By Trynia Merin

Disclaimer: The members of KISS are real persons, and their makeup and albums are property of their organization and kiss Catalogue. However the characters in this story are based on their lives, for fan fiction reasons only. No harm is intended. This is an alternate fictional account of how Paul and Gene got together as a pair of musicians, so certain liberties have been taken. But other facts remain to make this a convincing story. Other characters involved not based on real persons are property of the author. Thanks to Eisencookie for help with developing and suggesting story ideas!

Slowly Stanley came to consciousness. How long had he and Marcia slept in the bed, he wondered. He could hear movement of a door opening downstairs, and the sound of someone’s footsteps in the living room. Anxiously he shook off the covers, glancing around the dark room.

"STAN?" Steve’s voice shouted. Hearing Steve Marcia slipped under the covers with a gasp.

"You in here?" Steve repeated, his voice closer to the door now.

"Shit," Stan muttered. He turned on the light, and looked around. "Better get dressed honey. I'll take care of Steve..."

He grabbed her blouse and her underwear to hand them to her. She grabbed the blankets, tripping over the nightstand in her hurry to get dressed. A lamp crashed to the floor.

"Oh CRAP" she cried.

"Easy honey, it's okay," he smiled. He grabbed his underpants, then scrambled into his jeans.

"What if I'm not supposed to be in here?" Marcia wailed. She dropped to her knees to examine the lamp.

"Ssh, it's okay. If he can bring Audrey in here, you and I have rights to be here."

"Easy," he urged, pulling on his shirt. He picked up the lamp, which had fortunately only suffered a slight ding in its brass base as Stan uprighted it on the bedside table.

"It's not broken," he said.

"No, but the LIGHT is." she said, eyes wide, pointing to the broken lightbulb where telltales shards of glass lay on the carpet.

"Crap," he mumbled, struggling to pick up the glass shards and drop them into the nearest wastebasket, along with some kleenex to cover the used condom and its wrapper as he scratched his head. "Let me handle Steve..."

"And he's going to KNOW we had sex." she whispered nervously.

"Stay here," he rushed out, glancing around. Steve stood just outside the door, an amused look on his face.

"Um, Steve..." Stan mumbled, putting on his shirt. "Sorry about the light..."

"Is it broken?" he smiled knowingly.

"Uh..." Stan mumbled. "Shit, don't know. Marcia's scared shitless now..."

"I'm not saying anything, man," he said, amused. "Going a little fast though, don't you think?"

"Uh... well," Stan mumbled turning bright red. "It was GENE who hooked us up, so you can blame HIM!"

"I'm not saying YOU. Shit, I know a guy wants to get laid. I'm just wondering about HER. Girl like that decides you got a nice prick and the next you know...HERE CAME THE BRIDDDEEE," he teased.

"Oh shut up, she's listening!" Stan hissed. "Gene will be here soon with Ray. They're playing in Central Park..."

Stan looked around in confusion and embarrassment, as Steve threw his hands up. "I'm just SAYING.... A guy's got to be careful. And WATCH your damn swimmers. You're pretty and all, but we don't need any babies running around with that fucking pout."

"I know... um... Gene gave me some parachutes," he mumbled. "I did put one on before I went out in the rain. So where is your main squeeze, Steve?"

Steve looked at Stan a bit, sort of darkening as if a sore subject had arisen. This motivated Stan to say, "Sorry man."

"Went shopping with her pain in the ass friends," he mumbled. "Besides...she really doesn't fit in with the crowd that's coming tonight."

"Hey..." Stan said. "Did you find a drummer?"

"Yeah, actually, I've got a guy who's coming over.... Just to see how it works out."

"Good," Stan nodded, glancing around. "I hope Gene doesn't scare him off."

Just then they hear pounding at the door, followed by Gene’s familiar bellow, "HEY! ANYONE IN THERE?"

Stan looked at Steve and groaned. Steve slapped Stan on the shoulder, chuckling, "Go get your bride presentable. And get your ass out here."

"Okay, you moron. Be back soon," Stan said, slapping Steve on the back. Trotting downstairs Steve walked over to the front door. He peered through the peephole to see that Gene was standing there, banging on it.

"Hey!" Gene yelled.

"CRAP! Don't knock the damn door down," Steve said, peering at Gene, "Fucking neighbors around here TALK."

"Oh sorry," Gene laughed as he walked through the door Steve opened for them. "You guys ready or are we still WAITING?"

"Come on in." Steve said, glancing at Ray and a newcomer behind her following Gene. " Ron should be here soon. Ray, good to at least see YOU. Tony should be here soon."

"Good," Gene said. "He any GOOD?"

"He's alright, man. He's not Ringo Starr, but hell, he's not playing with anyone now. He's about all WE can afford."

"Ringo Starr's a goon," Gene laughed. "But if this guy can play, hell I can't complain."

"Yeah, but he's a fucking BEATLE!" Steve chuckled, pulling out a cigarette from the case in his pocket. "Are YOU a fucking Beatle?"

"I am, but I'm GENE," Gene said mildly. Marcia makes eye contact with Stan as Steve flicked his lighter and inhaled a drag of grey smoke.

"Uh huh, who’s your buddy?" Steve asked.

"This is Brooke Ostrander," Gene said, presenting his friend, who waved and reached out to shake Steve’s hand. "He’s a damn good keyboardist."

"Almost as good as Ray here," Brooke said with a twinkle in his eyes at Ray. "We took lessons under the same teacher it turns out. Small world, huh?"

"Yeah," Steve laughed. "So Brooke, you been putting up with this clown a lot?"

"We did some side projects together," Gene said. "Brooke can tow his weight, right?"

"Sure can, man," Brooke said to Steve breezily. "So, where do I set up?"

"Dowstairs," Steve said. "I’ve got an organ… I dragged down there…"

"Why don’t you go down and check it out while I round up the others," Gene suggested to Brooke, a bit too quickly Steve noticed. Waving to Ray and Gene, Brooke Ostrander headed downstairs to check out the organ.

From upstairs, Marcia emerged face beet red. Stanley followed her, holding her hand. Smiling warmly Gene said, "Hey Marcia!"

"Hi...Gene." she said, darting her eyes around.

"Easy honey," Stan urged her. "Ray is here, and it's gonna be ok."

"Come on over, Marcia. Let me fix your hair." Ray gestured quietly, as Marcia blushed again.

"Hon, why don't you and the lady talk..." Gene suggested. "While us guys talk shop. Well call you when we're ready."

Ray looked at Marcia a moment, "You want to start some drinks in the kitchen?"

"Oh...sure..." she said, glancing at Stan, wanting to stay.

"Go with her hon. It's boring band stuff," he whispered to her.

"I want to stay with YOU." she whispered, pouting.

"Aww honey you WILL," he sighed. "Just humor me ok?"

Gene chuckled and winked at Marcia in an almost patronizing way that annoyed Ray, "shop talk, no spectators. The show is later, promise. I gotta introduce Brooke my buddy to these clowns and see if they’re gonna be civil…"

She looked sad. Ray jumped up from the couch, and held her hand out to Marcia, saying, "Let's GO."

Stanley kissed her, and looked at Gene with a sigh. Gene shook his head. From the basement they both heard the sounds of Brooke doodling on the old style organ. With a question, Stan looked at Gene, who said, "Another guy for the mix. He’s not so bad. I think we need keyboards…"

"Keyboards?" Stan blinked. "Since WHEN did some other dude come on the scene?"

"Since now," Gene said firmly.

"I have a GREAT idea, guys," Ray said. "Marcia, let's walk down to the store and get some ice cream for later."

"Sounds lovely honey," Gene nodded. "I vote for mint chocolate chip."

"If...you need me to.... Sure..." Marcia said, still looking sad. She looked again at Stan, who mouthed for her to go.

"Pick me out some chocolate," he winked. She mouthed I LOVE YOU to him. He mouthed it back.

"You gotta reign her in," Gene commented to Stan, whispering to him from behind one hand.

"Excuse me if I don't have your fucking control," Stan hissed to Gene who shook his head. Steve made eye contact with Gene and rolled his eyes.

"She's got him hooked," Gene mumbled to Steve. Marcia turned to Ray, who gave Gene a warning look.

"What do I do?" Gene whispered to her.

"Talk to him," she mouthed back, "And I’ll work on this end."

"Okay," he nodded, and mumbled something in Hungarian. Grabbing Marcia’s coat, she handed it to the girl and snagged her own. Bundling Marcia out, Ray shut the door.

"Christ, Eisen." Steve murmured.

"Stan, you HAVE to get her to be less clingy," Gene said to Stan.

"But damn it," Stanley flushed.

"Leave her at home if you can't control her," Gene commented.

"You friggin bring RAY!" Stan pouted.

"But she's different. She's a woman. Marcia's a girl," Gene barked.

"But you were going to have her play keyboards," Stan accused him. "Why is this Brooke guy on the scene?"

"Ray’s playing chaperone to your girl," Gene said mildly. "And figuring she won’t want to divide her attention, I’m trying Brooke out. Simple as that. So Ray will keep Marcia out of our hair. The rest is up to you, Eisen."

"She's like a fucking LEECH, man." Steve puffed on his cigarette.

"I know you're GREAT and all," he teased, "But damn, she needs a cold shower."

"Yeah, Eisen," Gene added.

"But here's the most important question...is she a good fuck?" Steve laughed.

"She is," Stan growled.

"You taught her everything you know?" Gene mumbled. "That didn't take long."

"How can you be saying you're in love with her? You've met her, what? Twice?" Steve further interrogated.

"Back off," Stan mumbled, walking in the direction of the cellar. He grabbed up his battered guitar case and looked expectantly at Gene and Steve still assembled in the living room.

"Cool it Stan," Gene warned. Steve barked with laughter at Gene's remark, getting an evil look from Stan.

"Seriously, are you IN LOVE with her?" Steve said, leaning closer.

"Shit, I don't know," Stan shrugged, hesitating at the top of the stairs leading down.

"You don't know. Good answer," Gene commented.

