? Because you make Scar Face look like a paper cut.” He grabbed my face, turning me away from my phone while he inspected it. “Honestly it was the best I could do. A doctor probably could have done a better job. Sorry.” He actually sounded remorseful.

 

I was technically his first patient. I kind of felt for him. Unprepared and rushed, I’m sure he’s beating himself up.

 

“Dude you saved my life.” He opened his mouth to say something but I cut him off. “Middle of the night, no actual tools, surprised, and rushed. The fact that I’m talking to you right now is a Goddamn miracle.”

 

“Yeah but that’s your face, it’s something you’ll have to live with for the rest of your life.” 

 

“But I get to LIVE with it.”

 

“I know that.” His head shook side to side. “But when I look at it, I just… you know when you draw something and everyone says it looks great but you can see all the errors?” 

 

Not really but I nodded anyway. I didn’t draw much but I understand the comparison I think. Big surprise but I wasn't artistically inclined. I assumed it was like typing out a well structured argument and then seeing the spelling error after you hit send. 

 

“But enough about that.” Naser eyes sharpened as he focused on me. “What's this about a guitar?”

 

“We texted about it.”

 

“I get what we're doing, I want to know the why and how you're doing it.” 

 

“Well, we're going to head to that place you texted about, buy a guitar, and surprise Fang with it when she gets back from doc Seymour.”

 

“And again I would like to say that Fang hates handouts.” He propped himself up on a hand. 

 

“Won't be a handout, or charity. Consider it rent and food. And a bit for medical charges.” I poked at my face a bit before pulling back after a quick ‘stop’ from Naser. “Let's be honest here I will still owe you both much more than a guitar.”

 

“Do you even know how much a guitar costs?”

 

“Like 500 bucks?”

 

“Nah.” He shook his head. “For a beginner maybe, but Fang’s not a beginner. You could be looking at 2000.” Oh.. Well, I could still do that, I think. It would be pretty rough but I can make it.

 

“I can do that.”

 

“Uh huh. Is that why you paused for 15 seconds there?”

 

“More than I thought but I can do it.” I nodded my head.

 

“What about her band? They already have a guitar, did you think of that?”

 

“Two guitars is a thousand times better than two bass.”

 

“You would be changing their dynamic.”

 

“They already are. Look, that's a then issue. They seemed cool, I’m sure they’ll work something out.”

 

“I’m just saying this seems pretty half cocked.” He rolled his eyes. “Why not wait till Christmas or something.”

 

“No time. Calderafest is coming up, they need as much practice as they can get.” But to be honest I actually don’t know how far off Calderafest was. The real reason was because if I put it off I felt as if I wouldn’t do it.

 

“Screw it, I’m still on board. But you didn’t answer why yet.” He bridged his fingers in front of him, his eyes hovering above as he focused on me.

 

“Like I told Naomi, I want to be her friend. Friends do nice things for each other right?” I was honestly asking. I never really had any good examples of friends, would I be stepping a boundary here? 

 

“Uh huh…” he almost sounded.. defeated? He sighed and slumped in his chair. “ Friends yeah right.” He mumbled out through clenched teeth.

 

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

 

“Oh come on, Anon. Fang isn’t dumb! I’m not dumb!” A groan suddenly rumbled in his throat as his hands gripped his crown. “I can see where this is going!” He shot to his feet, flipping the chair to the ground behind him with a loud crack.

 

“Woah!” I almost stumbled backwards when he turned to me with a scowl on his face. What the fuck was happening? We’re good right? Acquaintances and everything! 

 

I flinched as he grabbed my sweater, a flare of pain lancing up my face.

 

“I am watching you.” Our foreheads bumped together painfully as he jerked me towards him, leaving his eyes as the only thing I could see. They held an intensity that promised me pain. “You blew your one chance last time.” His grip was tight as he forced his face closer when I tried to pull back. “I like to think of myself as a forgiving man, Anon.” Somehow this calm voice was more off putting than if he was screaming at me. “But if you fuck up this time, I’ll pluck those stitches out and deglove your face with my bare hands.”

 

I nodded as best I could, I didn’t even notice I was practically laid out on the table as he hovered over me. My resistance was feeble, it was a stark reminder that the man in front of me was still my athletic superior and I was still very much injured. 

 

Nausea rocked through me the second I tried to exert any force, had I eaten anything I probably would have stained the table. Fuck I thought I was past that…

 

“Good.” He finally released me, stepping back and reaching a hand out to help me up. I ignored it in favor of trying to get my breath back and my stomach under control. 

 

I tried to piece together exactly what just happened. That sounded… good? Maybe? I don’t know what deglove meant but it didn’t sound good in relation to my face. But again it almost sounded like..

 

“So..” I coughed a bit to clear my throat, taking the time to grab Naser’s hand and have him haul me to my feet. “Does that mean I have your blessing?”

