Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Date and time: December 31, senior year, 5 p.m. EST

Location: Airport limo, en route to the hotel

Sharon was so psyched about this trip. "I still can't believe your parents let you go to New York. I mean, Patty especially."

Angela rolled her eyes in good humor. "Well, once they found out the Colonel had given his blessing, it was pretty much a done deal."

Aiden, too, rolled his eyes. Patty loved the Colonel, especially since the old man had started dating Hallie Lowenthal. Once Graham and Hallie's restaurant, The Rare Table, had opened, Graham had made it his second home, threatening the Chase marriage and the status quo. Once the Colonel entered the scene, Graham's attention had snapped back to hearth and home, and not a moment too soon as far as Patty was concerned. That, coupled with the fact that the Langs were old money in Three Rivers, meant that the Colonel (and, for the most part, his sons) could do no wrong in her eyes.

While the Colonel entertained his lady at the Waldorf Astoria for the duration of the trip, the gang - Aiden, Angela, Connor, Sharon, Rickie, Tommy, and Denis - were all booked to party at the Rainbow Tree Hotel. In a wonderfully thoughtful gesture, Aiden and Connor had opted for NYC's most LGBTQ-friendly hotel, complete with heated pools, full-service spa, cabanas, and an indoor waterfall which shimmered with every color of the rainbow.

Rickie was chomping at the bit, SO ready to hit the in-house club, The Sweatbox. This was his first trip to the big city, as it was for most of the crew (with Connor and Aiden being the exceptions), and Rickie was stoked that the hotel was Broadway-adjacent. Angela smiled at her friend as the airport limo inched its way through early evening traffic.

As far as she was concerned, being in a luxurious hotel suite was far more appealing than dancing or - God forbid - freezing half to death in Times Square, watching a giant electrified ball drop. She planned to steal Aiden away after humoring the others for a few dances, allowing them to ring in the new year in a more intimate way.

That was the plan...

------------------------

The Rainbow Tree Hotel
Dec. 31, 6.30 p.m.

After showering and dressing for dinner, the friends met in the on-site restaurant, Fier. The boys had booked a private, yet cozy, room at the back. As usual, they'd anticipated their friends' and girlfriends' needs, requesting "le grand echantillonneur," or "grand sampler," meaning nobody had to struggle over the menu or waste time ordering. Angela was grateful they wouldn't have to navigate the city in search of sustenance, and after hours of subsisting on airport snacks, the group was more than ready to dig in.

The sampler would allow each guest to try a little of every popular dish the restaurant had to offer, without having too much of a good thing.

What a spread!

The gang tucked into chestnut soup, apple croustade, duck confit, Gascon-style beef stew, and gateau millasson. Angela felt guilty for taking a tiny taste of foie gras, knowing the cruel methods by which it was produced. Given her poor track record with seafood, neither she nor Aiden touched the oysters.

Rickie was on cloud nine. "I think I've died and gone to gay heaven," he sighed, taking another helping of the apple tart. Turning to Angela, he said, "I really wish Aiden had a gay brother."

Sharon gave Rickie a scowl of mock-offense.

"Or Connor," he amended. "Either one."

Sharon, mollified, smiled.

Tommy and Denis were enjoying the food, but they were more excited to hear what kind of music would be on offer at The Sweatbox. Their plan was to stick together, trying to give off a suitable 'tolerant but not interested' vibe. The real reason they'd come on the trip was the meeting Connor had arranged for Paranormal Tofu, scheduled for two days from now. A promising contact at BigMouth Records was willing to give the band a brief window of time in which to wow him, so New Year's Day would be spent in serious rehearsal - but tonight? Tonight was all about partying.

Connor had warned everyone to stay sober - after all, he was the only one old enough to legally drink - and, with so much at stake, the others had agreed to comply (some with less enthusiasm than others).

-----------

Dec. 31, 10 p.m.
The Sweatbox

Angela had never been to a real nightclub before. Connor was the only one in the group who didn't have to wear a white wristband designating that they weren't allowed to drink, though luckily there were plenty of other attendees sporting the same white band.

She'd chosen a slinky spaghetti strap dress in a blue so deep it almost looked black until the light hit it just right, pairing it with a low black heel (because she was NOT going to trip or twist her ankle just to look taller). Sharon's hunter green dress really popped in combination with her red hair; she looked like an Irish goddess, or a fairy queen. Both looked older than they realized, but in a sexy way. The club was warm, meaning she and Sharon could check their coats and focus on having fun.