"Then why tell her you are? You're asking for trouble, with a capital fucking T."

"He's right, Stan," Gene said. "Women like that, they get on this idealism kick. You have to let her know the lines, Stan."

"Because, I GUARANTEE, some day you'll be fighting and she's going to say, "But you said you LOVED me."

"Shit," Stan mumbled.

"And if you so much as LOOK at another girl, she'll crap her pants." Steve added, flicking ash from his smoke into a nearby leaf shaped ashtray.

"Great, what do I do?" Stan groaned.

"Take her in smaller doses," Gene recommended.

"And this had BETTER not effect the band. I don't want screaming girls in the front row getting evil looked by your old lady," Steve warned.

"I'm not married to her," Stanley growled.

"You might as well be."

"Shit," Stan kicked the shag carpet.

"He's right," Gene nodded. "Women and music don't mix."

"Get some BALLS, man. Show her who's boss."

"Knock her over the head with my club?" Stan asked ironically, cocking a graceful black eyebrow.

"Nice start," Gene laughed. "And drag her by her hair?"

"Shut up Gene," Stan mumbled.

"FIRST off, if Audrey pulled that crap...'I don't WANT to go for ice cream, I want to stay here.’ I'd tell her to get her ass on down to the store." Steve said. "Audrey knows when it's band time and when I don't want her around. She respects boundaries."

"Good for her, you have her well trained," Gene said. "You see, it's easy. Lay down the law."

"You guys are OH so more experienced then me," Stan griped, throwing up his hand as he tossed his case down at the top of the stairs.

"I've worked hard at it, Gene, and when I tell her to do something, she doesn’t look at me like she’s lost her puppy."

"Let me bask in your radiance..." Stan looked away.

"Ray knows the rules, " Gene said. "She's got more sense then most women."

"Ray's cool." Steve agreed.

"Ray's different," Stan nods. "She's not silly and idiotic."

"Most women are, but there are the rare ones," Gene nods.

"You popped her cherry and now you think you owe her something?" Steve asked Stan, walking away from the door. He leads them to the basement, where Brooke already fiddled around with his organ tucked in one corner by the stairs. Finished off and panelled in fake wood, the basement was a typical statemetn of the times, built for relaxation and modest luxury. Posters plastered the walls by a pool table at the other end of the basement opposite to where the band amps were stowed.. Gene smirked at his friends bickering, knowing they were going to take some time getting to know one another. Brooke glanced up at Gene as he set his base case down near the closest ambplifier and high fived him.

"The kid seems to have girl problems, just like you said," Brooke muttered to Gene.

"Yeah, he’s a bit mopey… last fucking thing we need. But just be ready to chime in and follow my cues. Steve here’s bringing in a drummer, and we need all the help we can get. So don’t let the kid throw you off…"

"Takes more then a kid to throw me off, Gene," Brooke smiled.

"Good man," Gene nodded, opening his case as Stan and Steve joined them.

"I guess," Stan said slowly. "But I guess I could pop any woman's cherry huh?"

"Either that or you're enjoying the sex, and hey, there's nothing wrong with that," Steve laughed.

"Right," Gene nodded as Stan set his battered case down next to Steve’s new one, and the two men continued their chop busting.

"I LIKE the sex," Stan grinned slowly. "And I just need frigin HELP for dealing with it..."

Steve looked at him a moment as Gene slapped Stan on the back, " Now you're making sense, kid, there is hope for you yet."

"When they come back, they can sit and listen, but if they get in the way, they're history, do you understand?' Steve said.

"Right," Stan nodded. "I'll send her home."

"There's plenty of room upstairs to send them if they bug us," Steve laughed.

"Now you get it," Gene nodded.

"You don't have to do that. You can keep her hear and get yourself some more ass later on. Just make sure she's not in our way."

"Yes," Gene said.

"Like some boy's club?" Stan cocked an eyebrow.

"Yes," Gene said. "Exactly. Now, let's go make some music."

"And when she said I LOVE YOU, Stanny baby, what are you going to say?" Steve quizzed him.

"Um, I'll just say that she looked sexy," Stan mumbled.

"There you go. Or else said, "That's nice". She'll get the hint." Steve puffed his cigarette. Gene grinned as he gets out his bass. Stan gets out his old piece of crap, and looked it over with a sigh. He's embarrassed to have it compared to gene's guitars.

"So it's agreed...women get on our nerves, they get sent upstairs. Capiche?" Brooke chimed in.

"Agreed," Gene nods. "You get no argument here. Stan?"

"All right," Stan nodded.

"Boy’s clubhouse, NO women allowed!" Brooke crowed from behind his organ. Steve grinned at him, sensing a kindred spirit.

"He man women haters club unite!" Steve laughed, standing by brooke. "I like this guy Gene, he knows the score…"

"You damn well bet," Brooke laughed.

"Three to one," Stan mumbled.

"It's for your own good, BELIEVE me. You'll be thanking us," Steve said to Stan.

"Right," Stan said, looking for an amp to plug in to.

A few minutes pass as Gene gets his systems ready. Brooke and Gene compared notes as Gene tuned up, and compesated for the old systems of Steve’s organ. They gave their mutual nods, leaving Stanley to look uncomfortably at the two old friends, veterans of the band scene. Gene and Brooke already knew each other well enough to know how to interact nonverbally, and Stanley mumbled as he fussed over his own strings. Had Gene done this deliberately, bringing yet another unknown from his own camp into the mix to throw him off balance?

A knock came to the door, and Brooke looked to Gene. HE nodded for Brooke to remain down with Stanley, as he trotted upstairs after Steve to check the new arrival out. Left alone, Stanley mumbled and turned from Brooke. The organist shrugged and said, "Hey Stan, I hear you’ve been playing a while…"

"Yeah," Stan mumbled.

"Why so glum?" Brooke asked. "Gene’s not gonna kill you. It’s a miracle he’s not bitten your head off already…"

"Yeah, you guys are such buddies," Stan snapped. "Just friggin play and leave me alone."

"Temper," Brooke mumbled. "Look, I’m just here to play, plain and simple. Let’s not get off on the wrong foot. Obviously Gene’s rubbed you the wrong way majorly, and I want you to know…"

"Yeah he’s a great guy, big whoop," Stan snapped. "Save it Brooke… I’ve heard all the Gene promotion I can stand…"

"I just don’t want us to start out hating each other before we begin. It takes a lot to impress Gene, and the fact you’re here says a lot. It’s not what Gene says, its what he does."

Stan stopped before he could say anything else biting. Brooke’s words held merit, and it made Stanley stop and consider what the organist had said. All he could muster was a half hearted, "Thanks, I’ll think about it."

"Yeah, you’re okay Stan. Let’s see what you’re made of…" Brooke grinned. Stanley heard good natured ribbing form upstairs and glanced over at the drum kit already assembled to Brooke’s right. Anxiously he craned his neck in an attempt to see who this new arrival was that Steve was bringing into the mix, since Gene had added his own dark horse contribution already in Brooke.

"Hey, it's the CORONEL." Tony laughed, as they walked down the stairs.

"Oh great, you're a fucking legend," Gene commented. "In your own mind. Who is this guy Steve?"

"Gene...Stan.... This is Tony Zarella." Steve said. "This is Gene’s friend Brooke, tickling the ivories."

"Gene Klein," gene holds out his hand. "Stan's the one sulking."

"Cool." he chirps, looking at Gene. He set down his six pack and walked over to the organ, drumsticks in hand.

"Hey man," Brooke stood up, shaking Tony’s hand. "Brooke Ostrander."

"Good playing with ya," said Tony with a laugh. "Your name sounds like a geography lesson…"

"And you sound like a pizza kit!" Brooke joked. Tony laughed again, and they sat down behind their respective instruments.

"GIRL troubles." Steve said to Tony.

Gene nodded to Tony, "Okay here's the law. You play what we say, got it? And we'll get along great, ok?"

"Fuck, you get right to the point, don't you, Gerry?" Tony said.

"Gene," Steve said.

"Gene!" Gene snapped. "Gene Klein."

"We're cool, man, we're cool. I didn't come to piss you off." Tony said, smiling.

"Okay," Gene said, turning to his bass and mumbling to himself in Hungarian.

"He’s in a mood," Tony whispered to Steve. However Gene quickly turned around to point to Tony with a wink and a gleam on his face that suggested a smile.

"But I've got my eye on you," Gene laughed. "Now let's cut the crap and make something sounding like music boys."

"Most people do." Tony cackles, ducking his head to not hit it on the ceiling of the basement stairs.

"God he's a comedian," Gene rolled his eyes to Brooke. Stan is tuning his guitar, fussing over it, and Brooke glanced over his shoulder to Gene.

"Kid’s a bundle of nerves, I think you’re scaring him, Klein…"

"Good, Ostrander," Gene laughed conspiratorially. "Now you see WHY I brought you here. One more in MY camp doesn't hurt.""

"You said it, Klein," Brooke nodded. "We’ll show this joker whose boss…"

"Undoubtedly," Gene said high-fiving his friend.

"And FIRST rule of Rainbow.... No fucking girls getting in our hair." Steve said, turning around to Tony.

"Kid, you ready yet?" Gene asked him.

"Yeah Klein," Stan mumbled.

"I've got no problem with that. I haven't gotten laid in 3 months." Tony chuckled.

"Good boy," Gene laughed, putting his guitar. "You poor shit, Tony."

Steve plugs his guitar in too.

"Shut UP, Klein," Stan snaps. He turned away from Gene as Steve plugged in, and selected his own channel. Tony examined the drum set with a critical eye, and nodded with self-satisfaction it was in good working order.

"I'm Stan, Stan Eisen," Stan holds his hand out for Tony. "The ugly one is Gene."

"Said YOU, pretty boy," Gene laughed.

"NEVER mind." Steve said.

"I can hook you up," Gene winked, as Brooke shook his head, knowing Gene’s game. "But AFTER."

"Really? You know someone who put out?" Tony laughed loudly.

"He hooked me up," Brooke said, leaning close to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Seriously?"