 

“100% the fuck you dont!” His shout caught me off guard. Fuck did I jump the gun? “Fang is an adult. She can make her own decisions, and unfortunately, I think you’re one of those. You’re going to be the perfect gentleman, Skin Row’s own Prince Charming. Because if you don’t.” A claw tapped my forehead making me pull back. “There is no third strike, Anon.”

 

“I understand.” I fucking did. If I somehow fuck this up, Naser won’t have to follow through with his threat. 

 

“Alright.” He let out a sigh and his shoulders slumped. “Look, like I said, I don’t hate you. But I need you to know how serious this is.”

 

I nodded, not trusting my voice to convey my emotions properly.

 

“Okay.” The corners of his mouth quirked up a bit into a grin. “Besides I’m her brother, it’s my job to meddle when boys get involved. Now how about we get to educating ourselves about some guitars huh?”

 

“You done with classes?”

 

“I only got an 8am on Friday. Technically a lab as well but I’m ahead on that.”

 

“Then let’s get to it I guess.”

 

The next few hours was an awkward silent study session, only broken up with an occasional ‘look at this’ and ‘uh huh’. It was thankfully ended when the door opened some time later.

 

“I’m back.” A feminine voice called, catching my attention. 

 

Fang trudged through the doorway into the living room, slinging her bass into its corner. Her eyes darted away to the floor the second I turned towards her. Feathery wings blocked her face as she turned away from me.

 

I suddenly felt self conscious, a sting of pain radiating from the wound.

 

“Fang-”

 

“I’m fine!” Her shout interrupted me. “I’m ready! Whew..” she let out a breath as she seemed to psyche herself up. “It’s… not bad is it?” 

 

“Nah.” I mean it could be worse, right?

 

“Ok, ok ok..” She took a few more quick breaths, shriveled wings drooling as she slowly turned around. With her eyes closed…

 

I didn’t rush her, just waited until she was ready. Honestly I was getting a little nervous myself, my own self doubt feeding off her anxiousness. But before long, one of her eyes creeped open.

 

“Oh shit…” I barely heard the whisper, instead much more focused on her stepping closer. Her hands cupped my face, turning it so she could get a better look.

 

I was frozen to the spot, completely unable to look away as she leaned closer. Golden eyes shimmered with concern, mesmerizing me. Her breath tickled my lips, and faintly I could hear an old alarm start to blare.

 

“Naser really fucked it didn’t he.” I was broken from my trance with a snort. Yeah he really did.

 

“What! He’s breathing isn’t he!” Naser looked appalled. “I did my job!”

 

“Were you drunk?” Fang's lips twitched into a small grin. “Look at this stitch work.” I flinched a bit as she trailed a claw over it, earning a small ‘sorry’ from her.

 

“I do remember alcohol being involved.” You know, from when he tried to waterboard me with it.

 

“Screw it, he’s dying next time.” 

 

I couldn’t focus on him over the ptero in my face. My cheeks felt like they were on fire as she closely examined me. Her eyes locked with mine for the first time that day, widening a bit and a blush dusting her cheeks.

 

“Ahem.” Naser fake cleared his throat, and by that I mean he literally just said ‘ahem’.

 

“Welp!” Fang shoved me back a bit. “It looks awful and I’m hungry so how about we make something!” She turned away from me, her wings shimmying as if they wanted to shield her face again.

 

“Yeah that sounds great actually.” My eyes drifted away, trying to find something that wasn’t Fang to focus on. It also dawned on me that I still haven’t eaten today. No wonder I felt so light headed…

 

Fang went to the kitchen, insisting Naser and I stay behind. I was a bit nervous to be in the room with him right now honestly. 

 

I don’t know why but being confronted about my feelings made me hyper sensitive to them. I mean I knew I still had them, but knowing that he knew as well made me feel like I was being watched every time I interacted with Fang. Which honestly, I probably was.

 

We didn’t say a word to each other, instead watching whatever was on  tv. Luckily it didn’t take Fang long to finish what she was cooking, which turned out to be a plate of… dino nuggets?

 

“Woah someone’s in a good mood.” I couldn’t tell if the shock in Naser’s voice was joking or not. “And willing to share! What’s the occasion?”

 

“I don’t know. My band’s doing better? Just… had a good vibe going today.” Fang ran a claw through her shaggy hair. “I’m a little nervous about seeing Dr. Seymour tomorrow…” She busied her mouth with nuggets.

 

“It’s going to be fine.” Naser snatched one from the top of the pile, eating it without a condiment, like a savage. “How many times have you been before? You’re going to be fine”

 

“This time a lot of stuff has happened..” she didn’t bother to finish swallowing her food, just mumbled through a full mouth. “I don’t know what to say. I know she won’t judge me, but it still feels like she will.”

