Edgelord Meets the King of Underground Punk
Summer 2021, Week 2
Saturday midday
Rose Fall Music Store, Downtown
Abbey Thomas
"Hey, thanks so much for coming down with me. You know how much I hate going Downtown by myself."Paige Nelson
Paige shrugged noncommittally. "Yeah, sure. Only cause it's you."Abbey Thomas
"Cause you loooove me."Paige Nelson
"Oh, fuck off with that shit." She laughed and shoved her friend. "What is it we're doing here anyway?"Abbey Thomas
They were walking up to the studio now. "Okay, so, I didn't want to tell you, but.... I'm going to have music lessons with Roslyen Van Steele."Paige Nelson
"You have got to be kidding me, right?"Abbey Thomas
"Shut up! Don't say a word. My mom knows how much I've wanted to work on my singing, and she set this up for me as an early birthday present."Paige Nelson
"Yeah, okay. Suuuuure. I'm going to tell everyone how much you love pop now."Abbey Thomas
"Paige, don't you dare! I'll kill you! But she does have chops..."Paige Nelson
"Uh huh. She's a piece of meat alright."Storyteller
The two walked in the doors of the building with her friend trying to get Paige to quiet down. Rose Fall Studio could be seen from well, most of the block. The store, just like the owner, was rather eccentric, massively fake, with light-up vines glowing pink and red on the normally normal street of downtown New Victoria. On top of the large, two-story building was a large red rose proclaiming the store's name, Rose Fall, on the corner of 5th and 7th. Inside the store was almost always packed, young fans playing with the products, normally quite badly, lounging in chairs and watching the newest music video from its owner, Roslyen van Steele. All the while hoping in vain to get a glimpse of the owner. She rarely came upstairs as the basement was her private music studio, where she gave lessons for quite a hefty fee to those she deemed good enough for her time or rather her producer did, as well as record her own music. Top of the line and state of the art, the studio was covered in wall-to-wall gear. Upstairs the old shop-keep did his best to control the hoard of younger fans that always begged to get a glimpse downstairs, often shooing them off. Roslyen would be downstairs, the sound of her strumming her guitar and quietly humming a melody to Fear Not This Night, playing through speakers in the store.
Xander Knight
Though the store was fairly busy, Xander found that many of the teens who frequented a pop star's music shop would pay the British punk little mind. To help keep a low profile, however, he did swap out his own Outcry shirt for a plain black Misfits tank top, though his outfit remained otherwise the same. Running a hand through his wavy white hair, the man sat against a wall in the gear section, playing a few of his favourite classic punk riffs on a stylish black ESP E-II, heavily considering taking out a tab in the store until his currency transfer was complete. His full gray eyes glanced around between the teen fans flaunting for an audience with Roslyen, smirking as he hid in plain sight.Abbey Thomas
"This is insanity. And you wonder why I don't like coming down here by myself?? Look at these people. Jesus. Alright... I'm gonna see if I can figure out how I get to my appointment with her... Wish me luck and don't you dare leave me here."Paige Nelson
"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry. I wouldn't do that to you. Go have fun, my little sugar pop."Abbey Thomas
"Seriously, shut up!!!" She laughed and pushed her way, clearly annoyed, through the teeny bops in her way. Abbey's adventure continues here: Bubble Gum Dream Come TruePaige Nelson
Paige walked around and tried to avoid literally everyone. 'Where the hell am I supposed to hide for however long she's busy...? All of this stuff is so... not me. Wait, what is that coming from?' She heard the riff clearly through all of the noise. It's like it called to her. She looked around trying to figure out the source. Then she saw him. 'No. Noooo. Nononono. This isn't happening. He's not here. Oh fuck. Ohhhh my fucking god. Stay cool. You hear me? Stay. Cool.' She pushed her way over to where he was sitting up against the wall. It took her a few minutes of standing nearby and staring at absolutely nothing before she could finally say "Hey." out loud... but it wasn't loud enough to be heard over all the nonsense. She sighed and rolled her eyes at herself. 'Get it together.' She tried again. "Hey. Sounds good."Xander Knight
Looking up, the Brit continued to play as his eyes met hers, smiling to the young lady. “Thank you, it’s one of my favourites. The Damned have such a way with sound, eh?” His accent and appearance alienated him from this place, yet his love of music couldn’t allow him to stay away. Not for a moment did he suspect this woman recognized him, merely motioning for her to take a seat across the small walkway from him, about as secluded as a pair could get to have a conversation on punk and metal.Paige Nelson
"Yeah, they do." 'Fuck me, he asked me to sit down. Okay. You can do this. EEEEEEEEEE. Shut up.' She sat down and played with her hands so she wouldn't just stare openly. "Thanks. So, uh, what's your favorite song of theirs?"Storyteller