"Please," Stan rolled his eyes, plugging his crap guitar in. All the crackling testosterone was getting to him.

"Is she HOT?" Tony said, looking from Gene to Steve. Brooke nodded in agreement.

"Sure," Gene whispered, handing Tony a phone number. "Her name's Candy."

He looked at it a minute, shaking his head as Gene whispered, "Blonde, five foot eight, big boobs, the lot."

"If she's desperate, she's the one for me," he laughed and crashed the cymbals.

"She's ready and willing," Gene whispered. "Test driven."

Stan shot Gene an evil glare, and resumed his tune up. Gene thumped notes on his bass laughing. He griped, "Stop talking with your dick, Gene."

"Hey this IS an extension of the love piece," Gene laughed, holding his bass.

"You mean that penis envy bass?" Stan cracks back.

"You're alright, Kameron." Tony chuckled.

"Kameron?" Gene asked. "What cereal box did you pull THAT name from?"

"Gene Kameron.... Didn’t you say?"

"Whatever," Gene mumbled. "I'm gonna HAVE to fucking change my name for this clown, Brooke."

Tony looked at Steve and smirks. Steve stifles a laugh. Steve begins to warm up a bit, followed by Brooke’s chords underpinning his scales. The organ and guitar sounded mellow and strong in the small basement.

"Yeah," Stanley laughed, playing a wolf whistle on his guitar. Gene mumbled and flipped him off.

"Eisen, you playing rhythm?" Steve asked.

"Save that finger for the bass, Geno," Stan laughed. "I hate lead."

"Good sense," Gene laughed to Brooke.

"I'll play lead. Chicks always want to screw the lead guitarist." Steve smiled.

"Yeah," Gene said. "And I get sloppy seconds."

"You'd fuck anything that moves Geno," Brooke bantered.

"You've got your head up your ass. Chicks always want to screw the lead singer. Most chicks can't NAME the lead guitarist." Tony said.

"Girls also dig a keyboardist, cause of his organs," said Brooke with a sly grin.

"So WHAT are we going to sing, men?" Gene asked. "Brooke and I have a few songs here... and if you can keep up Zardoz..."

Stan burst out laughing as Tony laughed, "It's ZARELLA. Even a fat boy like you ought to be able to remember that."

"Fuck you," Gene mumbled. Stan laughed harder; turning red as Brooke played a dramatic chord that harkened from the suspense of a soap opera.

"Laugh all you want, mama's boy," Gene fumed. "I'll play your ass into the ground."

"There's only one of us worth looking at...and that's the kid...." Tony points out.

"Yeah," Stan laughed. "So you're toast Gene."

"I know how to USE it, 'Gene glared at him.

"The rest of us better play our asses off, because that's the only way we'll get 2 seconds out of some hot chick." Tony laughed.

"And that means WHAT?" Stan asked.

"Shut the hell up and follow. Steve, Brooke, let's play Going Blind..."

"Stan must be able to do SOMETHING with it." Steve teased, "Didn't you hear her SCREAMING the other night?"

Gene started with a count. "ONE… TWO… THREE!" Brooke started to lay down the chords Gene called to him, joining into the harmony as Steve plucked out a semi acoustic part.

"Kid's making chicks scream?" Tony said, but was drowned out.

Stan heard Gene and Steve play, backed up by Brooke’s solid chords. He started to add his own crunch into it, as Gene started to sing. Stan watched Gene tilt the base up to look at his fingers on the strings and smirked. He joined in on background singing with Brooke.

"Wait, I have something better then this," Stan piped in. "What the fuck is that about an old man screwing a girl?"

"Stan, shut up," Gene growled, clattering to a halt. Steve stops and looked at them, and Brooke mouthed ‘oh shit’ to him.

"See if you can follow gene," Stan said. "It's love her all I can..."

HE gives the chords to Steve and Brooke, while Gene stood fuming. Steve watched him, then began playing them. Gene pouts and listens as Tony fills in a beat, and Brooke added his own rock style chords to underlay the rhythm. The volume slowly rose higher and higher.

"Head out of your ass, Klein. Let's go," Steve barked. Gene grumbled as he started to pick a bass beat.

"I remember the time I was lonely without her!" Stan sang. Gene looked at him with mute appreciation. Tony started to keep beat, watching Stan for cues.

"Now she's mine and I can't live without her... Love her all IO can, and try to understand..." Stan sings in a resonant voice. It's deep and rich, fuller then Gene's. Stan cues for Steve to lead, playing the solo.

"KILLER vocals." Steve yelled.

"She's so easy to please and it doesn't take money!" Stan crooned.

"Oh no ooo..." Gene added in.

"Lover her all I CAN and try to underSTAND!" Stan drawls. His hips sway to the music, his whole body moving with the beat. Steve played along, with Brooke as his hands flew over the keys wildly. He turned to Tony and they shared a smile.

"Ahm uh lucky GUY I hardlee evah TRAhyuh!" Stan sings. Gene winced at his thick accent but continued, grudgingly joining in. He added a thumping growl of a baseline, his lip curling in anger. It ran into his bass, Gene grimacing fiercely as he ground out notes. Stan adds over top, adding to Gene's line, and putting more oomph into his own rhythm, and Brooke improvised the chord backings. Steve frowned at Gene over the lyrics. By the time the song was midway through, they were both covered in sweat. Gene panted as the song wound down.

"So, what you think, does it suck?" Stan challenged him. Gene glared at Stan and put his bass down. He turns his back for a moment and looked at Stan, then at his guitar. Brooke stood up and walked over to stop Steve and Tony before they commented.

"Let him go," Brooke whispered. "He’s thinking it over…"

"Lyrics could use some work." Steve said finally. "But all in all, not a bad effort."

"You got lucky kid," Gene finally said putting his guitar down. "But we can use it, but I am rewriting your guitar solo."

"Got yourself a decent seat of pipes." Tony said.

"Fine," Stan said.

"You can sing, kid, I'll admit," Gene said grudgingly, then nodded to Brooke who played a series of notes backed by strong melancholy chords. "But what can you do with this?"

Gene played a low bass note, intro to She as Brooke set him up. Stan picked up his guitar, and adds a rhythm line duplicating Brooke's notes. "Hit that drum," Gene commands Tony, as his notes stop. "Fill in the gap there... nice and slow... then faster..." Tony started to pound away, impressed by the sound of the new band. "Steve, add over top of Stan... double the harmony, after Brooke," Gene ordered.

"What the hell," Stan asked.

"These are the words kid," Gene said. "She walks in moonlight... everybody knows... enchanted star light..."

Stan sang them as Gene fed them to him. They start to harmonize with their voices in a weird way that sounds complimentary. Like disparate pieces of a jigsaw they fit together, grinding out sheer volume that vibrated the basement to its foundations. Steve smiled at them and gave a thumbs up. Stan and Gene at one moment sang into the same microphone, both sweating like pigs. Trying to compete as they move their hips and sway to the beat, they tossed their challenge, which was met and mutually accepted. Stan backed from the mike a bit, and leaned down to play his guitar with a bent squat pose. Gene thrusts his hips a bit as he played baseline. There was a strange energy they generated as they played together. Steve worked to keep up, feeling a bit like he was out of his element. He looked at Gene for reassurance. Gene smiled and nodded at him. Stanley suddenly showed off with a guitar solo line. Gene stared at him to back down. He did and moved into the mix.

"Not bad for a half deaf kid," Gene mumbled to himself. The song ended, and they looked at one another, sweat drenching them both. Steve felt a momentary feeling of jealousy, but brushed it off. A silent understanding passed between Gene and Stan, and Brooke noticed it with a nod of satisfaction. He alone had seen the true import of what had just happened here. Five guys with very different backgrounds had come together, producing a sound that was truly magical in some ways, raw in others.

"That was one of your better ones, Gene," he said. Then Stan looked away.

"Naturally," Gene nodded.

"Now, what's up next? When the bell rings?" Brooke asked. "You and I put that together Gene…"

"We need loud shit like that." Tony said happily, "Blow the roof off the fucking place."

Stan looked at Gene with a question, and Gene laughed. "Right Tom," Gene laughed at Tony. Stan notices that Steve has a dark look of jealously, and Brooke also noticed it with a hint of mutual alarm.

"My cousin's got a club...." Tony started.

"Really?" Gene asked. "Where?"

"And if you guys want.... I could probably get a gig.'

"Sounds good," Gene said. "We need contacts and such."

"Not far from here.... Near the Academy," said Tony.

"Works for me... how soon and who?" Gene asked, businesslike again.

"Academy?" Stan asked. "Where is that?"

"Oh boy are YOU new," Gene laughed at Stan, who fumed. Brooke chuckled despite his better judgement. Just like Gene to pick a weakness in his rival and exploit it to no end.

"It's just a little place. He's got some people. We could MAYBE play to 20 people. Maybe more." Tony said.

"20 is a start," said Gene.

"20," Stan mumbled.

"We have to start somewhere," Brooke agreed with Gene.

"Free drinks." Tony said, "And some decent grass."

Steve finally smiled. Gene rolled his eyes and glanced at Brooke, who shrugged. Stan looked at gene and sighs.

"I guess that's your idea of heaven then," Stan said to Steve. "I'll take the beer, you take the grass."

"And I'll take the women," Gene licked his lips.

"You would," Brooke chuckled.

"I'd rather have puss than weed." Tony chuckled.

"Now you have some sense," Gene clapped him on the back. "Plus you also get to remember your screw without dope."

"What is your deal?" Tony laughed. "You don’t drink, you don’t smoke… Brooke you know this guy, what does he do?"

"He fucks," Brooke laughed. This elicited a laugh from all the members of the band, and tension subsided.

After the guys finished playing "When the Bell Rings," they heard the sounds of a door opening and shutting. Glancing up from his bass, and Gene mumbled, "Who is that?"

"I’ll check," Steve volunteered as Brooke chugged down a glass of water. Steve rushed up the stairs, after throwing his guitar into a stand.

"Girls are home." he said, running back down after a minute.

"Are there two or three?" Gene asked.

"Uh.... Three actually. Ray's brought someone back, I guess."