 

I wanted to say something, but nothing came to mind. I don’t know Dr. Seymour, and I don’t know their relationship with Fang. So instead, I contemplated the nugget I held in front of me.

 

A little trigger shaped piece stared back at me. I dipped its face in ketchup and took a chunk out of it. 

 

Eh, they’re alright.

 

“You’re always nervous, I get that.” Naser paused to finish swallowing his nugget. “I know you don’t like going. We really appreciate that you do, Fang. I told you before that I trust you, and I meant every word. It’s because we know you’re trying.”

 

“ Thank you.” Fang’s voice was watery. She shook her head and cleared her throat before tossing another nugget into her snout. 

 

I wanted to comfort her in some way, reassure her that we cared. But I couldn’t. Naser had done his job as a caring brother, and I was too far disconnected from the issue to offer any help. Still made me feel useless.

 

 

The car ride was quiet. Fang’s nerves clearly tied her tongue. I was in the back with my phone, catching up on whatever menial news I missed while laid up. It wasn’t much.

 

Naser was driving, claws picking at the steering wheel absentmindedly. His car was still a small red thing, leaving me feeling a little cramped in the back. Though that could also be because Fang had her seat too far back, making me sit with my legs spread awkwardly.

 

“You guys didn’t need to drive me.” Fang’s voice broke the silence. “ So, why are you?”

 

I was again caught off-guard with by the question, luckily Naser was on the ball.

 

“I’m taking Anon shopping. He’s going to need more than 2 pairs of underwear and 2 of the same sweater.” A bit of the truth sprinkled with a fib. 

 

Fang nodded her head with a ‘mhm’ and went back to looking out the window. 

 

“Soo.” I figured it was time to contribute to the conversation. “You said your band’s doing better?” I remember it being mentioned last night. 

 

“Yeah it is.” Her eyes reflected in the rear view mirror, connecting with mine. “Well, I think it is? It feels like it is. But I don’t think we’ll be able to shift genres quite like we wanted to.” She glanced away back to the window. “Skyler's voice can’t handle it. We’re averaging about one song before it craps out on us, so we’re thinking of having it be kind of a finale. Finish on a different track and show the judges our range.” 

 

“That sounds like it could work.” Naser shifted attention from the road for a second. “Kind of like a ‘this ain’t all we got’ finale that can sway some of the more upbeat judges; make them curious about what you can pull out on stage.”

 

“Kind of what we thought, but we might let them down if we can’t meet those expectations at Calderafest.” 

 

Naser pulled into a parking lot for a lone building. It was smaller than I thought it would be. I guess it made sense it wasn’t at an actual hospital, but I totally thought it would be.

 

Fang sighed, toying with the lock button but not getting out. Up, down, up, down, up, down.

 

“I don’t want to go.” She almost sounded childish. 

 

“I know.” Naser was patient, simply sitting and waiting until Fang was ready. It only took a few more seconds before she sighed and popped the door open. “Hey!” Naser caught her attention before she could leave. He stuck his fist out to her with a grin on his face. “You got this.”

 

A small grin perked at Fang's lips and she stretched back inside to tap hers against it. 

 

I leaned forward and reached towards them, just missing as Fang pulled back. They both turned to look at me as I quickly flipped the failed fist bump into a thumbs up. “What he said!” Yup smooth as butter.

 

“ Such a dork .” Fang whispered as she stepped out of the car with a chuckle. “Alright nerds. I'll be back in like two hours. And I want a large coke waiting for me.” 

 

“We’ll be here.” If she heard him she didn't show it as she trudged towards the building. “A lot less of a fight then last time that's for sure.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Nothing. Anyways, we're on the clock so let's get moving.” He pulled out and back onto the road. I figured he knew where he was going so I zoned out in the back.

 

I watched out the window absentmindedly as buildings passed. Letting my mind drift from topic to topic, each one connected to Fang before I shook it away. No need to start worrying about it again. 

 

Instead of watching the buildings I focused on the passersbys. We were definitely out of Skin Row, judging by the technicolor swarth of youths… Actually that’s a lot of younger people milling around. I think one of them is waving at us…

 

Naser pulled over to the sidewalk, causing the waving figure to start trotting towards the car.

 

Oh fuck. We’re at a college aren’t we.. And that means that student could only be…

 

“Right on time!” Naomi squealed as she hopped into the passenger seat, taking a moment to lean across and give Naser a big ‘mmmwaaa’ kiss on the cheek. “Oh this is so exciting! Thank you for letting me come, Anon!” Naser you lying dick.

 

“No problem…” I cleared my throat with a fake cough. “Can you scoot your seat up a bit?”

 

“Oh sorry.” She reached under the seat before popping a foot forward. “Fang’s going to be so surprised, Anon she’s going to love-” Naomi’s voice died when she turned to look at me. Her eyes widened and her smile became a little forced.

 

“What?” My voice seemed to snap her out of it.