An old Grandfather clock dinged over the sound of the crowd, striking 3 times loudly to the sound of a bass drum. The screens filling the upper corners of the store suddenly lit up. The patrons all stared up wondering who was the lucky guest. For those who didn’t go to the store every day like it was some sort of coffee shop, the screens would light up with a name, the name of the next person to be mentored by Roslyen - whether by a random lottery set up through buying stuff through the store, by paying for a few-hour session, or being a student of Roslyen. This time the lucky name lit up with falling black falling petals and the sound of a soft British rock played through the store. Momentarily overpowering Roslyen playing. Abbey Thomas. Flashed over and over on the screen before a soft female voice called out the name, asking the patron Abbey Thomas to go to the front desk for her session. If you did not bring your own equipment, please grab a guitar, a set of picks, drumsticks, and any other instrument you would like to practice with off the wall.Xander Knight
He chuckled a bit as the newest trainee was announced, turning back to his conversation partner. “Life goes on, personally. But the entire Strawberries album is brilliant. Xander, by the way,” he said, nodding to the woman as he resisted his momentary urge to offer a handshake. High voltage rarely merges with stealth in crowds, not to mention his fear of electrocuting this woman.Paige Nelson
"Heh. Yeah. I know. Xander Knight. I'm Paige." She heard her friend's name called over the loudspeaker and saw her sprinting through the crowd. She smiled. It may not be her thing, but her friend was excited so that's cool.Xander Knight
“You know? Wasn’t sure we had many fans stateside.” Xander looked over the instruments on the wall. “Do you play?”Paige Nelson
She blushed. 'I am so fucking lame right now.' "Yeah, you guys are one of my favorites. I go deep when I look for music. It's taken me to some weird ass places, but I've also found some cool shit too. But nah, I've never tried to play anything. I doubt I'd be good at it."Xander Knight
“You never know if you never try,” he said with a shrug. “I’m glad you like my music, means a lot to meet a fan. Especially on my second day living here.” He played a few more riffs, finishing with the intro to one of his own songs, Sedition.Paige Nelson
'.He. Fucking. Lives. Here. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.' "That's cool. I'm new here too. Though not that new." She started humming along with his song absentmindedly.Xander Knight
He nodded, taking the guitar from his neck and passing it to her. “So, what brings a girl who doesn’t want to play music to a music shop?” he asked with a smile. He was far from a celebrity, but he could tell the poor girl was star-struck. This might be his first real famous person moment, and he wanted to make an impression.Paige Nelson
She takes the guitar gingerly and lays it in her lap, not really sure what to do with it. "Never said I didn't want to play; just don't think I'd be good at it. Plus, never had a family that could really afford any extra shit. But I'm here for my friend. She can sing really well, and her mom got her a slot with Roslyen to practice or whatever. She's nowhere on your level though with all that bubble gum crap."Xander Knight
Xander laughed, pantomiming his fingers in the shape of the chords for her to play. “There’s some genuine artistry hidden in that bubble gum crap. Well, not a lot of it, but it’s there if you can find it. It’s not about what genre you play, it’s the heart you have for it.” He nodded to the stairs, where Roslyen had taken her friend. “She’s actually quite good at her craft, even if the vast majority of pop music is overproduced cash grabs…”Paige Nelson
'Heeee wants me to play this guitar. In front of him. I've never played a guitar. And now I'm gonna play in front of Xander fucking Knight. Whelp. Here's where I fuck it all to hell.' She froze for a moment and then tried to mimic his finger patterns and strum hesitantly. "Feel free to laugh at me. I'm sure I would. But I'll have to take your word on the pop queen. I believe you though if you say she has chops..." The guitar was making awful sounds as she kept trying to make her fingers comply.Xander Knight
“You’ve got to press. Put your fingers in the middle between the fret lines, press, and strum,” he said through chuckling. “I’ve actually only met the pop queen once, but we’ve been aware of each other for a while. Up and coming musicians often keep tabs, helps you get around in the industry.” He shifted his fingers to another arrangement, guiding her through the Misfits’ Dig Up Her Bones. “Or if you’d rather, we can talk bass or drums. Maybe you even sing.”Paige Nelson
"Ha. No. That's Abbey, not me. She's got talent." 'I'm just a freak that ... sees dead people??' "I'm clearly trying to make it sound like something's dying over here." She kept following along with his movements, getting somewhat better, but her nerves were holding her back for sure.Xander Knight