"Hmm, sounds better," Gene smiled. "Shall we wait for THEM to come to us?"

"I'm doomed," Stan moaned. "Ball and chain."

"Your girl still looked sad." Steve chuckled, lightening up a bit.

"Shit," Stan cursed.

"Lighten up, Eisen cube," Gene joked.

"What did you call me?" Stan asked him.

Gene grinned. Marcia started to come downstairs, as Steve turned away to chuckle. She came down the stairs and peeked shyly at the band. Stan still has his guitar on, and was a bit nervous.

"How's everything going?" she said quietly, seeing everyone staring at her.

"Fine," Stan said. Gene mumbled something in Hungarian at the wall. Brooke shook his head and sighed, knowing what his friend was thinking at that moment. He’d seen it too, the effects of puppy love and the grueling challenge of keeping the women away from being underfoot.

"You had fun? Who did you bring back, honey?" he asked, sounding more confident and smooth. "Enjoy your outing?"

"I got.... We got...some ice cream. Mint chocolate chip. Rocky road. Something-strange Ray picked out. Three kinds." she said, shyly sitting on the carpeted step, trying to smooth out her skirt.

"Thanks babe," Stan laughed. "Sounds Dee licious."

She smiled at him, a bit sad. Gene suddenly butted in, "Well, where are Ray and the other?"

Tony smiled lecherously at Marcia. She tucked her penny loafers under her skirt as she said, "Oh.... Upstairs. Putting things in the refrigerator. Ray ran into a friend and she’s with us."

"Sounds good," Gene said. "What do you say men? Ice cream break?"

"Marcia this is Tony Zarella," Stan introduces her. "Our drummer. And Steve you know."

"Hi...Tony." she said.

"Hey, good looking'" he winks.

Stan strides breezily over and put down his guitar. Gene put down his bass and chuckled. "So, Hon, are we going to get some drinks for us poor souls?" Stan asked Marcia. "We could use something wet... you know honey?"

"Hmmm, sure." she said, "What do you want?"

"I'd love a beer," Stan said. "And I know Gene would like a fresca."

"Tony.... Brooke, anything you want?" she said.

"Oho, beer rocks." he laughed, hitting the cymbals.

"I’ll take a beer," Brooke nodded.

"One for me too, Marcia, please." Steve said.

"Thank you sweets," Stan said to Marcia blowing her a kiss. She just smiled and turned upstairs.

"Nicely done," Gene complimented him.

"See it's not THAT hard," Brooke laughed.

"FUCK, is that the chick that is supposedly all over you?" Tony chortled.

"Yeah," Stan laughed. "I've got her trained."

"I don't know. She looked kind of well...not that enamored by you." Tony mentioned. Gene rolled his eyes and smirked at Brooke who also suppressed a grin. Steve began to snicker.

"It's working," Stan laughed to Steve, who grinned. They high-fived each other. Marcia came downstairs in a moment, carrying the six pack of beer. She put it at the bottom of the stairs, and then rushed back up.

"Good playing Stan, Steve, Brooke and Tony," Gene said.

"Thank you honey!" Stan called up.

"Here's the beer. I'll get Gene's pop," she said quietly, going upstairs again. Stan grabbed the beer and tosses one to Tony. Tony and Steve exchanged a look. He peels one off for Steve, then one for Brooke, then took one for himself. Cracking it open, he takes a tug on it and sits on a folding chair. Gene raised an eyebrow and sits down near Brooke on the sofa.

"I take it he’s not 18," Brooke whispered to Gene.

"Nope. He’s barely legal," Gene mumbled.

"go easy on him," Brooke advised him.

"Since when do I go easy on anyone, Ostrander?"

"Don't just sit there boys, drink up!" Stan laughed. Marcia came down in a moment, a can of Fresca in her hand. Gene smiled warmly at her. She walks over and hands it to Gene.

"Thank you sweetheart," Gene smiled charmingly. He took it from her, then kissed her hand. Instead of going to sit on Stan's lap, Marcia walks back over to the stairs, sitting down. Gene cracks open his soda, and turned.

"I recommend a toast boys," he said. "To Rainbow..."

"Here here," Brooke said, parroting Gene in that sickeningly ass kissing way Stan had noticed all evening. He clinks cans with Steve and Stan, then gulps his Fresca. Stan sips his beer and sighs with delight. STeve has a lit cigarette, and Gene waves away the smoke.

"So, Marsh, from what little you heard, do we suck?" Tony laughed. We have a fucking chance..."

"Can I have one, Steve?" Stan asked him. "I need a smoke..."

"Yeah, sure." Steve handed him one. Gene looked weirdly at Stan. Stan takes it, and asked for a match. Marcia exchanges an alarmed glance with Gene. Gene shrugged. Stan inserted the smoke in his lips and lit up. He coughs, and Gene shook his head. Marcia got up and grabbed a teen magazine from a table near the stairs. She sat down again and buried her head in it. Stanley inhaled the smoke slowly, and sighed. The burn hit his throat as he sips more beer.

"He’s not a smoker either, is he?" Brooke whispered to Gene.

"Nope. He’s doing it to scare her off," Gene chuckled back.

"Pretty serious case of puppy love," Brooke joked.

Gene nodded, and said, "Hold on Brooke. I need to visit the facilities, you make nice with the other guys while I'm gone. Try not to kill each other."

He walked up the stairs, patting Marcia on the head as he passed. Ray was upstairs getting the ice cream. Gene wandered up, fresca in hand. Marcia smiled a bit at Gene, then started her magazine again.

"Ray?" he called, entering the kitchen through the living room. He heard the sound of female laughter echoing in the small area, and knew who it was.

"In here, love," she called. Gene got a nice shot of Ray’s ass as she and Gloria scooped ice cream into saucers for the guys.

"I'm coming," Gene called. He walked up behind Ray and kissed on the ear, then grinned at Gloria as she turned around in Gene’s arms.

"So, you came over to check up on us girls?" she smiled at him and dropped the spoon full of ice cream in his mouth. He moaned and licked it off, and she followed it with a kiss.

"I got your favorite," she cooed.

"Umm, my favorite..." he kissed her back softly, licking her lips with his tongue.

'How's my little friend doing?" she whispered as Gene rocked her in his arms.

"Mm, she's coping fine. Buried in 17 magazine," he whispered back. "Or do you mean your OTHER little friend?"

"No, I figured THAT friend was doing just fine," she winked. "I was sort of harsh on her. I don't think she's too happy with me."

Gloria sighed and laughed, "poor girl, scared out of her mind. She’s not used to this, Gene. With all you big bad wolves around."

"Don't you start," Gene glared at her.

"I TOLD her, she needs to quit fawning all over his damn feet. She needs to make that boy WORK for it, damn it."

"Thanks honey," Gene smiled to Ray.

"Oh, one of those?" Gloria raises an eyebrow.

"She thinks the world REVOLVES around Stan. I told her frankly, if she wants him, she needs to play hard to get..." Ray explained to Gloria.

"Very hard," Gloria added.

"Nicely done," Gene smiled. "What would I do without you, Ray?"

"Don't be climbing all over him.... Cooing on him.... Giving him a big head. It doesn't hurt a man to hear NO once in awhile," Ray lectured.

"Mm hmm," Gene laughed. "You are perfect, in case I didn't tell you before, Ray."

"I'm SERIOUS, Gene. I told her she needs to not be easy, if you know what I mean. Make that boy take some effort. Right now, it’s too simple."

"I'm glad you did. He was really having a complex with the boys," Gene said, sneaking more ice cream. "And incidentally does that hard to get rule apply to vu and moi?"

"Gene, you are hopeless!" Gloria laughed at them.

"As a matter of fact, if you ever got complacent, HELL, yes," she reprimanded, then broke into a smile.

"Glad to know where we stand baby," Gene smiled at her, patting her ass.

"He's in for a BIG surprise, but I told her to tell him no tonight," she laughed, reaching her hand down to pinch Gene’s bottom in return. "She can always change her mind, but make him kiss HER ass for awhile."

"You can kiss my ass anytime, baby," Gene winked at her wickedly.

"God, I'm such a shit stirrer," she winked at Gloria, playfully pushing Gene away.

"Good," Gloria nodded. "I think she needs shit stirred. She'll learn the hard way otherwise."

"You're my shit stirrer," Gene laughed to Ray.

"And she needs some seasoned veterans to tell her. Stan's going to KILL me!" Ray crowed.

"And what is this bout you two moving in?" Gloria winks at them. Gene looked at Gloria, then to Ray who blushed profusely.

Gene raised an interested eyebrow and teased Ray, "So, the news has spread?"

"Speaking of seasoned veterans..." Gloria laughed. "I want the dirt…"

"Oh god," Ray moaned.

"You sly dog, what did you do to convince her?" she looked at Gene, who folds his arms and glared at her.

"I.... Uh...had to tell her, since she's my backup." Ray smiled.

"I guess so," Gene sighed. "Who needs Tellstar with girls around?"

"Gene, you know I would have found out," Gloria laughed.

"Now, I didn't tell EVERYONE.... Just Gloria...and Marcia...." she mumbled. "Besides, I got you ICE CREAM, damn it."

Gene raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh, and Ray winked at Gene, "Besides, the advice I gave Marcia.... I could take it myself, you know."

Gloria continued to tease them. "Better watch it Gene or it's the fat couch for you."

"God forbid," Gene glared at her. "You wouldn't leave me out in the cold would you ray? Besides, I am a tall man, and you know what a couch does to MY back..."

"Oh stop it!" Gloria laughed. She folded her arms, mocking him.

"WATCH Me." she said, her lip quivering in an attempt not to laugh.

"Mm hmm, and I will eat all the ice cream out of the fridge while you sleep in MY bed," Gene gloated. "No late night snacks for the horror theatre then, huh?"

"With Gene its food and sex," Gloria giggled, and poked Gene in the ribs. "He denies one, he compensates for the other..."

"Now, come on honey, we've go to SHARE!" she laughed. "Besides, we've got Marcia and Stan here tonight too."