 

“Oh sorry!” Her eyes focused on me again, drifting to the left every few seconds. “Just… your bandages. They’re off.”

 

Oh yeah. I guess it would be a bit shocking. I should probably get used to it.

 

“That was rude of me.” She turned away and faced the front while Naser put us back on track.

 

“Eh don’t worry about it. It’s part of me now, you’re not the first and you won’t be the last.”

 

“Still I would like to apologize.”

 

“Accepted, now let’s get this show on the road please.” Enough about my train wreck of a face already. Raptor Jesus.

 

“Monty’s Melodie’s.” Naser had his phone in front of his face. 

 

‘ Would you like to start a rout to Monty’s Melo-’

 

“ Yes.” Oh he knew a place did he? I can use Google too. 

 

The ride was short, with most the time being taken up by Naser and Naomi talking about their day. Before I could nod off we rumbled to a stop.

 

Monty’s Melodie’s sure was… something alright. A small building wedged in between a cd shop and what looked like a laundromat. But the sign was a neon guitar so it looked like we were on the right track. 

 

I hopped out first, stretching with my cane above my head until my back popped. Naser’s back seat was definitely not made with me in mind. 

 

Naomi and Naser followed me out. 

 

“Are you alright?” Naomi's voice surprised me. I glanced away from the shop door.

 

“Huh?” Her eyes drifted to the cane I was leaning on. “Oh. Yeah it's nothing, keeps me on my feet for longer.”

 

“Are you sure?” I nodded, Jesus I'm not a cripple. “Alright well… let's get to it!” She led the way awkwardly to the door.

 

I glanced at Naser who only gave me a shrug in response before following the salmon colored parasaur.

 

Alright, gametime Anon. Time to lose all my savings in an attempt to make a girl happy. Sounds kind of lame when I say it like that but if it worked it would be worth it. And if it didn't, well it would look cool hung on the wall of my apartment.

 

Naomi held the door open for me, grinding my gears a bit. But I had much more pressing matters to stress over.

 

I was immediately overwhelmed by the selection. Guitars, basses, drumsets, trumpets, some little twisty horn thing, etc. Records hung framed on the walls next to newspaper clippings. And in the center of it all right above the counter sat a golden and black stylized bass.

 

“Holy shit.” I guess you shouldn't judge a book by its cover…

 

“Welp the guitars are over there so.” Naser pointed to a corner with a line of them. “Lets go check em out.” He strutted across the room and I hobbled after him.

 

I.. had no idea what I was looking for. Each one looked like a guitar I guess. But each had a sticker price of around 300-700 dollars, which led me to believe that these were not the type I was looking for. 

 

Naser was picking through them, scratching at his chin obviously trying to look like he knew what he was looking for. Naomi just walked down the line, eyeing each one she passed before shaking her head and moving on.

 

Alright I have reached the end of my knowledge and no amount of googling on my phone was helping me. These all looked good… I think? I looked at two right next to each other. One was 349 and the other was 699. They both looked the same… both the same brand as well. Fuck.

 

“Can I help you?” I almost knocked the guitar out of the stand at the gravelly voice behind me.

 

I turned around, then looked up at the massive figure behind me. An irrational fear stiffened me as I remembered Ripley towering above me. But this wasn't Rip, it only took half a second to see that.

 

A wider snout that was filled with pointed teeth, green scales, and a bright red mohawk. And a pair of  purple tinted star sunglasses to top it off. Oh and did I mention he was huge?

 

The gator in front of me leaned down to my level, a clawed finger tilting his sunglasses up to inspect me through squinted eyes.

 

“Oh shit man, thats fuckin gnarly.” What?

 

“Huh?” 

 

“Your face.” Oh. Wow he just came out and said it. “Aint seen a stinger like that in a long time. Fresh too, can still smell the blood.” This guy was officially freaking me out.

 

“Yeah…” I swallowed and took a step back. “It was around a week ago.” I think it was, I hadn't been paying attention to the days.

 

The grin never left his face, giving his teeth a show. 

 

“How rude of me.” His glasses dropped back over his eyes and he stuck a clawed hand out to me. “Montgomery. But they call me Monty.” 

 

I hesitantly shook it. 

 

I wasn't sure what to think of the man in front of me, he looked like he stepped straight out of the 80’s. 

 

I glanced around quickly for a bit of back up, but only saw Naser pretending to inspect a knob on a guitar. Help me you coward!

 

“Anon.” His grin grew a little wider.

 

“So Two Face what brings you to my shop, pretty clear you and your posse don't play. Don't touch that.” Naser straightened up, pulling his hand away from the knob thingy he was messing with. “Snap that string and you're paying for another.”

 

“Sorry.” Naser mumbled, sticking his hands into his jacket pockets.