“You sure? I can call our bassist, Naomi, up here, she can teach you. I’ll teach you guitar, Adame can show you drums, but he’s not as good a teacher as I.” He switched his hands one final time, showing Paige the minor changes that made all the difference in the chords. “Of course, I may have to charge you, I’m not nearly as famous as you seem to think of me.”Paige Nelson
"You'd bring out all of Outcry??" The first real slip of fan girl had just happened. "For me?? Shit, dude, you have some serious confidence in me. I'm just a punk kid. You really think I could so something? Wow... I don't know about money though. I'd have to ask Bob and Linda."Xander Knight
“Alright, first off, we’re all just punk kids, that’s how we found each other. And… they’re actually coming here anyway. I’ve just got a flat here, my only friends should be on their way.” He turned away, attempting to hide the look on his face. Of course, his friends would visit, but he neglected to mention the show until he was sure it had been announced. “Outcasts stick together, kid.”Paige Nelson
'Only friends? He's an outcast?? Fuck me, dude.' "Um. What? They're coming here. Dude, that is insane. Are you guys touring?? Wait, no, you said you live here now. Never mind."Xander Knight
“Maybe soon. I’ve got to get settled a bit. I’ve… let’s see, I’ve bought a flat on credit, had a walk in the park, and visited the zoo. Now I’m here, furnishing my studio. How do you like this one?” he asked, pointing to the guitar. “It’s got a nice weight to it, yeah?”Storyteller
The speakers would crackle to life, quiet at first, just the sound of a single guitar and a different voice then Roslyen singing quietly, only to roar to full volume as "Fight Song" By Rachel Platten was a sung by an unknown voice, only for Roslyen's sparkling voice to echo the chorus loudly and full of love and volume.Paige Nelson
"Yeah, it's cool. I don't know about the weight or anything, but it's got a wicked design. I would die if I could see you guys perform together. It's always been ... Yes!!!" She looks around to see if anyone was listening. "That's her, that's Abbey. I don't know what the hell that song is, but damn she's got serious vocals."Storyteller
Quite a few people were listening, both for Roslyen's voice, and the young girl's. Some even complemented that they liked her voice better for this song.Xander Knight
Xander nodded, smiling to the speaker. “You know, for having never played before you’re not bad.” Looking around the shop, he grabbed a Strat, swapping guitars between the two of them. “Your friend’s got quite the voice. Let’s not have you go back to her empty handed, eh?”Paige Nelson
"Wait, seriously? I thought this sounded awful..." She took the new guitar and slung the strap on. "You're seriously thinking about showing me how to sound good on this thing?"Xander Knight
The Brit shrugged. “I’ll tell you a secret, yeah? Everyone is shit when they start. But if you’ve got the love and the passion for the music, it’s up to you how far you’ll go.” He played the few chords he had taught her, nodding for her to play them as he began to play the rhythm riffs.Paige Nelson
She followed along with him, her fingers starting to hurt from plucking the strings, but she didn't really feel it yet. "I mean, yeah, music is life. It's the way we get through this shitty fucking world, right? Just throw on a pair of headphones and go somewhere else. Cause fuck this place."Xander Knight
He nodded in agreement. “What are some of your favourite albums?” There was really no correct answer, but he wanted to know a bit more about her tastes and inspirations before he began to feed her songs and playstyles.Paige Nelson
"Well for punk, there's the classics like the Ramones and The Clash. Their self-titled albums were like pillars of fucking everything punk stands for. Black Flag's Damaged, obviously. The Replacements' Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash. Sonic Youth's Evol. Sex Pistols, Dead Kennedys, Social Distortion, NOFX. Gotta give props to some of the 90's shit like The Offspring and Green Day and Alkaline Trio. Not my favorite, but still. They brought a lot of weight to the scene."Xander Knight
“All good picks. Personally, The Damned, Minor Threat, Misfits, even stuff like Joy Division, The Smiths, The Cure… but you’ve got a good ear on ya. I’ll get you this Strat, maybe a few records too. Consider it your homework.” Xander looked around the store a bit. “You said you’re here with a friend? How old are you? Your parents looking for you?”Paige Nelson
She sputtered at the mention of him buying her a Strat. "Are you kidding me? No. NO way. That is insane. I can't let you buy me that. It's too much! Way too fucking much, dude. I'm not worth all that. Seriously. It's okay. You don't have to. And no, I doubt they're looking for me. They don't even know me. But Bob and Linda know I'm down here with Abbey. I'm 17 and a senior, but I get around just fine."Storyteller
As the friend, Abbey, came up the stairs, several guards pushed their way through the crowd. Large men in suits and ties pushing back those who weren't smart enough to step away from the door and counter that led down into the studio hidden below.Xander Knight