"HEY!" Gene mock-glared at Gloria.

"Too many Twinkies Gene?" Gloria poked him again. Gene reached up into the cabinet and pulled out a box of Twinkies. He snagged a pack from the box and tore them open.

"Besides...you're enough of a pain in the ass, Gloria, Marcia and I will go back to her place and leave you boys ALLLLLL alone.... Ice cream-less."

He split one golden Twinkie open, and brandished it aloft as he said, "I got your cream right here baby."

"SEE what I have to put up with?" Ray rolled her eyes at Gloria as he popped the half into his mouth suggestively.

"He’s' a handful," Gloria giggled. Gene licked the cream out of the other half of the Twinkie before putting it into his mouth and winks at Marcia with a laugh.

"Want some sea food Gloria?" he joked. She held up his hand as he opened his mouth and exposed its contents to her.

"Yes.... God loves him.... He is," Ray moaned. "Gene, shut that mouth now!"

Marcia wandered slowly into the kitchen, a sad look on her face.

"Mar, you want ice cream?" Ray said.

"Everyone sent me up with their order," she said shyly. "Everyone wants mint chocolate chip."

"You look a bit down in the dumps," Gene said, walking over to her and patting her shoulder. "Here you can have the other Twinkie. They come in pairs..."

"Gene stop it," Gloria sighed, marching over to Gene and grabbing the other Twinkie from him. Marcia looked at him seriously a minute as Gloria promptly ate it in front of him.

"I just don't want to be in the way," she said quietly.

"You ok little girl?" Gene asked. "Rules are simple around here... girls are to watch and look pretty, and clap for us boys..."

"You won't be, sweetheart," Ray said quickly. "We girls are going to stay up here and watch TV...that is, until they need me downstairs. But with Brooke I doubt it."

"And you are a lovely distraction," Gene added, smiling at Marcia.

"BITE me, Klein." Ray growled, playfully.

"Gladly," Gene said, nipping her neck.

"Why don't we watch something," Gloria suggested to Marcia.

"You still Stan.... He wants to see his girl; he came up HERE and sees her. Won't kill him to make half an effort." Ray said. They heard music in the basement.

"Shit those idiots are starting without me," Gene mumbled.

"And you tell the boys, they can get their OWN ice cream. Got it?' she whispered huskily to him.

"Got it," he said, kissing her lips. He tasted like Twinkies. Wandering past Marcia he gave the girl a playful pat on her backside as he left. Gloria put a hand over her face and groaned.

"I told them I'd bring ice cream," she said.

"Well they can wait," Gloria said, folding her arms.

"Screw them. They know where the refrigerator is." Ray said, licking her spoon. She picked up a dish of ice cream and started to eat it.

"But I think they are waiting for me to bring it down." she said, chin wobbling. Ray rolls her eyes and walks to the top of the stairs.

"Oh poppycock, Marcia! I second that, Ray," Gloria smiled, picking up a dish of rocky road.

"HEY!" Stan yelled up. "Where is the room service?"

"Anyone wanting ice cream can haul ass up here!" Ray yelled down the stairs. She came back to sit down at the kitchen table where Gloria and Marcia now sat.

Gene yells up, "I got the message honey!"

"Now it's crystal clear." she chuckled.

"Marcia, is Tony good looking?" Gloria asked Marcia. "You can tell me girl to girl."

"Oh...he seems nice enough. A little old maybe." Marcia said.

"I'm old," Gloria laughed. "Old as the hills..."

"He...uh.... He looked sort of like a musician, you know. Sort of scruffy." Marcia said.

"They all do dear," Gloria laughed. Suddenly Stan and the guys wandered up led by Gene. Gloria winked at Tony.

"So you're the new addition?" she asked him flirtatiously.

"I guess that would be me." Tony smiled, turning on the charm. Gloria turned on her charm as Brooke and Gene exchanging a knowing shrug and a grin. Brooke snagged some ice cream and wandered out to the living room to sit down by the television. Stan followed, sitting hear him and motioning to Marcia. Shyly she followed, holding a bowl of ice cream for him.

"So, you're Tony the tiger huh?" she said, indicating Tony should sit down in the now empty chair.

"No one told me the Miss America pageant was being held here tonight." he winked, taking a dish of ice cream from her.

"It's GRREAT," she winked back. Gene grinned at Ray.

"And so am I," he teased. Everyone is having a good time except Marcia. Stan moves over to Marcia, and looked at her playfully. She looked at the TV.

"Uh oh," Gene mumbled to Ray. At the kitchen table Gloria exchanged flirting with Tony. He put his arm around her, flinging lines at her. She laughed back, giving her own totally enjoying the attention. She reached down and patted Tony’s ass as he got up to get seconds. Ray feeds Gene some more of her ice cream, as both of them wandered out into the living room to sit down on the sofa. Gene hummed with pleasure, licking it off the spoon. She notices again how ridiculously long his tongue seems. It's weird.

"Marcia, you want ice cream?" Ray asked, glancing at Stan and Marcia sitting on the other sofa, six inches between them.

"You want ice cream, Hon?" Stan asked Marcia. "Since you gave this to me?"

"Before chameleon here takes it all?" she teased. Stan takes a dish and walks it over to her.

"Yes, that would be fine." she said stiffly. Ray leaned over to her.

"You're NOT the damn tin man. There's a difference between hard to get and frigid." Ray hissed in her ear. Stanley was oblivious; eating his ice cream as the others laughed and joked around him. Brooke and Steve were getting along fine, swapping old band war stories as they watched the evening television program.

"Ice cream's good." Marcia said, prodded by Ray. Stan smiled and put his arm around her.

"Sweets with my sweet," he laughed and ate more. Suddenly Marcia put her hand on her stomach a minute. Gene watches them.

"You sick honey?" Stan asked her.

"You pregnant?" Tony chuckled, leaning in from the kitchen suddenly.

"Shaddup," Gloria said, pushing him a bit from behind.

"GOD! NO!" she said, jumping up.

"You shut up," Stan shouted at him. "NOW!"

"Tony, that was CLASSY!" Ray snarled at him.

"Lay the FUCK offa her!" Stan shouted at Tony. Brooke and Steve looked up, alarm in their eyes as Stanley stood up and marched over to Tony, murder in his eyes. Tony stammered and backed away, scared at the look in the kid’s eyes as Stan’s hands knotted into fists. Steve rose to possibly intervene as Brooke leapt up also.

"You apologize NOW!" Stan hissed.

"Um… sure, Stan…" Tony stammered. "I’m… sorry Stan…"

"Back off, Stan," Steve warned.

"You heard him, it’s not worth it," Brooke urged Stanley.

"Back off now. No fighting," Gene barked. "And that means BOTH of you. Stanley, Tony, SIT DOWN NOW!"

Both of them backed away from one another silenced by Gene’s authority. His nostrils flared as he looked from one man to another, his lip curling in anger. Nobody dared question Gene at that moment, judging from the look in his eyes that told them he would brook no nonsense. Marcia walked over, very upset and grabbed her purse.

"I...I think I ought to go home." she said.

"Aw, now, hey! I was just kidding, sweetie. I promise." Tony said.

"Gene, calm down," Brooke said. "It’s okay… right guys?"

"Yeah, it’s cool," Tony said. "Sorry Stan… Marcia…"

"I'm going too," Stan said angrily, glaring at everyone furiously. If looks could kill, Gene thought to himself.

"Wow," Gloria muttered to Ray. "Smell the testosterone in this room…"

"Let’s just relax," Steve urged. "Everyone sit down and relax… and forget this…"

"Agreed," Gene nodded. Tension still was high when Gloria urged Tony back into the kitchen and Gene sat down, exhaling deeply as he closed his eyes.

"That’s exactly why women should get out of the way," Brooke said to Stanley.

"Shut up, Brooke," Stan mumbled as he grabbed his coat. "Let’s go out of here, honey..." Stan growled, but turns to notice she was already gone.

"Stan, you need to calm down," Gene said.

"Shut up you pompous ass!" Stan shouted at Gene. "I’ve had enough of you bossing me around!"

"Stanley…" Steve urged as Gene stepped towards him.

"No, I’m fucking SICK of your superiority complex!" Stan shouted at Gene. "You’ve been riding my ass all night! So back off, Klein! You’re not the boss of me!"

"Guys, just mellow out," Steve urged them.

"If you can’t calm down, kid you have no place in my band," Gene said grimly.

"Better stop before you say anything you’ll regret," Steve urged Stan, grabbing his arm.

"Yeah… right," Stan mumbled. "Good night Gene, thanks for the wrap. I’ll call you…"

Gene sighed as he watched Stanley storm off into the night after Marcia. Looking at Ray and his friends he shook his head.

Marcia ran out into the night, stopping mid-sidewalk to try to stop the tears. She had reached the bus stop, glancing around helplessly lost in a strange part of town. How on earth would she get home, she wondered. So wrapped up was she in misery that she failed to hear the footsteps pounding the pavement behind her. Face in her hands she leaned against the light pole and sobbed bitterly.

"Marcia, come back!" he shouted.

"Go away," she sobbed, back to him. Stanley reached her, illuminated by the light of the sodium lamp overhead.

"Come on, he was an asshole!" he said, taking her shoulders, trembling with sobs. He pulled her to him, hugging her tightly to his body.

"Stan, do you hate me?" she cried, pulling away. Stanley caught her hand and stopped her, pulling her toward him again.

"No, honey why do you say that?" he asked, tilting her chin to look up into his sad dark eyes.

"I.... I.... I didn't think it was doing anything WRONG!" she sobbed. "B-b-b-b-b-but Ray said...."

"I know, honey. So did Gene. But I want to tell you, you don't have to try so hard to make me notice you," he stammered, wiping away her freely flowing tears. "The guys in the band.... When we play we play... and well... they just think sometimes girls get in the way. But I am glad you are here tonight..."

"Ray said I need to tell you no, but I d-d-d-d-d-don't WANT to." she cried. All his macho he man façade crumbled as he looked into her sorrow filled eyes. The look stabbed him deeply in his young heart, and it melted.