 

“You're right we don't know what we're looking for.” I found a bit of spine, squaring back up into a more relaxed stance. He's just a guy, and from the sound of it he owns this place. “Looking for a present for a girl. A guitar specifically.”

 

“Ah impressin a Betty huh, how long she been plucking? Or is this baby’s first guitar?” 

 

I had to piece together the exact meaning of his sentence, but I think I got it. I wasn't sure exactly how long Fang had been playing though.

 

“Around 12 years now I think.” Naser’s balls had finally dropped as he finally decided to join us. 

 

“We talking strums a bit here and there, or jammin.” Ok I think he's asking if she plays casually or professionally.

 

“She needs something that can handle performances.”

 

“Oh a rocker gal huh? She any good?” 

 

“Definitely.” There was no lie. Fang had skill, even on an instrument she hated she could hit any note she wanted. “She'll be on stage for Calderafest once they crush this audition.” That seemed to catch his attention.

 

“Calderafest huh? Ha ha! You know I competed, many many years ago.” He jabbed a thumb towards one of the newspaper clippings on the wall. It had a picture of a gator holding a mic stand above his head, pyrotechnics blasting behind him. Glamrock Takes First Prize. “Those were the years. What's their name? I might know em if they got a shot at Calderafest.” 

 

“Silver Dream.” I turned my attention back to the gator. He scratched at his chin with a drawn out ‘hmmmm’.

 

“Yeah I might have heard some whispers about them.” He started walking back towards the counter. “Follow me, you ain’t finding what you want out here.”

 

I glanced at Naser, who only shrugged his shoulders and called Naomi over from across the room.

 

Monty flipped a hatch open and led us into a back room. 

 

Now these guitars I could tell were different. They were in cases! And that’s about all I could tell… oh and the price tag said 6000 fuckin dollars.

 

“Nah, those ain’t for you.” Monty chuckled. He placed a giant clawed hand on my shoulder and steered me away to the other side of the room. “Silver Dream’s a Skin Row band if’n I’m recalling right. Leads me to believe you would be much more interested in some used ones.” 

 

Yes please, I is poor Mr. Darvel.

 

“Wait here a sec.” The gator went through another door in the back, leaving the three of us alone.

 

“Well he's…something. You don't see a lot of gators around here.” Naser eyed the door Monty went through skeptically.

 

“He seems nice enough. At least he seems to know what he's talking about.”

 

“Or he's going to rip us off. Gators are always trouble.” Woah ok so Naser was just a dino supremacist.

 

“Naser!” Naomi grabbed his bottom.. crown thingy? That little bit that juts off his chin.

 

“What? It's not their fault! It's just genetics.” He pulled his head back away from Naomi’s grip. “Just naturally more angry and violent.” 

 

“Hey, can you cool it? Last thing I need is you pissing off the guy helping us, who also looks like he could tear me in half by the way.” Grand Wizard Naser nodded, sticking his hands up in a placating manner.

 

Monty came back out with two cases in his hands and plopped them on the table. 

 

“These’ll be what you’re looking for.” He popped them open. 

 

Yup those sure were guitars. The one on the left was a dark blue, sporting a white stripe down the top and a spattering of travel stickers on the case. The one on the right was a hot pink.

 

“The pink is a fender. Tuning nuts finicky, think it’s a factory issue. Plays fine, but she’ll need to tune it much more often. It’ll be around 1500 dollars.” That was doable, though I’m not sure I could picture Fang holding the bright pink monstrosity, but if it worked it worked.

 

“That’s a Gibson isn’t it?” Naomi surprised me from my right. She was pointing at the blue one on my left. 

 

“Good eye.” Monty propped his sunglasses up to squint at her with a grin. “How’d you know? Don’t get me wrong here, but you don’t look like the type to.”

 

“Oh I researched a lot last night.” Naomi shrank shyly at the big man’s attention. “I just know the major brands. Gibson’s have a really good reputation.”

 

“That they do. Just about anyone who’s ever been anyone had a Gibson at some point.” He shrugged. “I think they’re overrated. Never buy a new Gibson, always get one used or on sale. If you don’t know what you’re doing you end up paying for the brand and not a good guitar.” 

 

“And is this a good one?” Naser voiced my thought before I could.

 

“Oh undoubtedly. This here is a Gibson Les Paul custom. Mahogany and maple, ebony fingerboard, gold plated TOM bridge and stop tail.” Wow that’s a lot of words I didn’t really understand. But I did have a question.

 

“What’s wrong with it?” The Fender had the messed up nut thing after all.

 

“It’s old and it’s seen some use.” He picked it up and flipped it upside down. A large scratch ran down the back through the paint. “Previous owner threw a fit after a guy hit him with a beer and smashed a speaker with it. It’s been restored but if someone wants to drop some dough on a Gibson they aren’t about to spring for damaged goods.”

 

“How much?” This definitely was a guitar I could see in Fang’s hands. 