Tommy and Denis were delighted to find that a big-name DJ was hosting the night's festivities, nudging Aiden and pointing toward the DJ booth, which was still decked in white Christmas lights.

"Do you know who that it??," Denis asked. "That's DJ Flame, from Hot 96! I saw him on the MTV countdown," Denis added with awe.

Connor turned. "As in, DJ *Nick* Flame?"

Denis nodded happily. "Yes. Real name, Nick Flame."

Tommy had the idea at the same instant as Denis -

"Should we give him a copy of our demo tape?"

While Aiden debated the pros and cons with his bandmates, Connor wandered away from Sharon in a daze, approaching the DJ booth.

Chapter Text

From behind the plexiglass, Nick looked in Connor's direction, his eyes nearly popping out of his skull. Communicating with his assistant via hand signals, Nick arranged to have Roscoe and Cookie, his two bodyguards, to bring Connor into the booth.

"Connor McMurphy, how the fuck are ya?"

"I'm doin' great. I didn't realize you'd climbed the ladder so high already," Connor replied. "I know you were always talking about becoming a DJ, and you definitely had the talent, but, man."

"Oh, yeah, I'm livin' the dream over at Hot 96! How 'bout you? You certainly *look* successful."

Nick was one of a few men from whom C would take a compliment. "Thanks. I'm in town on a business; got a meeting with an exec at BigMouth in two days, promoting my main client, Paranormal Tofu."

Nick laughed, in an approving sort of way. "Love the name. What genre?"

Connor was looking at all the priceless equipment in the booth, noticing how clean and new it all seemed to be. Top of the line didn't do it justice, and this was just for a one-night gig; the station must be even sweeter. "Rock, mostly; a few ballads sprinkled in."

Nick nodded. "Right on. Got any extra d tapes?"

Connor wondered whether he was being greedy, or whether this would jinx the upcoming meeting. On the other hand, an old, dear friend wanted to hear Paranormal Tofu. If Nick - uh, "DJ Flame" - was as big a deal as the guys seemed to believe, then he must be inundated with unsolicited demos all the time, at work and on the street. He was asking, unprompted, and Connor felt the strange tingle of destiny tripping along his skin.

"Sure. I can go grab a copy from my room."

"Cool! Listen, I gotta get back to setting up here, but, hang later? A little afterparty, maybe?"

Business opportunity aside, it would be good to catch up. "Oof. I'd love to, but I'm also here entertaining my lady, so.."

Nick peered out at Sharon on Connor's direction, her nervous gaze giving way to a megawatt smile at the sight of her man acknowledging her.

"Wow. She's a knock-out. You'd better get back out there and keep an eye on her; there *are* people here who dig chicks."

They agreed to meet for breakfast at Fier first thing in the morning. Connor felt the magic of what had just transpired hit him all over again as he told the others about the run-in with his old classmate, Rickie returned from his stop at the unisex restroom.

"YOU know the DJ? Cool!", was the consensus.

Angela's plan to only stay for a little while went out the window. The friends danced until the start of the countdown, the two hours flying by. At midnight, Aiden and Connor stood on either side of Rickie, landing a kiss on each of his cheeks. He blushed, and it was adorable. Angela and Sharon were glad he wasn't upset by it, or by the fact that he hadn't found anyone in the club to smooch with to ring in the New Year. She was hopeful that this would be his year, that there would be someone for him, once he left Three Rivers behind.

As the friends split up, heading to their separate rooms for a few hours of sleep before rehearsals started, Angela was pleasantly exhausted and looking forward to the future.

Aiden kissed her, murmuring something about a 'rain check.' She smiled, agreeing that it would be better to wait until they had more energy to enjoy one another's company.

They fell asleep half-dressed, shoes kicked haphazardly onto the floor, curled up together in the middle of their enormous plush bed. It was the perfect start to their adventure, and the perfect end to their year.

-------

Rickie was too keyed up to sleep. He spent several minutes in the steam room, sweating out some of his adrenaline. Rickie had no idea how beautiful he was, skin glowing, body glistening with perspiration. He downed a few cups of the complimentary lemon water before heading to the pool area.

The air was almost cold in comparison to the steam room, so Rickie opted to sit in the hot tub, watching the colors of the waterfall shimmer and shift. The skylights overhead showed the merest hint of the approaching dawn, and the world felt fresh and new, full of endless possibilities.