"I know. Do you want me to take you home?" he asked as she wiped her eyes. "Maybe I shouldn't bring you to these rehearsals anymore."

"Do you not want to see me again?" she gasped, eyes wide with fear of loosing him.

"No, I just don't want you feeling bad," he said. "I don't want you feeling like you're sad. And I'm ignoring you."

"So.... You got sex, and now you want to take me home?" she said, a flash of anger in her eyes. She twisted away from him, pushing him aside as she whirled her back on him.

"No. I want you here damn it," he said loudly, rushing to her side once more and catching hold of her. "And I want you with me. Not just in my bed."

"I want to be here TOO. I just feel like everything I do, I'm being watched," she sniffled.

"They're watching me too maybe you deserve better then a musician like me," he said, turning away.

"My sister said guys use girls for sex," she said angrily, walking up behind him, "That once he gets up your skirt, he'll never treat you right again."

"Maybe she's right," he choked, tears blurring his eyes.

"And I'm not that kind of girl… Stanley!"

"Maybe I'm not good for you..." he started to cry. She looked at him a minute not knowing what to do. "And about my ear... I was born that way. I'm just a kid with a bum ear."

"I.... Don’t mind your ear, Stan." she said quietly.

"I didn't think you'd like to know the truth... It wasn't an accident. I was born like this."

"It's not your fault, Stan," she whispered. "God, why would you think it was?"

"I don't know," he said, looking at her. "Why don't we get out of here... you can meet my parents... Fuck those people in there. I want you to meet my mom and dad."

"Only if you want," she said.

"Yes I do want," he said.

"Let's go... I have a sister Julia. She'd like you," He holds out his hand to her. She looked at him, then smiled as she put her hand in his large one.

"I don't want to interfere with your band. If you want, you can finish up, love," she said softly.

"All right. After this we go to my house then, agreed? And fuck what Ray and Gene say."

"I agree." she said, eyes blazing. He kissed her for a moment, pulling her close to his pounding heart. Sobbing she fell into his arms, holding him tightly as he rocked her.

"And Stan.... If you want me to back up, just say so," she whispered in his good ear.

"Let's just pretend we're listening to them, ok?" he whispered back.

"And I'll only listen to you,’ she agreed.

"I will honey... When I'm playing, you watch ok? But after that I'm yours, ok? Got it?"

"Sounds GREAT." she smiled, then blushed. "And..... I have a surprise."

"Good, now let's go back and show them how wrong they are… What love?" he asked. She pulls a wad of bills shyly from her purse.

"My dad gave me some money, if you want to.... Maybe...get a hotel room in town. Because they're out of town again."

"That sounds good," he laughed. "Away from Ray and Gene."

"YES" she laughed "And I can scream because you make me WILD."

"Yes honey," he laughed. "And I have protection."

They walked back, arms around each other’s waists in the direction of the apartment building. As she caught him to kiss him again, he smiled and led her back up the stairs inside. He led her in and looked around. "Hmmm, that's my good boy."

"So let's get back in there, and leave... when we want to." He laughed at her.

When they returned, it was to a sober gathering. Ray sat next to Gene, who lay with his head on her lap, as she rubbed his temples to relieve his headache. Tony was quite subdued, Gloria talking to him on the love seat while Brooke watched television silently. Softly Stan entered, glancing awkwardly around, and Steve came up to him with a look of dark concern. Stan kicked the ground when he apologized, "Uh Steve… I’m sorry I blew up… I just…"

"It’s okay man…" Steve said.

"I acted like an ass," Stanley hung his head. "I hope I didn’t blow it…"

"Nah, you just knocked Gene down a few notches. The guy needed it. But Tony’s sorry…" Steve said, as Tony rose from the sofa, hand in hand with Gloria.

"Tony…" Stan said, looking down at his feet. "I owe you an apology…"

"Stanley.... Shit, it was just a lame ass joke. I never meant.... Really..." Tony said, truly apologetic. Seeing the sorry look in Stan’s crumpled face he realized Stan had forgotten his anger of a few minutes before.

"It's okay, forget it," Stan said slowly.

"It's OK." Marcia whispered to him.

"Just remember... she's my first girlfriend. Okay man?" he holds out his hand to Tony. Marcia smiled and squeezed his hand. He grinned at her, then to Tony, "Are we cool Tony?"

"Absolutely. I'll shut my damn mouth next time," he winked.

Marcia went over and has a seat on the couch, scared that Gene and Stanley might blow up again. Ray eyed her for a moment as she picked up her ice cream bowl and started to eat. Stanley is nearby, not touching her but eating. Just enjoying being near her. They have a silent understanding.

Stanley turned to Gene, and shyly walked up to him, saying, "Gene, I want to apologize… for losing my cool…"

Gene glanced up at him, still annoyed as he said, "Is that so?"

"Yeah," Stan said. "I lost my head. I guess this means you don’t think I’m cut out for this band huh?"

"Well, don’t let it happen again," Gene said firmly. "Got it, Eisen?"

Stanley looked nonplussed, and questioningly awkward as he scratched his scalp. Gene turned away for a moment and Ray nodded slowly. Sighing, he went over and sat next to Marcia. Gene said nothing further, but it was clear to Stanley he’d somehow been left off the hook. Turning to Steve he asked, "Um, is that his way of apologizing?"

"You’re straight with him," Steve whispered. "Just drop it kid. He’ll forget it in the morning after he gets some tail."

"I don't think we got enough mint chocolate chip. Everyone wanted the same kind." Marcia joked quietly.

"I know, I'm eating rocky road," Stanley said.

"I think you're right, kid." Tony said. Gloria holds some ice cream out to Tony on a spoon. He takes it with a grin.

"So.... Here’s the question." Tony started.

"What, loverboy?" Gloria asked, moving by him and draping her arm around his hips.

"And the ladies are welcome to answer this question too...." Tony continued.

"Uh oh," Gloria laughed.

"How did we do? I know it's early so far, but do we suck? Is it worth pursuing?" he asked, looking around the room.

"I think we have a chance," Gene said.

"You guys have...POTENTIAL." Ray said.

"If we get some songs together," Gene added.

"You need better songs, I agree, but I like that you're not just doing covers." Ray adds.

"We sounded okay," Stan laughed. "I don't know about Gene here..."

"Shaddup kid," Gene cracked, and at that moment Stanley knew Gene had calmed down since their blowup of before.

"At least you two aren't biting each other's heads off," Gloria commented to Gene and Stan.

"Yeah, go figure Klein," Stan laughed.

"At least not at the moment," Ray said.

"Bite me, Eisencube," Gene said.

"Same to you, fat boy," Stan laughed.

"Says you," Gene held up a hand. "I’m sure you ate enough of mom’s cooking in your time…"

"I did," Stan said, ending the train of busting. Marcia licked her ice cream spoon, causing a raised eyebrow and chuckle from Tony. She turns red. Gene throws a pack of Twinkies at Stanley. Grinning Stan threw the Twinkies back at Gene, and they hit him in the chest.

"Hey!" Gene said, rushing over and grabbing Stan. They started to wrestle playfully. Marcia jumped from the couch in a hurry.

"No, ow, stop GENE!" Stan laughed.

"This skirt is new," she said. Gene grabbed Stan around the neck and gave him a noogie.

"You little shit," Gene laughed, putting his knuckles to Stan's hair. Stan tripped Gene and they start wrestling like boys, rolling over and over on the floor to the amusement of Brooke and Tony.

"I bet on the kid!" Tony laughed.

"Kick his ass Gene!" Brooke cheered.

"OW HEY! WATCH THE DAMN FACE!" Gene shouted. Marcia backed away, as they rolled close to her shoe.

"Said you!" Stan shouted, pushing Gene off him.

"You two are a pack of children." Ray sighed.

"UNCLE, say it!" Gene said, pinning Stan with his knee on the boy’s leg. "I'm the best songwriter!"

"Gene is the best... at being full of shit!" Stan shouted, pushing Gene playfully.

"While you two are fucking around, I'm leaving here with ALLLL your women." Tony laughed. "You coming, Steve-o?"

Stan twists out of Gene's grasp, and then they both looked up. Brooke stood over them, shaking his head as he said, "You through beating him up, Gene?"

"I’m just showing him whose boss," Gene said.

"Right," Stan said, giving Gene a push and he landed to Stan’s side.

"You got one hell of a set of arms there. Save it for the guitar playing, not for beating skulls. At least not mine," Gene warned him playfully.

"Uh...sure." Steve laughed.

"Oh are we going to allow that?" Gene asked Stan.

"No fucking way, Geno," Stan said, as he crawled to his feet. Holding his hand out to Gene, he motioned for him to get up. Surprised, Gene let Stan pull him effortlessly up.

"Marcie, you'd go with me, right?" Tony teased.

"Oh.... Sure..." she laughed.

"You’re with ME!" Gloria said, taking Tony's arm. "You have to show me your stamp collection, right?"

"Yes, absolutely. Hot damn, this is my lucky night." he grinned. Gloria laughed and Gene rolls his eyes.

"Sheesh, you listen to him, Eisen?" he asked Stan who shakes his head. Stan and Gene brush themselves off.

"So, are we officially a band?" Stan asked him.

"Yeah, I think so," Gene said.

"I say, let's give it a try." Tony chortled.

"You Brooke?" Gene looked at him.

"Yeah man, all the way," Brooke nodded.

"Steve?" Gene asked. "You in?"

"I'm willing to try it.... Yeah." Steve said, with some reservation. Stanley moved away, returning to stand by Marcia again. Gene sat down once more and rubbed his eyes wearily. Ray went over to climb on Gene's lap. Gene smiled and pulled her down. Ray winks at Marcia. Stan sat down and sighed as Steve passed him a beer, then threw another to Tony. Brooke grabbed one more from the kitchen and joined them again.

"Gene you are an idiot," Tony said, slightly intoxicated. Marcia watches him as does Ray. Stan laughed and held up his beer chugging it. He leaned over and kissed Marcia.

"So shall we go Hon?" he asked her. She moaned a bit and smiled.