 

“2500.” Fuck that’s steep. 

 

“For a damaged guitar?” Naser looked suspicious. “Isn’t that too much?” 

 

“Damaged or not, it's still a beauty. Plus my dame would thrash me she find out I sold it for any less.” He tapped his chin in thought for a second. “But you’re right, it could be a risk. So how about this. I’ll throw in a Monty guarantee, if it craps out on you,I’ll fix it up free of charge.” He paused. “Well, unless you send it into a speaker, then I’ll just take it back free of charge.” 

 

At least he was confident in it. I assumed he was the one who fixed it the first time. This was the guitar I wanted, that Fender wasn’t even registered to me anymore. But that price… I didn’t have it all, but I could get it. Might have to pawn my computer and gun but I could make it.

 

“How long could you hold onto this one for me.”

 

“How long you need me to?” Monty’s grin never left his face. 

 

“Not long, just need to sell some stuff.”

 

“We’ll take it.” Naser didn’t give  Monty time to respond to me. 

 

“Huh?” What was he talking about?

 

“Oh come on, you really think I was about to make you foot the whole bill?” He snarked. “Fang’s my sister, I’ve been wanting to get her a guitar for a year.” Naser was always a bro.

 

“Thank you.” I put my hand on his shoulder and tried to convey my feelings through the contact. “Seriously Naser. Thank you.” 

 

“Alright don’t make it weird.”

 

“Let's get this thing ready to go then.” Monty placed it back in the case and clicked it shut. We followed him to the front.

 

It was a bit quiet as we waited for him to ring us up. My eyes drifted around to the paper clippings, finding another one with the gator on stage with that golden bass hanging over the counter.

 

“So you were in a band?” Small talk wasn’t my thing but it slipped out before I could stop it.

 

“Sure was. Glamrock.” Monty shook his head gently with a chuckle. “That was a long time ago though. I was young, dumb, and most of all angry. It was a fun few years of groupies and blow. But I pissed it all away. Fell out with my mates and ran.” He seemed to drift back into his head as he spoke. “Then I met my wife and she reeled me in.” He finished what he was doing on the computer and flipped a card reader around. “Alright 1250 each boys.”

 

“Wait, make it three!” Naomi shouted as she fished around in her purse. 

 

“Naomi you don’t have to.” Naser tried to interject but she wasn’t having it.

 

“I know I don’t have to, I want to. I know I’ve apologized to her many times already, but I feel like I have to do this, for me.” She pulled out her card and handed it to Monty. “Besides I’m probably getting her a sweater for Christmas so this will have to kind of count for that as well.”

 

“Thank you, Naomi.” If she was trying to prove that she truly wanted to change then it was working. I definitely wouldn’t drop 500+ dollars on trying to keep a ruse.

 

“Alright now it’s around 833 each.”

 

And a few swipes later I was now the proud owner of an expensive ass guitar. Despite Naser offering to hold it, I slipped the strap on and slung it over my shoulder, bracing myself on my cane at the shift in weight. It was only a parking lots distance before I could put it down.

 

With a few more ‘thank you’s’ to Monty and a few ‘You're welcome/Good luck’s’ back we were on our way out. That was until a familiar pair froze us at the door.

 

“Yo Monty!” The hoarse voice called, Jacob following in behind her back in that white paint stained jacket. “We need some- aye what the hell you guys doing here?” Skyler's eyes widened when she finally noticed us.

 

“What the heck are you guys doing here?” Naser’s eyes quickly searched behind them. “Is Fang with you?” 

 

“Huh? Nah, doesn't she have that appointment today?” Jacob looked behind him as if checking for the ptero.

 

“Good.” Naser let out a sigh of relief. “Thought she might have skimped again.”

 

“We're here to pick up some new strings. What the heck are you guys doing here?” Skyler finally noticed the case on my back. “Woah what you got there?” She was behind me before I could decide if I should lie to her or not. “A guitar? What? you planning on joining the band? I don't know if you got the look for it though-” One glance at my face had her grimacing. “Well.. maybe you do. Jesus man that looks awful. Sorry.”

 

I shrugged it off. That seemed like something to worry about tomorrow. Today was all about Fang.

 

Jacob seemed to be ignoring my face entirely, instead focusing on Naser and Naomi.

 

“Hang on, wait a second.” Skyler ran her hand over a sticker on the case as she squinted down at it. “Wait just a damn second! Monty! You bastard! This better not be that Gibson!” She whirled towards the counter as she yelled at the behemoth gator.

 

“I held the damn thing for a year! I told you I was going to get rid of it.” Monty kicked his feet up on the counter and placed both hands behind his head. “‘Sides it's not going far, It's for that Betty you picked up to replace Tommy.”

 

“Wait, it's for Fang?” Her attention instantly flipped back to me. 