Rickie noticed a hotel employee carrying fresh towels into one of the poolside cabanas, but other than that, there wasn't another soul around for the better part of half an hour. Eventually, another man arrived, easing himself into the hot tub with barely a splash.

"Happy New Year," the newcomer said, and Rickie opened his eyes, ready to say something polite but non-committal, eager to resume his quiet reverie. Something about the guy - his sexy eyes, his artfully-messy hair, or his friendly smile - made Rickie rethink his decision to be dismissive.

He looked familiar...

"You're the DJ, right? From last night?"

The smile got wider. "Right. I'm Nick."

He held out a hand, and Rickie shook it, dazed. "Rickie."

They fell into easy conversation. Nick wanted to know all about Rickie and what brought him to NYC. Was he in the band? Rickie found that question hilarious. Rickie had never had a guy take such an interest in him, asking so many great questions. It was so simple, so natural.

Rickie confided in Nick that he'd applied to several local schools, and was hoping to move to the city in the near future.

"If I get in, I mean," Rickie added, realizing he'd been so lamely excited (and a little full of himself).

"You'll get in," Nick said, and his response was infused with so much kindness, such sincerity and confidence, that Rickie had the urge to kiss the man.

He had to have been crazy, or maybe the chlorine was getting to him; this was *not* typical behavior for Rickie.

Nick didn't seem to mind, returning the kiss. It was slow and sweet, despite the fact that everything in Rickie was pushing him to speed things up. Nick, apparently a man of experience, was in no rush.

As day broke, Rickie glanced toward one of the private cabanas, then at Nick.

"Rickie, I really like you; I just don't want to go too far. We just met."

Rickie nodded. "Right. But we could just.. go a little.. tiny.. bit further. Further? Or farther? I think I'm losing IQ points in this hot tub."

Nick laughed. "Okay, cabana boy. You've got me for a little while longer, but then I've got a meeting to get to."

Rickie sighed. They moved to the cabana, and Nick was true to his word; they didn't go too far. They were grateful, however, for the staff member who had replenished the towels before sunrise.

Chapter Text

A flustered and grinning Nick met with Connor for breakfast at Fier. Nick agreed to give the demo a listen, but was mainly focused on catching up with his old friend.

While Connor handled the adult side of the business, Paranormal Tofu were feeding their faces and setting up for rehearsal time in one of the hotel's outdoor-indoor spaces.

A dreamy and distracted Rickie was there watching, though his thoughts were definitely barely tethered to reality.

"What happened to YOU?," Sharon asked with a sly smile.

"Yeah, did someone, like, slip something in your coffee, or what?," Angela jibed.

"No," he laughed. "I couldn't sleep after the party, and I went to the spa to unwind. I.. sorta.. met someone."

The girls started peppering him with questions, but Rickie just smiled and went back to taking in his surroundings. The Rainbow Tree had several multi-use spaces, including a narrow patch of land which was completely enclosed by glass, steel, and concrete on all sides, but with no roof in sight. The ground was Astro-turf, so green it would make the Teletubbies feel right at home, and there were several random giant objects which vaguely resembled tables and bean-bag style chairs dotted across the space. This was the spot they'd chosen for rehearsals, and, despite the January chill, it was a lovely, sunny day, full of promise.

Aiden, Tommy and Denis played through their entire demo set, as well as a few 'extra' songs they had as back-ups in case the executive didn't seem to be digging their main body of work. Angela felt they'd chosen a good set, showcasing their full range as far as vocals and instrumentals. Lunch was taken picnic-style, Connor having arranged it right after the breakfast meeting. Sharon was excited to hear about his friend taking a copy of the group's demo, and Connor once again felt that zing of destiny ripple through his body.

The day was spent honing the business of their craft, so it was decided that the evening would be for pleasure. The couples enjoyed room service in their respective suites, while the boys made their own arrangements.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?," Angela wanted to know. She'd finished checking in with her folks long-distance, and was shifting her mindset back to 'couple' time.

"A little. I know we're as prepared as we can be. The guys are solid performers, and we all believe in this project. There's a lot of heart in our music."

She nodded. "Yeah. I know there is."

Angela grabbed the remote, aiming it at the TV.

"Ooh, are we ordering pay-per-view?," he teased.