The Brit laughed at this. “I’m 21 mate, you’ll be… my apprentice. Can’t practice without a guitar, and you'll have nothing to practice without records. So go pick… three albums in the store, and I’ll get the guitar. We can figure out pricing later, and I promise I won’t charge any outrageous amount.” He put the ESP into its case, carrying the Stratocaster to the checkout.Paige Nelson
He left before she could even say anything else. She just sat there star-struck for a minute. Her jaw opened and closed, but she couldn't think of what to say. No one had been this nice to her before. Just then Abbey bounded over.Abbey Thomas
"Paige! Dude. This is awesome. She is so much fun to sing with. I am having such a blast."Paige Nelson
"Yeah, we heard! You sounded amazing. Really."Abbey Thomas
She stopped dead in her tracks. "Wait. You heard."Paige Nelson
"Yeah, it was on the speakers through the store. Everyone loved it. Like I said, you were great dude."Abbey Thomas
"You fucking heard?! Seriously? OH my god. This is unreal. I sang. In the studio. People actually heard me. What. The. Fuck."Paige Nelson
"Yeah, well, it's a day for both of us. I just met fucking Xander Knight from OUTCRY. Here. In the store. He lives here now. He's buying me a fucking guitar. He's going to TEACH ME how to PLAY fucking GUITAR."Abbey Thomas
"Ok I know we make fun of those girls at school that go 'EEEEEE' but I think this is one of those moments that we can sound like those basic bitches, just for a minute, right?"Paige Nelson
"Tell no one."Storyteller
Both girls jumped around for a second and made various high-pitched sounds that only bats can decipher.Abbey Thomas
"Okay. Now that's out of our system. Rosy wants to take me to lunch. Do you wanna come with?"Paige Nelson
She looked back at Xander talking to one of the store reps. "Nah, I actually.... think I'm good here. And you know me, I can always find my way back home."Abbey (Paige's friend)
"You sure, dude? I will never leave you high and dry."Paige Nelson
"Yeah. I'm sure. No sweat. I'll be fine. Go have fun with your pop princess."Abbey Thomas
"She's not that bad, I promise!!!"Paige Nelson
"Sure, suuuure. I'm gonna go hang out with the fucking king of underground punk. We'll compare notes later and see who's better. Fucking Xander Knight, dude."Xander Knight
“Who’s fucking Xander Knight?” The king of underground punk had returned from the store counter, a smirk gracing his lips. His hands remained in his pockets, now with the ESP slung across his back, the Strat remaining on the counter. “You’ve not picked your albums yet. Hi, Xander,” he said, giving a nod as a greeting to his new friends friend. “You must be Abbey.”Storyteller
The guards pushed people back with grunts, but not saying a word. As Roslyen walked up the stairs and into view of the crowd, everyone’s eardrums broke. Girls, boys, fans of all genders screamed like cats. The noise only got louder as they jumped and down desperately trying to get Roslyen’s attention only for her to flick her hair back and smile to them all causing two or three girls to faint on the spot. Of course, they wouldn't move aside for her though, her guards slowly pushed the sea of people back as the pink haired popstar walked towards the exit looking around for her new friend.Paige Nelson
'Nope. Nope. This is not happening. He did not just hear me say that about him.' As the crowd got noisy, she shouted to be heard. "YEAH! THIS IS ABBEY! SHE CAME TO TELL ME SHE'S LEAVING WITH ROSLYEN SO I'M ON MY OWN."Abbey Thomas
"DUDE IT'S SO COOL TO MEET YOU! YOU GUYS HAVE FUN! IT LOOKS LIKE MY RIDE IS LEAVING WITHOUT ME."Storyteller
The girls hugged and Abbey took off running to catch up.Roslyen Van Steele
“Abby! Filo Abby! Where are you dear? We have to leave,” she cried out, her voice struggling to be louder than the roar of fans trying to get her attention. Everyone suddenly looking side to side trying to figure out who she was calling for.Storyteller
When Roslyen spotted Abbey, she smiled and pointed her out. The guards quickly opened their ranks to let her through, not til after she had to push through the crowd of people though.Abbey Thomas
She ran through the small opening that the guards provided and met back up with Rosy. She turned quickly and waved to bye to her friend.Xander Knight
“Hope you don’t mind Ros, I’ve borrowed your protege. She seems nice.”Roslyen Van Steele
Seeing Abbey was alone, she tossed her the helmet in her hands. It was a rather extra black helmet with glowing pink cat ears on top that doubled as antennas to talk to the rider wearing the matching helmet, which her guard was holding for her. "Not a problem Xander dear, though you shouldn't reveal yourself without guards deary." She waved laughing to the punk star knowing at least a few people here would know who he was and that he was kinda a big deal as her guards led her out of the store, only to have to shove some of the protesters aside as they straight up refused to move, leading them to a bike that was brought forward by another guard. "Sorry Abbey... Need me to help you?" The bike was rather large as it was custom built from the ground up to fit her 7-foot frame and the primary seat came up to most people’s neck, never mind the small back where Abbey would sit being slightly higher.
