stuff us in boxes that's where you want us

cardboard is boring, we brought our matches - look how it burns

It had been years since Harley had laid eyes on her old bandmate, a drummer by the name of Jason Gunn. Of course, he rarely ever called himself that, willing to embrace the childhood nickname of Thumper... of all things that Harley had naturally, endless teases and jibes about. It didn't matter how big he made it in the music world, he would forever be that same goofy boy even if he tried to go by the name of Gunner now. The rest of her old band fell off the musical band wagon, different careers, families. Her guitarist had become a naturalist living off the grid in the middle of bumfuck nowhere. Fuck, so much time had gone by it was enough to make her mind whirl. It felt like another life and perhaps to Harley, even Isolt.. It was.

It was well before the show when she first received that text that they had just made it. Isolt was her date for tonight, or today rather. They had a few hours to kill before the show and for once, Harley seemed completely carefree. It had been far too long, but when she saw the scrawny figured boy, dyed dark hair, hazel eyes and a face that didn't seem to age, she could hardly help the way she yelled. "HUMPER!" Instead of embarrassment to flush his features like so many people would... a wide Cheshire grin that displayed all his teeth from even the distance upon that sidewalk. He was standing by the tour bus, next to a figure she had no clue who. How quickly he seemed to forget the person he spoke to. He didn't even seem to care at all at the curious looks they got. Neither did Harley. The petite raven haired spitfire was nothing short of oblivious to them by now.

"BOMBSHELL!!!" That was one name she didn't think she would ever hear again. He ran over like a charged bullet, oblivious that yelling bomb while running like a wild lunatic... really probably wasn't the wisest thing to do. Harley expected him to slow and yet he didn't. Instead, his tattoo-clad arms flung wide and he wrapped his arms around the trapped woman within them. He seemed taller than she remembered. Equally as thin, maybe thinner. His jaw stood out, maybe a little more sunken in. Or maybe he just looked more mature? His dark circles formed around his eyes, although he wore eyeliner which helped conceal them some. He swept her off her feet and swung her around like she was nothing at all. She had forgotten he was a hugger, she squirmed in his arms before reluctantly she hugged him back. "You are lucky I like you."

"Let me this, just this once." He squished her a little tighter as if she would suddenly vanish on him before Harley's feet touched the ground. He knew to get away quickly, a cheeky grin drew across his lips as he darted to Isolt.

Harley grumbled at the previous assault, her hand moved to smooth out her clothes and hair. Good. She hoped Isolt got it equally so. Or worse.

"Redhot!" His name for Isolt was spoken enthusiastically. He hugged her too, his overly affectionate nature had him clinging to her a little too long. "Still married?" He asked as if something hopeful entered his tone. "Please tell me I have a chance." His lips quirked as a mischievous gleam settled upon his boyish face, hardly worried that Isolt was a vampire or that her skin felt far colder to the touch. He released her suddenly so his hazel eyes lingered on the crimson haired woman before shooting a glance to Harley who rolled her eyes in a none too subtle fashion. Isolt could fend off the harmless man herself.

"You know she can bench press you with her pinky right?" Harley offered with that iconic sarcasm and a simple shrug of her shoulders. She was only met with a laugh from Gunner. Yet her line of sight seemed to fall to the heavily tattooed arms he idly rubbed a hand over. A frown drew upon the raven-haired woman's face noting just how skinny he got from the last time she had seen him. The road could be rough and yet maybe it was her bleak view on the world as a whole that made her question if there was more going on. "Do your new bandmates forget to feed you?" Slowly her gaze rose back to his hazel eyes that flashed with something unknown. Maybe.. He wasn't as carefree as he acted.

"I knew you were going to say something. I have a sixpack now Westward, want to see? My physique has never been better. I assure you." He ran a hand over his black sleeveless printed band tee. Men and their selective hearing.

"Keep it in your pants. Your basically like my little annoying brother. Should I remind you?"

"I'm olllder than you." He taunted.

"Not wiser."

"Ouch.." He clutched his chest dramatically, stumbled backwards before that beaming smile returned. "But I'm also taller." He added the final jab, quickly changing the subject before she could reply. " Is it true? You're a kitten now? Claws to match your sharp tongue... And you, you're a day vamp?" He looked to them both, as if wondering how everything could change so fast. A sentiment Harley could not help but stare at him with brazen intensity. A frown drew upon his usual boyish features, as if he possessed another thought and for once Harley saw the beginning of fine wrinkles that claimed his once smooth face. His voice grew lower as he uttered his thoughts, his usual upbeat demeanor shifted. "Everythings changed. Except for me. Never changing is my superpower." The urge to give him the signature Harley 5th degree burned within her with an intensity. Maybe when he sat in her chair at the shop... When he was unable to get away so easily she would get some answers. Tomorrow, he had booked in to finish up his arm piece. For now, she intended to enjoy the presence of her friend. Well both friends. How willing she was to forget the raging shitstorm that was her life.

"Come on, Redhot... tell me not everything is all doom and gloom? Harley won't tell me anything... Yet. Just the boring kind of stuff." She shot him a look that might as well have said. You too, fucker.

"You ever think that maybe... I am just that boring?" Harley threw back. He knew better, he always knew better and yet he let it slide but not without that single assured word slipped free. Never. He shook his head before he rolled onto his heels and back onto the balls of his feet, unable to sit still. "Come on.. What do you want to do, I have an hour to kill before you see me in a whole new light. I can't help it. Women see me on stage and they just swoon, you know? I just wanted to warn you that you might become undeniably attracted to me. But just you wait.. its all about the party after the show. That is when I will show you, girls, a real party."

"You ever think they might just be a bit queasy, lady killer?" She snorted then, sarcasm laced with humour trickled within her tease. "Are you down Iz, you don't have curfew, do you?" Harley teased her redheaded companion, clearly not free of her companion's antics. How she felt like she was younger, she wondered if Isolt felt it too.

After... losing the baby. After.. Everything Isolt endured. Maybe partying like a rockstar was exactly what the doctor ordered. Maybe Harley included. Well, at least for a single night.

Harley Westward