"No. I'm trying to find Connor's friend's show. There - Hot 96."

She adjusted the volume, and sure enough, Nick, aka DJ Flame, emanated from the set.

Angela initiated the kiss, and Aiden happily surrendered. Hot 96 played a decent mix of genres, and the musician in him wanted to appreciate that - but there were other, more pressing matters to attend to.

They were just segueing from PG to R rated, when Aiden stopped her cold.

"What's wrong?"

"The music."

She stopped, listening. "Is that - ?"

Aiden sat up like he'd been shocked. "That's 'Never Say Goodbye.' That's - that's TOFU. He's playing our music, live, on air, right now."

"Oh my God!"

Angela didn't know what to do. Aiden was pacing, not back and forth, but in erratic zigzags, freaking out.

"Babe, c'mere. It's - it's okay."

He was hyperventilating a little bit. She needed to calm him down.

"It's okay. Aiden.."

Angela finished undressing, standing up completely nude, blocking Aiden's manic wanderings. He focused on her, coming back to himself.

"It's okay. You guys sound amazing. Listen."

He did. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the sound fill the room. Angela rested her head against his, forehead to forehead, grounding them both.

"Wow. We're.. we're good. On the radio, I mean. I knew we sounded good live, but.."

"Yeah."

The song ended, and there was a break for commercial. When Nick came back on-air, he cued up "More Than Enough."

"He's playing more," Aiden said.

"Yes, I - I can hear it."

"Angela?"

"Yeah?"

"I kinda wanna... make love to you. While our music is playing. This is a huge, huge moment, and the only way to make it more perfect would be to - "

"That's what I want, too."

Aiden wanted hard and fast; he was on a natural high from it all - but Angela knew how to slow him down, to get what she wanted from him before things got too out of control.

"My rock-star lover," she murmured, and it turned him on to the point of pain - the feeling of having her, of almost having everything he'd ever wanted. It was right there, right on the edge, and so was she.

"My number one fan," he replied, and she smiled into his kiss as he sent her where they both wanted her to be.

Aiden found he was insatiable. Round three was her limit; they needed sleep.

"Especially YOU," she reminded him.

"I know. Just.."

"Whatever happens, we've still got time," she pointed out.

As nice as the hotel was, she did want to see some of the city before they left.

Aiden finally gave in to sleep, visions of fame and fortune dancing in his head, sweeter because he had his lady by his side.

Chapter Text

Connor had never looked so grown up.

Sharon knew, logically, that he'd been a man since before they'd met, but that day, he really looked the part of a successful manager.

"You ready for this?," she asked, brushing non-existent dandruff from his shoulders.

"Yeah. You and your girlfriends ready for a fun day in the city?"

Sharon rolled her eyes. "I'm sure Rickie would be very flattered that you consider him one of the girls. And, yes, we're gonna have fun for a few hours while you boys do grown-up stuff."

He wished she could go with him, but if things didn't go well, Connor knew it would be better if his lady wasn't there to witness it.

Angela, Sharon, and Rickie spent a few hours seeing the sights and doing some shopping. Sharon started out being a little manic about wanting to cram as much as possible into the time allotted, but Angela had a feeling that there would be plenty of other trips to the city, regardless of any record deal. Eventually, Sharon toned it down, accepting that Angela was probably right, and that living in the moment was the best approach to take.

Rickie felt in his bones that he'd be back, too - even if he didn't have a wealthy boyfriend to pay his way. Nick's words of assurance played on a loop in his head, and they began to feel more true than anything Rickie had ever heard in his life.

-----

BigMouth Records was the third most successful label in the industry. Paranormal Tofu knew this sort of chance was unlikely to come around again, and the pressure was undeniable.

Aiden gave the guys, including Connor, a pep talk.

"This is what we love. We're doing this because music is everything to us, and that WILL come across to them today. No matter what they decide, we're gonna walk out of there with our heads held high, and we're gonna keep playing music because that's what we do. We know we're good, but, even if we weren't, this is who we are."

It was what they'd needed to hear. The guys had to get into the zone and enjoy themselves, doing it for love of the music, rather than for money or recognition. Connor needed to do this because it was his dream to help others reach their goals. This was one moment, one experience in their journeys, and it would NOT define them.