 

“Well I assume so, or you got yourself a fanboy”

 

“It’s for Fang.” I clarified.

 

“Of course it’s for Fang!” She groaned and pulled at her hair. “Fuck me, where the fuck did Fang even get the scratch for it?” Skyler’s voice cracked at the end and she cleared her throat.

 

“She didn’t, we bought it for her.”

 

“Oof, how'd you convince her for that?” Jacob slapped a hand on Skyler’s back as she cleared her throat again. “It took a week before she would even eat the free food at Freddie’s.”

 

“Well she doesn't exactly know yet.”Naomi said. “It's a surprise!” She clapped her hands together with a big smile on her face.

 

“Yeah I don't know if she's gonna like that.” Skyler croaked out.

 

“I owe her.” I took a second to adjust the case on my back. It was heavier than I expected it to be. “I'm just repaying a part of my debt.” 

 

“Sure you are.” She didn't look convinced. “Well… I would kind of be a bitch if I made her play bass wouldn’t I?” A sigh left her as she deflated. “But I’m… just..” Her foot stomped into the floor. “I’m acting like a child! Look, tell Fang if she wants to play guitar then it’s fine. We can work out some new stuff for it.”

 

“You alright?” Jacob was still rubbing her back. 

 

“Fine. Just.. having flashbacks to Tommy.” 

 

I assumed this was the bassist they had a falling out with.

 

“Nah, none of that was your fault, he was just being a bitch.” 

 

Didn’t sound like it ended well. 

 

“Hey we gotta get going, I still have to take Anon clothes shopping and drop Naomi off.”

 

“No problem, we won't say a word to Fang either.” Jacob stuck his hand out and I gave it a shake. I think I was starting to actually like the guy. Like a more reliable Reed he seemed to go with the flow.

 

“Yeah get out of here before I change my mind and kneecap you for that Gib. Me and Monty need to have a serious talk.”

 

“Oh please, what could you really do to me? ‘Sides I got just the purdiest Fender with your name right on it.”

 

We slipped away while they bickered. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold the case as I hobbled to the back of Naser’s car and had Naomi prop the trunk for me. It took a bit of finagling but we got it to fit.

 

I didn’t think we were seriously going shopping but by the time we dropped Naomi off at the college grounds I was the proud owner of a bunch of cheap generic clothes. Including a pack of underwear, sure it had a hole in the back for a tail but it looked comfy.

 

And of course, an ice cold coke from the gas station.

 

I could see Fang waiting outside, head in her phone as she typed something as we pulled up. She was hunched over a bit but all in all she looked fine. A little cold maybe.

 

“Bout time you guys got here!” She popped the door open and quickly hopped in. “What took you dicks?”

 

“Naser stopped off to rub noses with Naomi.”

 

Fang faked a gag, taking a sip from her soda with a groan of satisfaction.

 

“How was the session?” Naser asked as he pulled onto the road.

 

“Fine…”

 

“Just fine?”

 

“We talked about stuff. Like we usually do, what do you want me to say?” Fang's eyes were out the window as she watched the streets go by.

 

“Nothing. I was just curious is all.”

 

“Still processing stuff. I’m not hiding anything or nothin.. Just a lot to bring out.” She glanced at the rear view mirror catching my eye for a second before looking away. I noticed her makeup was now mostly gone. “I’m just ready to go home and crash. Y’all have fun?”

 

“As fun as shopping could be.” I leaned forward a bit so they could hear me better from the back. “Got a few essentials so I won’t be forced to wash every other day.”

 

We continued the small talk as we rode. Fang was a little more open to it this time around, which seemed like a good sign. Eventually we made it back. The sun was going down but there was still plenty of light out.

 

“Hey Fang, you mind grabbing Anon's bags? I want to talk to him for a bit.” Naser asked.

 

“What are you going to talk about?” Suspicion tainted her voice as she eyed him. But he just waved her off.

 

“Nothing important. Just some..” he scratched at his chin. “Guy talk? Or maybe more of a pow wow?” She looked a bit nervous.

 

“Are you two.. cool?” Her wings shuffled against the seat in front of me. “Like I know things have probably been… tense. You don’t have to pretend to like each other just because I’m here. If you're having problems I want to hear them.”

 

“No, we're good!” Naser quickly waved her down. “Tight, as the kids say! We had a big talk this morning and straightened things out, honest.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Well, maybe. Point is, we’re not about to slug each other. Promise, just need to talk to him for a second. Please.”

 

“…alright.” She looked like she wanted to argue.

 

“I’ll only be a second. If I’m not there in 2 minutes you still have my will.” I hope my joke would make her feel more at ease. I think it helped.

 

I handed my bags to Fang and let her get to the door before turning back to Naser.

 

“Alright. Rest is up to you.” He reached down and pulled something by his side and I heard the trunk pop. “Text me how it goes. And thank you, for doing this.”