Abbey Thomas
"Yeah, please." She laughed nervously. I don't want to hurt myself trying to get up on this thing."Xander Knight
“I’ve been here for two hours, none of these people know who I am,” he said, leaning down to Paige with a smug smirk. “Besides, walking around with a security detail isn’t exactly a good way to keep attention away from yourself.”Roslyen Van Steele
With ease Rosy reached down and scooped the girl up like a small child. Being the first time she touched Rosy, besides a handshake, she may notice Rosy was solid, someone who spent a few hours or more every day in the gym going full throttle. Lifting the girl like a doll she set her on the back of the bike before tossing her leg over the seat and straddling it herself. Pulling her jacket tight she frowned and rolled her eyes sliding it off and offering it to Abbey. "You don't have leathers and I'm a bit more... unbreakable than you."Abbey Thomas
"Uh, yeah, I guess? If you think I need it."Roslyen Van Steele
"Yes, you need the jacket, now hold on." With a swift kick and a deafening roar the bike came alive. The LED in the wheels glowing a deep pink to match her rosy hair. Slipping a matching helmet on she shook a bit to adjust and leaned forward. Giving the back gas she rolled out and away from the crowd before flooring it, peeling a bit of rubber onto the asphalt as they roared away.Paige Nelson
As she watched her friend get on the back of the bike, she felt a bit of concern, but brushed it off. 'I'm sure she'll be fine.' "So what you're saying is you don't think you have groupies?"Xander Knight
He raised an eyebrow, turning to browse the records and picking The Damned’s Strawberries. “Not even back home. I’ve not even got many normal fans. This one’s free, by the way, you’ve still got three choices.”Paige Nelson
"I call bullshit. And no, you're already getting me too much shit. This one totally counts." She looked around for her next choice. "Wait, I don't even own a record player dude. Why are we doing this?" She gave self-deprecating kind of laugh. "I'm seriously fine with just the guitar or nothing at all. Ya know. Whatever."Xander Knight
“I’ve got one. You can use it when you’re over for lessons.” He shrugged, paying for the album and Paige’s guitar. “I erm… don’t have a mobile, so we’ll need to work out scheduling with your parents pretty soon.”Paige Nelson
"You're not serious about those lessons, right? You're just gonna disappear. You got no reason to take me on as a student. I'm sure you got your own shit to worry about. But who doesn't have a phone these days?"Xander Knight
Xander struggled to find a way to explain that it had spontaneously exploded in his hands. “I don’t. So. Any plans for the rest of the day? I’ve not got a car, but we can walk wherever.”Paige Nelson
"Nope, this was my plan today. Just being Abbey's escort in the big bad downtown. I don't have a car either, I just use the subway or trains to get around. I've got this city figured out."Xander Knight
“Maybe I’ll take you to meet a friend I’ve made. How do you feel about the zoo?” He flipped the hood of his ripped and patched white denim vest up, motioning out the door.Paige Nelson
"Don't think I've been to the one here yet. They're okay. The animals can be funny."Xander Knight
“Then let’s go. I’ve got to visit the first man I met when I arrived in this city yesterday.” Xander smiled a bit at the thought of Ilya, though purposely neglected to mention the whole… bear… thing.Saturday afternoon
The Zoo, Museum District
Xander Knight
After a bit of a walk, Xander and his new apprentice arrived at the gates of the zoo, paying for their tickets and guiding her through the entrance as he adjusted the guitar slung across his back. “Right, where to first? We’ve not got a rush, take your time.” Running a hand through his white hair, he looked through the crowd for Ilya, hands firmly in his pockets.Paige Nelson
"I guess we can start with the reptiles? Snakes are cool as hell, plus it's inside with air conditioning. The walk over was hot, especially with this strapped on my back."Xander Knight
Silently chastising himself, Xander approached the reptile enclosures. Way to go, stupid. Why don’t you just go full Tesla coil while we’re at it, really get the message across. Peering through glass and leaves, locking eyes with geckos and skinks, he chuckled a bit, turning to look at Paige, their faces similarly pressed against the enclosures.Paige Nelson
From the corner of her eye, she saw him turn to look at her. 'This is not my life. This is a dream. I'm going to wake up and just be my freak self, not having ever met Xander Fucking Knight.' She stood up quickly and ran a hand through her hair, sweeping her bangs to the side. She did it a few more times, for good measure. Nervous energy gang. "Heh. They're kinda cute. Um. Oh look, poisonous frogs." She quickly walked over to them. "Don't they say some of them are psychedelic if you lick their backs?"Xander Knight