"If you want to."

"Hey now WHERE are you two going?" Gene asked.

"To take her to meet my folks," Stan winked.

"I'm all for going, if you know what I mean." Tony said happily.

"I know," said Gene. "Let’s call it a night guys."

"Amen to that," Gloria said, eyeing Tony. Marcia grabbed her coat and put it back on. She shared a silent smile with Ray.

"I’m outta here Gene, see you soon!" Brooke waved as he shook Gene’s hand. "See you later guys!"

There was a fluster of men putting on coats and general slaps and hand shaking. It was a ritual all men working closely together shared, and Marcia felt lost in it. Ray felt temporarily displaced as the reality of Brooke playing keyboards with Gene instead of her sank in. As Brooke left first, she glanced back to Stan and Marcia.

"Tell him NO tonight." Ray mouthed. Stan put on his coat, grabbed his case, and opened the door for her.

"I CAN'T," Marcia mouthed back.

"Let’s go meet my folks," he said to her. She takes his hand. He bundles her out the door and slams it quickly. Marcia's penny loafers click down the walkway.

Gene looked at Ray, asking, "what just happened here?"

"Huh?" Ray said, with a question in her eyes.

"Never mind," Gene mumbled. "Let's just go home..."

"You want to know what I told her," Ray smiled.

He urged her off his lap, and said, "I think I know what... C’mon, let’s go down to the basement for a minute."

Ray followed him down, as he motioned her to follow him. Intrigued, she wondered just what was the reason for this, till she saw him let go of her hand and walk over to his bass. She watched him as he unhooked the strap and put his instrument back into its nest of velvet. Thoughts of Brooke crossed her mind when she saw the organ, and she slowly said, "Gene, I just wanted to ask you… about Brooke playing…"

"I had gussed you might be a bit mad about that," Gene scratched his head. "I want you to know it was for your benefit and I hope you understand why…"

"I admit I’m a bit hurt, but in some ways it made tonight go easier… but I still wish I could have the chance to play…"

"Yeah," Gene said. "But these guys, I don’t think they’re ready to accept a woman playing along with them. I hate to say it, but they’re too small minded to know…"

"It’s a damn shame," Ray sighed.

"Steve would be okay, but I don’t want you feeling somehow… compromised. You know what I think about your music. You’re a hell of a lot more talented then these idiots. Except maybe me and Stan…"

"I still am a bit hurt," she sighed. "But I guess I can live with it."

"That’s not to say I won’t want you to try in the future. Especially if Brooke doesn’t work out… and anyway… why would you want to play with us turkeys when you could have your own group…"

"Yeah," she nodded, deciding to let the subject pass for the moment. "So, you are okay with Stan now?"

"Hmm, I think this kid will work, you were right Ray," he said, closing his case and picking it up. "Shall we go home?"

"Absolutely. As long as it involves a bed and you in it."

"Definitely," he said, leading her up the stairs. Finding her coat he held it out for her. She kissed him and held out her arms to allow him to slip her into it. He smiled as he put his own on, and then called upstairs, "NIGHT STEVE!"

"Night Geno," Steve yelled from upstairs. Taking her hand, Gene led her outside, closing the door behind them.

"Now... I’ve got a bit of a concern..." he whispered as they climbed onto the bus.

"Hmmm?" Ray asked, hand in his.

"I think Steve's a bit... leery about us..."

"You and me?" she asked, snapping up her head as her heart pounded with some trepidation.

"The band I mean," Gene clarified, leading her to a vacant seat. He sighed and sat down, head leaning against Ray’s shoulder. The weight of the past few hours plus dealing with Stanley had worn him down.

"Oh," she answered with a mixture of relief and some nerves. "In what way?"

"He's looking like he's got cold feet," Gene said.

"Frankly, Gene, you and I both know that Steve's no great shakes musically. You could find a better lead guitarist without much effort. I know he's your friend, but it's true."

"I know," he said. "And I am glad you agree with me. And....maybe he's a little threatened by this new kid who writes music. I guess some day I'll have to cut him loose... But till something better came along..." Gene said as they rode back to his place.

"Well, wait and see what happens. Maybe he'll improve, love," Ray suggested.

"Maybe," he said, kissing her cheek. For a time they sat together, Gene napping against Ray on the long bus ride back. Both were determined not to spend another night at Steve’s, opting for the privacy of Gene’s apartment instead. He snored gently, his head leaned against hers like a small child. It amazed her how quickly and easily he fell asleep there, leaning heavily against her body. Arm around him, she held him as the bus vibrated and diezeled off into the night. Obviously he trusted her enough to fall fast asleep and entrust the mission of waking him once they reached the right stop.

When at last they reached their destination, she shook Gene awake gently. Nodding, he rose and grabbed his base case in one hand, hers in the other. Wearily they got off the bus and walked the rest of the way to his building and up the steep stairs. He opened the door, and held it for her.

"I guess I'm now officially a terrible chaperone," she laughed, walking inside. "I've lost my little fluffy chick already."

He closed the door and smiled as he put his bass case down with a thump. Reaching for the light, he flipped it on, revealing the apartment that patiently and cozily waited for them both. He reached for her coat, then hung it up in the closet, shedding his next.

"She's probably engaging in all kinds of debauchery with Stan," Ray joked.

"Nah," he smiled.

"God, I'm tired." she sighs, throwing her purse in the closet with their coats.

"I know, I'm worn out," Gene mumbled, sitting down on the sofa. "I think he's learning fast... don't you? A quick study from the master?

"If you mean, get it while you can, whenever you can...then sure," Ray said, glancing at him for a moment there on the sofa.

He threw his head back and sighed, "I just worry for him and the chick."

"But hell, he's a 17 year old MALE. Not like I should expect him to be the pope, huh?" she asked.

"No," Gene sighed. He pulled at his shoes and let them drop one after the other to the floor.

"My daughters are NEVER dating." she laughed, going into the kitchen and pouring herself a glass of water.

"Hmm?" he opened one eye to look at her returning with a glass. "Of course not, they'll be grounded till age 30."

"Thirty's MUCH too young."

"Forty five," Gene agrees, sighing again. "Damn I am tired... you tired Hon?"

"You notice something?" she smiled, sitting on the arm of the sofa.

"What love?" he asked.

"When Marcia ran out, Stan chased her. Chalk one up for the WOMEN." she chortled.

"Good hope for him yet," Gene laughed, motioning for her to sit by him.

"If I left angry, would you chase after ME?" she asked, slowly scooting closer.

"I would. I did already didn’t I?" he asked. "I followed you to that dance."

"No, I mean.... In front of your FRIENDS?" she asked teasingly, running a finger slowly down his shirt into his chest.

"Hmm. Maybe... this couch looked awfully hard," he glanced down at it. "I would hate to have to sleep here tonight if I pissed you off."

"You have another plan?" she smirked.

"Mm, you said something about saying no?' he whine, giving her a hurt dog look.

"That's right, I DID." she giggled. Gene kissed her, then draws playfully back.

"And how sometimes it's GOOD for a man to hear that sometimes."

"Yes," Gene said, getting up. "I agree..."

"Just so he doesn't take it for granted.... Letting it get stale," she said, watching him as he passed before her. He wandered to his room, leaving the door wide open so she could watch him shedding his clothes. As he unbuckled his belt and slid out of his jeans she watched him with sexy eyes. The shirt joined his pants in a crumpled mass of the floor.

"Night, lover," she called, kicking off her shoes. Then she stretched out purposely on the couch on her stomach. Gene emerged from the bedroom in a bathrobe that came just above his knees, revealing his long sexy legs. Casually he wandered past her and into the kitchen. Glancing over her shoulder she saw him open the fridge and pull out the carton of milk, then get a glass.

"This is my nightly ritual," he said, returning with his milk and turning on the television to a late night Friday horror film. He sat down on the comfortable yet battered leather chair, and put his feet up on the coffee table. She noticed he had sneaked a plate of the cookies she had brought him from home earlier that day.

"Ummmmmm-ummmm. Not tonight. This is my BED," she said, back toward him.

"Suit yourself," he laughed sipping his milk slowly. She groaned to herself as she watched him eating the cookies slowly, dipping them into the milk and licking his fingers. Pulling a pillow off the couch shed turned away from him, stretching out further. Gene laughed and continued to eat, slowly licking his fingers. He then finished his milk and stretched. After a moment of groaning with irritation, she slowly unbuttoned her shirt and flung it to the floor. Gene opened his eyes and turned back to the movie grinning to himself. Ray realized in his own way he was making her beg. Coughing casually he crossed his bare legs, then uncrossed them, sitting with both legs spread wide so the robe could be pulled aside with just a brush of her hand.

She unzipped her skirt, letting it slide down her legs. Then she leaned over to unhitch her stockings and peel them off, one leg after the other. Quietly Gene watched out of the corner of his eyes, pretending to pay more attention to the film then to her casual strip tease. When she had moved all proprietary items she stretched out nude on the couch, chuckling to herself. Eventually Gene rose and carried his items to the kitchen. She heard him open the fridge again, seeing the light flicker momentarily across her. The overhead light clicked off, plunging them into semi darkness.

"Night, lover." she said, arching her stomach so that her rear end rose and fell into the couch. Slowly he walked back and looked at her with a smile on his face. Eyes closed, she faced the sofa, with not a stitch on at all. He raised the can of reddi whip and smiled mischievously as he pulled the cap off. Licking his lips he squirts it all over her nude back.

"Jeez! GENE!" she yelped, jumping up.

He grinned and laughed, with a mischievous smile on his face, "Got you! You should have SEEN the look on your face, sweetheart!"

"I thought you weren't interested," she said, looking him in the eye as she dropped to all fours, her hair partly over her face and back coated with dollops of whipped cream. It was her time to toy with him now.

"Hmm what gave you that idea?" he winked, licking his lips. Holding his sleeve before his face, he posed like Dracula. "Do you offer yourself freely?" he said in a Transylvanian accent.

"What if I tell you NO? What THEN, Gene?" she said, shaking her hair teasingly. She tilted her head back to expose her soft pale neck.