The meeting was in one of the on-site recording studios, with everyone important sitting outside of the booth, and the Tofu doing their thing from within that glass cage. Connor looked on, feeling more like a proud parent than an anxious manager. He had his back to the rest of the people in the room, visualizing their favorable reactions, unwilling to look back over his shoulder to check if he was correct.

They played three songs, with no one interrupting them, no one saying anything or giving any kind of direction. Finally, Aiden put down his guitar, waiting for some response. The big boss motioned for them to emerge, so they did, filing out one by one into the space.

"You guys sound phenomenal. We hear a lot of great acts, though, and that isn't enough to get a contract."

Aiden waited, focusing on his breathing, willing his face to remain neutral. He could feel the tension behind him, the other guys trying to hold it together.

"That wasn't what clinched it for me. This try-out was just the last piece of the puzzle."

At those words, the man produced a demo tape from his inside jacket pocket, holding it up.

"You have friends in high places," he teased, and Connor recognized it was the copy he'd given to Nick. "What really did it for me was hearing you on the radio. When I heard about all the feedback you were getting from listeners, bugging the DJs to play your music, that's when I knew. I don't know how you sons of bitches pulled it off, but you made a name for yourselves on the radio BEFORE getting signed."

One of the assistants produced a pile of papers and multiple pens. Aiden's entire body felt like he was on the brink of an orgasm, and he hoped he wasn't about to blow his load into his jeans.

Aiden hadn't listened to the radio at all after New Year's Eve. They'd been too busy rehearsing and getting ready for this meeting. Why hadn't Nick told them about the requests?

Once the contracts were signed, the four of them stepped out into the winter sunshine.

Everything seemed clean and new - which, for such an old, crowded, polluted city, was a miracle in itself.

"Did that actually just happen?," Denis asked.

The others assured him that it did, though they were dazed, too.

"What do we do now? I mean, now that we've made it?," Tommy asked.

Connor knew what HE was going to do. "I gotta call Sharon. We should.. We should meet up with them, to tell them in person."

The guys agreed. Heading back to The Rainbow Tree, they changed into more casual clothes, and Connor asked Sharon if she and her friends could head back to the hotel.

By the time everyone was together again, it was early evening, and they were all hungry and over-stimulated. Connor had booked a table at a local eatery, but the idea of having to order and wait around for table service didn't appeal, so the group headed out for the nearest pizzeria. The hot slices were like cheesy magic, and it felt like coming full circle, memories of the first day of summer school overlaying the present moment.

"Wow. This pizza is incredible," Connor commented. 'Mmms' of assent from full mouths echoed his opinion.

As they wandered aimlessly through the city, full of grease and youthful exuberance, there was a feeling of change in the air. Money, sure - although, given Aiden and Connor's comfortable upbringings, they weren't too worried that it would go to their heads. The sense was more about the group's dynamic; Angela and Sharon would soon be sharing their men with the world on a larger scale. This was the last brief window of time before Paranormal Tofu started to take over their lives, stripping them of any anonymity and much of the normalcy they'd always taken for granted. Angela thought of the last time she'd met with Jordan, how much he'd changed - not just physically, but his personality. She felt Aiden and the guys had a better sense of themselves than that, but who truly knew what the future would bring? Each of them was now a cog in the fame machine, and they needed to stay close, now more than ever.

Connor was checking his phone messages, one finger plugged into his left ear so he could listen over the hubbub of the foot traffic. When he hung up, his face was one of confusion, almost a scowl.

"Soooo, One Minute To Mercury split up. Melanie left the group."

Everyone was surprised, but not really shocked. "Wow."

Rickie's response pretty much summed it up.

"Okay. So, sucks to suck - why'd someone leave you a voicemail about it?"

Connor smiled at his woman. "You are savage, sweetie, and I LOVE it. I got a message about it because Jordan and Shane want to meet up while we're in town."

Aiden looked at Angela, trying to read her reaction. "You okay?"

"Yeah. I just.. Why would he want to meet with any of us, like, now? Why is he even in the city? I thought they were a West coast group."

Aiden shrugged. "I'm not sure. If you don't want me to see him, I won't. I mean, WE won't. Right, guys?"

Tommy and Denis were indifferent to the idea, and Aiden was their leader; what he said, went.

"I.." Angela felt it was on her to decide. "It's fine. Just, not for too long. I mean, this is our last night in the city, and we're celebrating."

The way she said 'celebrating' held a lot of promise, Aiden thought, and he knew it would be a short visit indeed.