 

“I should be thanking you again.”

 

“Then we’ll just call it even.” Nah we weren’t anywhere close to even, but I nodded my head anyway.

 

I climbed out and pulled the case from the trunk. Took a second to get it slung over my shoulder and, with one last nod to Naser, began hobbling to the door.

 

I opened the door and slid it. The sound of running water came from the kitchen and I tried to slip through the doorway into the living room without being seen. She must have been waiting for me though. 

 

“That was quick.” Fang turned the water off, glancing over her shoulder at me. “Must not have been… what’s that?” She turned to me and gave me her full attention, confusion evident on her face.

 

“Surprise?” When she didn’t move I set it on the table to take the weight off.

 

“What. Is. That.” I couldn’t get a read on her voice as she sat rooted in front of the sink.

 

“A guitar.” 

 

“Take it back.” Her lips pulled back giving me a hint of her teeth. Not a good sign.

 

“Can’t, trashed the receipt.” Actually a lie, Naser insisted we keep it in case Monty screwed us.

 

“Naser put you up to this!” A growl rumbled in her throat.

 

“No he didn’t. This was my idea.” I tried to keep my voice steady and calming. But flashbacks to the beach were making my heart pump a bit harder.

 

“Bullshit!” She snarled as she stomped a few feet closer to me, wings flaring out behind her. But behind that anger I could see tears pricking her eyes. “I am not to be pitied! I’m not!”

 

“I don’t pity you Fang.”

 

“I told you not to lie to me Anon! You open your mouth and only the truth better come out!” Her face was inches from mine as she flashed her teeth and claws in quite the intimidating display. But there was no hiding the tears this close. “So let’s fucking hear it! I won’t be a charity case.” 

 

“Neither will I!” I had to shout to get the words out. My vision blurred a bit as my own feelings peaked. I could feel my left cheek burn as the salty liquid ran down it. 

 

My yell seemed to surprise her as she flinched back from me, staring questionably through watery eyes.

 

“How do you think I feel?…” I stopped to clear my throat. “I feel pathetic. I feel useless. I feel like a burden. No one lets me pay for anything, help with anything, do anything. ” I was scared of what I was about to say. “Everytime that happens a voice whispers in my ear that the only reason you're even still talking to me is because you’re scared I’ll kill myself if you didn’t.”

 

“No.. I don’t…” 

 

“Really? The thought hasn’t crossed your mind? You hid my gun .” Her eyes widened and flicked up to the cabinets.

 

“…You found it.” Her voice was a whisper as she shook in place. “But.. it’s.. it’s different!” Her claws sank into her arm, letting a drop of blood drip. “I… I know what it’s like to be at the end of your rope. To be standing on an edge and thinking about how easy it would be to tip over. And.. and I know how scary it is to face that alone…”

 

“I believe you…” I did, 100%. “I told you, I got your back. Not out of some bullshit pity, but because you’re still my friend. And this-” I slapped the case. “Is simply rent.”

 

“…rent?” Her hand slipped down her arm, leaving a shallow blood trail behind it. Confusion was once again clouding her eyes.

 

“No gifting or charity. An exchange. I get to live on your couch and eat your food, you get a guitar. Neither looking down on the other, we’re equals in this.” I stuck my hand out.

 

Fang hesitated, staring at my hand through tear filled eyes. 

 

Please Fang… I felt like I was back on that edge. And every second the floor was crumbling out below me.

 

She shuddered, wings shifting as if they didn’t know what to do. Her golden eyes shimmered as she locked with mine. And for the first time since she found me, they didn’t drift to the wound that marred my face. Slowly she reached out, flinching a little as her fingers grazed mine before locking them together.

 

Thank you…

 

Fang yanked hard, nearly sending me to the ground as I stumbled towards her only to get caught in her arms as she buried her face into my neck.

 

I hesitated for only a second before wrapping my arms around her and hugging for all my body could give. As soon as I did her wings folded over me, smaller than I remembered as they struggled to envelop me, but still as wonderful. It struck me that the last time I had hugged was also Fang…

 

She shuddered and hiccuped in my grip as we both cried onto each other. 

 

I don’t know how long we stayed like that, at some point we had fallen to our knees as we held each other. Even after we ran out of tears we still held tight. 

 

“At my session…” Fang's whisper was hoarse in my ear. “...Dr. Seymour and I agreed that if you were going to be staying around for a while… Then it would be best if.. I didn't hide anything from you.” She gently pulled back, looking up at me with puffy red eyes. I’m sure I looked much worse.

 

“What do you mean?” My voice cracked and I cleared my throat.

 

“Well, it's only fair if we're going to be equals now. So I guess it's time to ‘dredge’ Anon.”

[NOTES]
This was the longest chapter I've ever wrote, and with it this story is now longer than A Second Chance. Thank you for being patient.