“Not sure. I quite like the blue ones though, brilliant colour.” Pondering for a moment the concept of licking psychedelic murder frogs, he observed not only the enclosure but his companion. She seemed considerably starstruck, something he was not at all used to. Of the relatively small number of fans he assumed they had, much, much fewer would know who he was beyond ‘the singer for that band.’ Perhaps he would give her some time to get used to his presence, perhaps he’d simply wait until he mentioned it.Paige Nelson
"Yeah, they're super bright. I wonder if it makes your tongue tingle... but anyway... when are we gonna meet your friend?"Xander Knight
“Whenever you want. We’ve just got to go see the bears. You’ll like him, right bursting with positivity,” he said with a smile, reaching out to guide her through the crowd before immediately retracting his hand. Damn these accursed manners.Paige Nelson
"Oh, cool. I'm down to see some bears next. I don't know about the 'bursting with positivity' part... but I'll give it a shot if you say so."Xander Knight
“Well, I quite like him. Attitude like that’s far too rare in life, makes for a good friend to have, ya know?” He began to lead her through the reptile house, out towards the panda enclosure, scanning the crowds for Ilya.Paige Nelson
"Yeah, I guess so. My only real friend is Abbey. I move around too much. Haven't been here very long either." She shrugs. "It is what it is."Xander Knight
He shook his head. “Friends is all quality mate, not quantity. Where are you from, if not here? Seems I’ve not met a man yet actually native to Victoria,” Xander said with a chuckle.Paige Nelson
"Well, she's not a man, but you've met Abbey. She's from here. I grew up in Virginia, just up in the D.C. area. Lots of foster families. Lots of bouncing around. I'm not what you would call the poster child that every parent dreams of, so they tend to give me back pretty quick. Bob and Linda seem pretty honest so far though. At least there's that."Xander Knight
Xander nodded knowingly, thinking back to his own family life. “Well from what I’ve seen, you’ve got quite the personality. Can’t imagine anyone giving you back. You’re true to yourself, and that’s becoming rarer and rarer, and that’s what life’s about, really, you’ve just got… wait Washington DC is in Virginia?”Paige Nelson
The girl laughed, "Dude. No. D.C. is its own little place sandwiched between Virginia and Maryland. Alexandria is right next to it. That's where I'm from."Xander Knight
He shook his head, sighing. “American geography is hard, mate. I though DC was sort of… near New York.”Paige Nelson
"Well, you're kinda right, it's not that far to New York. But they're definitely in different states." She was still laughing, but genially. "Oh man, I love those memes where you see people from other countries trying to figure out the names of our states. Classic."Xander Knight
“I may not know American states or provinces, but I can play three instruments and speak two languages,” he retorted with a sly smile. “Come on, little Hellion. The pandas await.”Paige Nelson
She gave a fake look of shock. "Low blow, dude. Low blow. Alright fine, let's see these pandas you're so excited about."Storyteller
As they approach the panda enclosure, they see that they came just in time. The show had just recently started. Standing in the middle of the exhibit was none other than Ilya himself. His voice boomed over the speakers as he worked the crowd, telling them facts about the silly bears, and doing various tricks with them involving the equipment all around them. They were cuddly and lovable, and he showed this the fascinated audience with ease. At the end of the show, Ilya waved to Xander and motioned for them to wait.Ilya Medvedev
Coming out of the Staff Only door, Ilya was visibly excited. "Heyyyy! Xander, friend! It is good to see you. You come back so soon to see my bears! This is good. I am proud." He noticed the girl standing off to the side, looking at him like he was growing a third head. "And you brought a friend! Hello, young Xander friend! Ilya is happy to be meeting you. Did you both like the pandas? They are cute, no?"Xander Knight
"The pandas were lovely, friend. This is Paige, my... well, apprentice, shortly. Figured I owed you an update on my time in the city, how life is going, so to speak." He smiled to the two of them, motioning between them but making sure to keep from physical contact. "How are you and the bears?"Ilya Medvedev
"Apprentice?! Oooo. That must be excite. What are you studying from my friend, young one?"Paige Nelson
Paige has been very friendly with Xander so far because of who he is and how cool he is to her, but this guy? This guy is no one special. She reverts back to her usual monosyllabic edgelord status. "Music."Ilya Medvedev
"That is very good. If I know my friend, and I think I do, he will teach you all the things. Yes? Yes. Xander, my little pandas are doing well. The science people have already seen improvements. Zoo is very happy with Ilya and the bears. It has been good week."Xander Knight
Xander chuckled a bit, shaking his head at Paige with a smile. "I've offered to teach her guitar. Seems we've both the need for... something to do. But I've got the loft, sorting out concert dates and studio time, got to earn a paycheck, eh? Good to hear about the bears. I've noticed the brush around the city in honour of them, I believe."Ilya Medvedev