Connor returned Jordan's message, agreeing to meet up, and the friends made their way back to the hotel. To their surprise, Jordan and Shane were already waiting for them at the in-house bar.

"Presumptuous much?," Rickie mouthed off, then regretted it. After bidding the others goodnight, he headed to the spa and pool area to enjoy some down time after a roller-coaster of a day.

Tommy and Denis made small talk for a few minutes, then headed off to check out one of the hotel's revolving art galleries. Every painting and sculpture they looked at seemed to represent mobs of fans and giant dollar signs.

That left the two couples alone with Shane and Jordan.

"I heard about your good fortune," Jordan started. "Congrats."

When Aiden arched a brow at him, he added, "News travels fast in this industry."

"Thank you," Aiden said, and it was sincere.

Jordan was visibly awkward, his hands rolling the glass between his palms. Angela noticed he wasn't drinking alcohol, but some sort of fizzy fruity concoction, and she wondered whether the rumors about his recent stint in rehab were true. Aiden and the guys didn't have much of a taste for substance abuse, and she hoped it would stay that way.

Shane was Jordan's shadow, as ever. "Yeah. 'Grats."

There was silence for an interminable minute, and then Jordan found his voice.

"So I just wanted to apologize, I guess, and to give some advice. I know I screwed up back there - in every possible way - " here, he looked pointedly at Aiden, then at Angela - "but I don't want any bad feeling between us. I got what I deserved; Mel took off, and now our future is uncertain."

Angela wanted to ask whether Melanie was just a bandmate, or if she had ever been more than that, but decided it didn't matter. The urge to ask was simple morbid curiosity, and the answer would make no difference to her life.

"You guys have a solid foundation of friendship. Don't let anyone on the outside of that get too close - not professionally, and definitely not personally. Once you find something that works, keep doing it. Also, don't wait too long to make a change if something isn't working anymore."

Sharon felt sorry for him. He'd gotten to the top by dubious means, and now he was paying the price.

He sat back, apparently content to let his gems of wisdom be gathered up by his audience.

"Thanks for that, Jordan. No hard feelings. I hope everything works out for you guys," Aiden offered. Connor nodded, seconding that sentiment.

If Rickie had stuck around, he probably would've picked up on the weird tension between Jordan and Shane. The latter was clearly besotted with the former, and perhaps there was a different road to happiness and fulfillment there, if Jordan was willing to see it.

"Anyway, if you, uh, ever want tickets or merch or whatever, you'll get them comped. I'm only a phone call away. We're supposed to do some gigs in the Midwest this week, assuming people still show up."

Sharon winced. That would be so humiliating - showing up to a venue to perform a supposedly sold-out show, only to find the place half-empty.

The guys kept talking for a few more minutes, while the girls began to zone out. Finally, Sharon began playing with Connor's hair and snuggling up to him in an overly familiar way, and he got the message.

"Jordan, Shane, great to see you again. Best of luck. We're gonna call it a night."

Connor rose from his seat, and Aiden followed. Hands were shaken all around, and the new duo disappeared into the night.

Connor ordered a bottle of something to take up to the room, and Aiden was grinning like he had a secret.

"What are you so happy about?," she asked, feeling the butterflies swirling in her solar plexus.

"Oh, just wait. While we were at the bar, I had the hotel staff arrange something for us."

Angela was trying to hold it together, but anticipation was building, and she started grinning, too.

Chapter Text

Rickie found Nick waiting for him in the hot tub, just as he'd hoped. The hotel staff had left him Nick's note, but Rickie had had his doubts.

Seeing the man again, he had the feeling that this wasn't just a fling.

"You look like you've had a great day," Nick remarked. Rickie blushed.

"Kinda. My friends.. They got the deal. Thanks to you," he added, easing into the water.

"I'm so glad for them. Now we just have to make sure you get into your Pratt Institute."

Rickie racked his brain; had he expressed that that school was his first choice, or was Nick psychic?

Did it matter?

"So, I hope you're right - but what if you're not? What if this is the last time I'm here?"

Nick considered that. "Rickie, I'd love to spend more time with you, regardless. How would you feel about trying to make that happen?"

"I'd like that. I just.. I'm some nobody from Pennsylvania. You're a celebrity, kind of."

"Oh, thanks!," Nick joked.

"You know what I mean. I don't know what you see in somebody like me. I know I'm cute, but, like, what else?"