"Then I am forced to remain outside the threshold," he whispered, eyes gleaming. He slowly stalked up to her; his fingers curled like claws. Towering over her, he wore nothing but a robe.

"So...I have to invite you...IN?" she said, eyes gleaming.

"I must enter freely of your own will," he said. "You’ve seen the movies..."

She chuckled a bit, then slipped back in character. "But what if I deny you?" she said, licking her lips, "What will you DO?"

"I will suffer in pain, waiting to taste your BLOOD! Virgin blood..."

"Hmmm, I like you to suffer."

"It cried to me... aches for me... And my immortal kiss of power... Such are the wonders that await you if you would be my vampire consort," he said, ad-libbing his lines.

She smiled slowly at him. "Very well, then... If you're going to take me," she said. He approached warily, dropping his sleeve. He put it up briefly before his mouth once more.

"Yes?" he growled through closed lips.

"Do...it...goood..." she cooed, deliberately drawing out each word.

"Mmm," he whispered, stalking closer. His eyes gleamed in the light of the television.

"Hard.... And gooooood..." she said, staring him down. Towering over her he turned the sound down on the TV. He glared back, putting his hand on her head and then dropping to one knee. He playfully yanked her hair back to expose her neck. She moaned with the game.

"Is it going to hurt?" she gasped, feeling his lips on her neck. She felt his teeth grip her skin. As he begins to suck, his arm clamped across her chest. A slimy substance dripped down her bare breast from his lips. Gooey and sticky, Ray saw it was dark in color. She jumps when she felt it.

"I don't even want to KNOW what this is about." she laughed, shuddering against him.

"Making you mine," he growled ferally. He parted from her, lips red with blood as he shakes his head and licks his lips.

"I've always been yours." she whispered, "And I always will."

"Mmm yes," he whispered. She leaned in to kiss him. The stage blood dripped down his robe and over her bare body. He pulls her close, on one knee kissing her. He tastes like cherries. She realized the substance was cherry syrup and strawberry ice cream topping. He bent his head to lick it off her breasts and bare body, Ray watching him with intense eyes. He then moved to lick the whipped cream off her back, clean with his tongue, slurping the cherry fake blood off her.

"Are you mine?" he growled softly.

"Prove you're worthy." she growled back.

"I will and much more," he whispered, and then slowly reached around to pick her up. Easily he swept her off her feet, rising as he did so. She squealed a bit, but enjoyed his arms around her. He clutched her under the knees and the back, holding her off her feet for a moment.

"I have passed the test of strength," he whispered. "Now what is thy next challenge, my lady?"

"Now that you've shown me your strength, show me how sensitive you can be." she smiled, clearly enjoying this. "For a maiden's heart is not won by brawn alone."

He whispered as he delicately kissed down her skin and tenderly bore her to the bed. He lay her down gently, covering her with kissed. Then down to her feet he moved where he started to suck on her toes. She moaned as she watched him. He kissed her up her leg, rubbing his fingers along to tickle her. His hair also frizzed out in the moonlight. It seems to stand out on end with unseen energy.

"You are beautiful" she whispered, "Devil of the Night."

"My angel of the night," he whispered.

"You are making me want you," she whispered back.

"Mmm," he whispered, kissing up her legs to her thigh. He has her stretched out on the bed, and he's still wearing his robe.

"You're going to make me beg." she whispered, giving him a passionate stare. "I can feel it."

"Mmm, maybe," he whispered. "How much do you want it?"

"I want.... I need you or I'll die." she whispered. "A slow...painful.... Death."

"Umm, we cant' have that... can we?" He moved up her, kissing her torturously slow. Only his bathrobe separated him from her.

"I want you INSIDE me," she groans. "I don't want anything else.... Please...I can't STAND it.... I just want YOU." she growled.

"Patience, my dear," he teased. Kissing her breasts and teasing her with his tongue, he slid his finger inside her. She groaned, clenching her fists. He flicked his tongue over her nipples then down to her bellybutton.

"When you're inside me..." she sighs.

"What will you do?" he whispered in her ear. She breathed heavily.

"I might...oh, Gene, I might lose CONTROL." she moaned, twisting with his touch.

"How so?" Still with his fingers working her he lays down on her, crushing her with his weight.

"I might want you so badly I can't go without you one more MINUTE." she screamed and pulled her legs up against him. He leaned up and put her hand on his robe to release the belt. She looked in his eyes for permission. He nodded slowly. Without taking her eyes off him, she slowly ran her hands up and down his chest. He sighed deeply, slowly straddling her, eclipsing the light from the window.

"I think I’m not the ONLY one this little game is effecting." she laughed

"Do tell, milady," he purrs. She saw him backlit by a sodium lamp, and the square of light from the living room where the TV was still turned on.

"What do you want from me?" she whispered.

"To please you and tease you," he whispered. "To want me..."

She smiled at his words. "I always want you, Gene." she said tenderly.

"You are entirely too good to me," he parroted her words back from before. She stroked his face lightly with the back of her hand.

"You're not too good for me. You're my every dream come true, Gene," she said, then looked away.

"What was that love?" he asked, kneeling between her legs and turning her face to his again.

"Nothing," she said, after awhile, "I just said.... You feel nice next to me."

"You said something else love," he whispered, gently teasing her. "But if you'd rather not repeat it... I understand," he added sadly.

"I'm not sure it's something you'd want to hear." she whispered down at him, "And the night is so perfect."

He kissed her to soften her reply and silence her as he lowered himself into her. His touch was not hungry but very tender. She moaned lightly, feeling him against her, silently glad he didn't push her. He pushed into her firmly, but not with the force of before, instead taking his time to slowly work her into a slow orgasm. She sighed and wrapped her legs around him. He rained surpassingly tender kissed over her body, his hands amazingly delicate, even though they were far larger then hers over her skin. Truly he made love to her, not demanding but giving. She is running her hands slowly up and down his back, resisting the urge to go faster. For a minute he rested his full weight on her. He was heavy and solid, pressing into her as he pulls the blankets out from under her and around them. She shut her eyes tight, a million things she would love to say, but couldn't. He knew her agony, for he felt it himself.

He doesn't dare tell her how he really feels. Thinking how much he wants to be with her and only her, but it's not something he does. This is the closest thing he has right now to stability, and it terrifies him. Finally he said, "It's good to have you in my bed, Ray. "Here with me..."

She kissed his neck lightly, as if sensing what he was feeling. "It's good to be here," she said simply. Putting a double meaning behind his words.

"Nobody here to judge you, or tell you what to do... I don't do this with just anyone..."

She opened her mouth to say something, but closes it. Gene sensed what it was and stayed silent. He pushed her to another climax and then released himself. Letting himself go into her for a change. She held him tightly as he came. He moaned into her neck, and lay on her for a few minutes, totally spent and tired beyond words.

"Am I crushing you," he mumbled, embarrassed she'll hear.

"I'm perfectly content, Gene." she smiled, kissing him on the lips.

"I'm glad," he whispered. "I got to lay off those damn Twinkies..."

"I like just what you have to offer." she smiled, tickling him lightly.

"Good cause you're stuck with me," he growled playfully, moving off her. He lay on his side so she wouldn't roll off the bed, just large enough for them to lay side by side. Without much clearance on either side, she snuggled up next to him. He sighed with content, and drew his knees up, accidentally poking her in the back. She chuckled for a moment.

"Do you realize Gloria left with TONY?" she groaned.

"OH GOD," Gene laughed. He pulled his knees down and spooned into her back instead. "That idiot has met his MATCH. Ten to one he shows her his love wand and she laughed..."

"She fell for it, hook, line and SINKER." Ray rolled her eyes.

"She was playing with him, " he snickered. "She does that to players like him. When they get into bed, and he is all over her, just watch. Shrivel City and he's embarrassed as hell, and she's laughing about it all the way till morning."

"Aha. Every guy's nightmare." she said, hugging him tight. "And what about Stan and Marcia?"

"Oh brother, I forgot about them," Gene groaned. "Ten to one she has money from daddy to get a hotel room. So much for being a chaperone."

She leaned over to kiss him, "Do you think he got the hint at ALL tonight?"

"I wonder," Gene said, in mid kiss.

"Or were you guys down there feeding him a line of macho bullcrap?" she asked. "I hope so, and I hope SHE did..."

"Well they were. I wasn't..." he joked. "I came up for ice cream remember?"

"Hmmm. I guess you've got a point there," she murmured, stretching out.

Gene shifted a bit so she could, lying on his side with his head pillowed on a folded arm. Her skin was pale in the moonlight, a different shade from his. Freckled in places he could barely imagine. He traced a finger over a line of freckles on her side.

"If this band takes off, how are things going to change for us, Gene?" she said thoughtfully.

"I had wondered that," he sighed. "Any thoughts about your own band? Or is it wishful thinking on my part sweetie?"

"No." she said quietly. "I don't even know where to start."

"You can and you will, just learn from the master," he kissed her shoulder. "I'll teach you what I know about it... Now that I have you here."

"But how to find people who take it seriously, and NOT just as the next cutesy girl act."

"Yeah," Gene mumbled. "Maybe, it's too soon for you. You have to build up your self confidence... and then start going to clubs to see who is out there... I don’t' want to push you before you're ready. You have so much to learn first. And I'll teach you what I can..."

"All it's going to do now is take time away from you," she said glumly.

"Yeah," he cursed. "Maybe if you stick around us and see... that would be a good experience... And anyway, you're here now, and that means more time... in nocturnal pursuits... unless you've changed your mind about living here with me..."

"No." she smiled, putting her finger lightly over her lips, " I haven't changed my mind about that."

"Good," he whispered. "Want to get some of your stuff tomorrow then?"

She sighed and smiled; "I hate moving."

"You must have hated coming back from school doll."

"I did, but it's not nearly as nice as the prospect of living here, with you, so I think I can overlook the annoyance," she tickled him lightly.

"Mmm," he tickled her back. He thought of just how on earth her parents will take this news, and guessed it wouldn’t be pretty.