"All good things, friend. Ilya is proud of you. Making home for yourself. Is good, very good. And yes! The bear revolution has begun in New Victoria! The city has slowly let me transform it into many Ilya works of art. Business is good on all fronts, friend. Bears? Good. Bushes? Good. Ilya? Good!"Paige Nelson
She perked up really quick. "Concert dates? Like... when?"Xander Knight
He smiled to Ilya. “I’m glad to hear it. Maybe I’ll have to commission a small bear shrub from you soon to warm up my flat, eh?” He turned to Paige, laughing a bit. “Well, our dear Ros has already helped get a date with a K-pop star, name of White Lotus. That one should be an interesting show. And we’re currently trying to book a slot in the metal music festival this fall, really get the name out there.”Paige Nelson
"Cool." She took out her phone and made a quick search for the upcoming show. Then she shot a text to Abbey about going together that Friday before sliding it back into her pocket.Ilya Medvedev
"Friend, YES! I would love to do a shrubbery for you. You just tell Ilya when. Pick a pose. Any pose. Ilya do for you. It will be, as kids say, chef's kiss. I say that right, yes, young one?" He did the motion as he said the phrase and looked so sure of himself.Paige Nelson
She fought the tug of a smile at the corner of her mouth and just nodded in a "yeah, sure, whatever" manner.Ilya Medvedev
"Yes! Ilya knows things."Xander Knight
"Whatever pose you think would suit my flat, eh?" he said with a chuckle to their interaction. "I'm not quite sure if my music is quite your cuppa, Ilya, but if you'd like a ticket, I can get you one. Same for you, Paige."Ilya Medvedev
"Music is music, friend! Ilya will go if friend invites. Just tell me where to show up."Paige Nelson
"Um, yeah, that would be cool. Could... you get one for Abbey too?"Xander Knight
"Three tickets don't seem too much trouble, I can get your names on lists. Not sure if I can get backstage passes or anything for the fall festival, but for this show it shouldn't be a problem." Xander looked over his two friends, being a full half foot taller than the both of them at least, smiling down to them. After a very hectic week, it was nice to just take a moment with his friends in this new city.Paige Nelson
"Dude, don't worry about it if you can't. It's cool." Backstage passes omfg.Ilya Medvedev
"Bring the ticket by when you have it, and Ilya will be there." He clapped the man on the shoulder. "You are good people, Xander. Ilya looks forward to hearing your music."Xander Knight
Xander's eyes widened a bit, momentarily filled with panic as the bear's hand fell on his shoulder, the static charge momentarily arcing between them. "Hahaha, yes of course friend. It's good of you to say. Maybe after the show we can have a housewarming, first show afterparty, eh? Got to hold up the rockstar image, even if the loft isn't quite as big as a rockstar's should be." He hoped the young protégé hadn't seen the conspicuous white arc of miniature lightning, not entirely sure how he was going to explain it, hoping to very quickly change the subject, also hoping it hadn't hurt Ilya too bad, remembering their last interaction.Paige Nelson
The girl was too busy texting the entire conversation to Abbey to have noticed what was happening between the men. Her mind was racing at the thought of getting backstage passes to an Outcry concert.Ilya Medvedev
He leaned in and whispered. "Control, friend. Control. It is okay. You need more practice." He casually took his hand off Xander's shoulder and laughed. "Ilya at a house party?! Of course! I will be life of party. It will be good. We will have everyone happy and dancing. Your neighbors will hate us. Invite them too!"Xander Knight
He laughed a bit. "I'm not sure I've got neighbors. Though if I do, they must be quite confused, I've been practicing different techniques late into the night. Maybe that's why they've never spoke to me..." His heart thumped away in his chest as he drew deep breaths, focusing on control. With all that's been going on, he never quite found time to work on his powers.Ilya Medvedev
"Never hurts to try! Ask them. They will come if you offer drinks! Good party favors make a party. We shall perhaps even play music from Little Big. They say I look like singer from band. Ilya says who knows!"Xander Knight
"Oh, but he's not nearly as handsome, mate." Turning his attention to Paige, he leaned down a bit. "Everything alright? Have I got to get you home?" The big brotherly energy filling Xander was something unusual to him, being an only child of a single mother. "I'm sure we could catch a metro if you've got to go."Paige Nelson
Her fingers stopped flying across the phone as she froze. 'Oh god I hope he can't see my texts.' Um, yeah, I should probably check in for dinner at least. Bob and Linda like to have at least one meal together. Weirdos." She mumbled the rest. "It's kinda nice though."Xander Knight