Nick didn't miss a beat. "You're sweet, and funny, and you're a creative soul. I think you need to boost your confidence, but I see a lot of potential in you. You take risks, too; I like that."

Rickie conceded that Nick's assessment was accurate.

"You think we could take some risks together tonight? I mean, safer risks?," Rickie wanted to know.

Nick looked at him closely, searching for signs of doubt. "Are you sure? I mean, you're a virgin, right?"

Rickie nodded. "Yeah, but, y'know, I figure, guys don't wait long. This is already our second date."

"Yes, but I want you to be sure. I don't want you to give in because of 'celebrity status,' or stereotypes about gay men. I want you to do what's right for Rickie, and fuck what anyone else says or thinks."

Rickie wasn't sure how far he was ready to go that night, but he was sure he wanted Nick to go back to his room with him. There was no rush; they sat and watched the waterfall change colors, saw the stars come out through the skylights overhead. There was a timeless air to the night, and Rickie felt he was truly finding himself and figuring out what he wanted from life. Nick or no Nick, school or no school, Rickie Vasquez knew he would be okay.

---------

Aiden had had their luggage moved to a nicer suite - not quite the penthouse, but pretty damn close. Angela couldn't get over the size of the space; it was ridiculous that two adults would ever need that amount of room for just one night.

While she was still taking it all in, Aiden answered the door, taking a special delivery from Connor: a small tray, featuring one flute of champagne.

"Would the lady care to try out the hot tub?"

Angela's eyes widened, sweeping the room. "What hot tub?"

At the push of a button on the wall, a panel of the floor closest to the panoramic window slid back, revealing a deeply recessed tub. Another button started the jets, and Angela could imagine the feel of those hot-water caresses on her skin.

"Are you shitting me?," she laughed, kicking off her shoes as she walked towards the tub. Aiden began to undress, determined to indulge in a good, long soak, followed by a good, long....

Aiden dimmed the lights until the night beyond, with its glow of non-stop business and endless promise, shone brighter than the interior of the suite.

Angela, well past the modesty stage, shed her clothes along with Aiden.

He helped her step down into the water, which, while seated, came almost up to her neck. It was glorious, like being wrapped in absolute comfort and pleasure. Aiden reached for the glass on the waiting tray, raising it in her direction.

"If we split it, it won't even get us tipsy," he rationalized.

Angela hadn't been a drinker since before her and Jordan had dated, but if ever there was an occasion that called for a glass of something bubbly, soaking in a private hot tub in a luxury hotel suite with your just-signed rockstar lover had to be it.

"To us, and to the future," he toasted.

"Ditto," Angela teased, letting him have the first sip. She took the rest. The taste wasn't much to get excited about, but the warm, fizzy, tingly feeling was wonderful. Then again, maybe that wasn't the champagne's doing.

They could see the stars above the tops of the skyscrapers, looking closer than they ever had in their lives.

"It's all ours for the taking, my love," Aiden said, knowing he'd support Angela in whatever study or career dreams she had, just as she would support him.

They were quiet for a while, until Aiden broached a new topic.

"How would you feel about moving in with me before graduation? I mean, you'll be eighteen before we get out of school, so, legally.."

The two of them had discussed living together, but always in a vague, 'someday' kind of way. "Really?"

Sharon was counting down the days til she could move in with Connor, and really, other than her furniture and her mail, everything that mattered to her was already in his house.

"Of course. I mean, we could get a place, just for the two of us, for when the Tofu isn't on the road."

Aiden still had his room at the family home, as well as his room at Connor's. A whole house, though?

"As long as I get to spend more time relaxing and having fun than doing housework, yeah, I'd live with you."

Aiden grinned, pulling her in for a kiss. "I'll buy you a hot tub, with a mini fridge next to it and a tv within view. You can stew in it all day if you want to. Actually, the idea of you all naked, relaxed, and wet when I get home is pretty appealing."

"You're such a perv."

"Yes. Yes I am."

Angela knew hot tub sex was a no-no for hygiene reasons, but hot tub foreplay....

By the time they made it to the bed, dripping water everywhere and not giving a damn, Angela was more than ready.

He loved nights like this, when she took charge, getting him right where she wanted him, unashamed of her need.

Aiden let her have her way, him on his back, her body moving in whatever way she liked. He was just happy to be of service with his hands, lips, and tongue.

"All yours," he managed. "All of me. Forever and ever, babe."

The idea of this being her life, night after night, city after city, at home or on the road, sent Angela over the edge. It took Aiden every bit of self control not to tumble over the cliff with her, but the night was young, and so were they; he wasn't ready for this to end. Sleep could wait.

As Aiden held her and kissed her, letting her come down, he thought about all they'd been through together to make It to this point.

By the time they'd both had enough, the sky was changing color. It was time for breakfast, followed by check-out; their flight home was booked, and the last months of their senior year awaited them.

"Five more minutes," Angela mumbled into the nape of his neck, reluctant to leave their love-nest.

The thought that they'd get to play out this scan over and over, in beds all around the world, was enough to finally impel them to face the day.

Chapter Text

Rickie had made several trips to NYC since the start of the year, as well as hosting Nick multiple times in Three Rivers.

They were together when Rickie opened his letter from the Pratt Institute.

Nick maintained an expression of calm reassurance, which quickly fell apart at the sight of his lover's tears of shock.

"I got in. I GOT IN!!!," Rickie crowed, jumping into Nick's arms like an over-excited boy.

"Told ya," Nick breezed, as if the outcome had been a given all along.

"Do you ever get tired of being right?," Rickie teased. " You were right about the band; you were right about me getting accepted.. You were even right about us taking things slow."

Nick sighed happily. " Being right is a pretty good feeling, especially when it applies to positive situations." Pause. "So, are you gonna need a place to stay while you go to school?"

Rickie wasn't sure what was being implied. "As in, you're gonna help me find a place?"

"As in, you already have one - if you want it."

He was tempted, for a split second, to politely decline, if only to see the look on Nick's face at the shock of being wrong about something. That childish impulse soon passed.

"I'd love that. Thank you."

Nick, having experienced a rare moment of uncertainty, began to breathe again.

------

Sharon Cherski was taking over Connor's life one room at a time, and he loved it.

It was important to him that she feel truly at home there, and as each item of furniture or box of clothes made its way in via the moving men, he felt his grin widen, threatening to break his face.

Her parents had been expecting this for some time - not that it made things any easier. She was all grown up, and had to live her own life.

It's not like she was going far - at least, not yet. Angela, on the other hand..

-----

Patty and Graham couldn't believe how quickly the time had passed. Angela, seeing her brusque mother about to tear up for the millionth time, let out a good-natured sigh.

"Mom, I swear, if you break into 'Sunrise, Sunset,' I'm going to hurl."

Patty shook her head. "I'm sorry. Just.. We're so proud of you, and so happy for you. It's still hard to believe you won't be here glaring at me or stomping up to your room or leaving your school stuff all over the house.."

"I can do that stuff, Mom," Danielle offered, only half-joking. "I could even take over her room, keep it nice and trashed, so it'll be like she's still here."

Angela leaned into her sister for a side-hug; they were almost of equal height now, so giving noogies was moot.

Patty made a noise to signify displeasure, but it was hollow. "You, sweetie, aren't moving out til you're thirty, do you hear me?"

Danielle rolled her eyes. She wasn't as good at it as her big sister, but as the now unofficial only child, she would get plenty of practice. Angela made a mental note to give the kid some pointers.

The royalties from Tofu's debut album had paid for a spacious, yet not ostentatious, home at the outskirts of town. That would serve as home base whenever the band wasn't on the road. Getting used to having security and housekeeping staff would be an adjustment, but Angela was ready for a change. FuHeads, as the fans had self-dubbed themselves, could be a little nutty, so it was better to be safe than sorry.

Jordan and Shane had rebranded themselves as a duo, dropping the first part of the band's name, reducing it to just Mercury. Most of their fan base stuck with them, and they had even been booked as the opening act for several of the Tofu's tour dates.

"That's the last of it," Graham said, having placed the final box of his eldest child's possessions into Aiden's waiting van. He wasn't sure how ling the band's success would last, or even where Angela and Aiden would be in years to come, but he was confident that his daughter was more than capable of handling it all. As the hugs were dispensed and the couple drove away as a united entity, Angela knew it was an ending, but also, a beginning. Everyone she loved, everyone who mattered, had found, or was still finding, their joy. The road before them was only visible one length at a time, and there would doubtless be obstacles to overcome, surprise detours, and occasional unplanned stops along the way. Still, with love and trust in the driver's seat, they were ready to face the world and travel through life, together.