He nodded, turning back to Ilya. "I'll give you your ticket when I get them. Should I bring you a plus one? Not sure I can swing to let you bring a bear, but maybe if you've got a human you'd like to bring," he said with a chuckle. "Well, I've got to get Hellion here back home, try to convince her parents to let me train her in the arts of punk rock." He extended a hand, smirking a bit as he concentrated on controlling the lightning within him, offering a handshake to his friend.Ilya Medvedev
"You know what? Yes. Give Ilya 2 tickets. I will ask sweet diner lady if she wants to come with Ilya to concert. She is friend."Paige Nelson
"What? No. It's fine. You don't have to ask their permission. I pretty much have free reign. Seriously."Xander Knight
"You're sure? I don't want your parents thinking you're a groupie or something."Paige Nelson
"Oh yeah. I'm sure. I'll let them know. Don't worry."Xander Knight
He shrugged, looking up to the sky to check the time. "If you say so. I'll get four tickets, see about backstage access. I'm still not sure how much pull I have in a room with White Lotus..."Paige Nelson
"I mean... I'm not going for the K-pop bros. Just... Outcry. Ya know."Xander Knight
"Right, but I'm just some Britpunk street urchin. White Lotus is a world-renowned Billboard chart topper. I'm just not sure how much I can use a celebrity status when I'm beside... that."Paige Nelson
"Dude. You have talent. Don't compare yourself to them. You're playing the same show. You have pull."Xander Knight
"Well thank you dear, but I mean I'm the opener. Sort of a dual scene type deal... thing. I'm not quite the celebrity you think of me, but I do appreciate the flattery. Well, if we've not got to have you back until supper, where would you like to go next? I've brought you to meet my friend Ilya, now you pick. Where to, mate?"Paige Nelson
"Uhh. I got nothin."Xander Knight
“How do you feel about going to the shopping centre?”Paige Nelson
"As much as I hate myself for this, you're right that I should probably head back to Bob and Linda. They're cool and shit, but I have been gone most of the day. But... tell me when and where to meet you and we can have a jam sesh or whatever if you still think you want to take on a punk kid like me."Ilya Medvedev
"Look at that! Ilya knew you could speak, young one. Is good. Now. I get back to bears and making people smile. I see you soon, friend. Perhaps you too, young one." He went to pat his friend again but turned it into a wave remember what happened the last time.Xander Knight
“My loft is in the heights, near the edge of the wards. I’ll give you the address, walk you back to your home.” Awkwardly chuckling to Ilya, he returned the wave. “I’ll see you soon, mate, bring you those tickets. Tell the bears I’ve said hello!”Paige Nelson
She opened up a contact and put his name in really quick, expanded the address section, and gave the phone to him in a matter of seconds. "There ya go." 'I'm gonna have Xander's address. This is fine.' Uh, when you want me to come by?"Xander Knight
Extreme panic filled every fiber of his being, putting extreme focus into controlling his abilities. Had he mentioned his abilities to Paige, he would also have mentioned that his last mobile spontaneously exploded in his hands. Alright, focus. Control. All the words. Except lightning. After entering in the address, he passed the phone back to Paige, now with full charge.Paige Nelson
The edgelord didn't even notice the charge yet, she just saved his contact really quick and locked her phone. "Thanks. You, uh, you alright? You look weird. And you never answered me about when. If you're second guessing and just don't know how to tell a kid, don't worry, I can take a hint."Xander Knight
“Oh no, you’re welcome by whenever you please. I’ve just not got a mobile, so you can’t really… ask about it, haha.” He rubbed the back of his neck, thinking back to his conversation with Uncle. Perhaps some technological assistance would be helpful… “I’ve not got plans until the concert, and you’ve got your guitar. Just remember to bring it, and everything will be fine.”Paige Nelson
"Alright... If you say so dude. Alright, I gotta run if I'm gonna catch the train. Otherwise, I'll be waiting another 30 or so til the next one comes through. I, uh, today... you're cool. Thanks. I'll catch ya soon." She looked super weird for a second, her body kinda frozen. 'Hug? Nope. We're not close like that. High five? Childish as fuck. Handshake? I am not a stiff. Just wave or something.' She unfroze long enough to give a weird wave sort of thing and then turned around slowly and internally freaked out. 'Smooth. Real fuckin smooth. God damn I'm awkward.'Xander Knight
Xander smiled as he watched her leave, shaking his head with a chuckle. “Good kid,” he mumbled to himself, seeing a bit of himself in her. He hoped he could be the older brother for her that he never had. With a short sigh, Xander Knight walked to the penguins, his mind running wild with thoughts and memories, taking a few minutes before turning and walking back home.
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
July 3, 2021
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