Life, Loss, and Forever (Part 3 of A GC Love Story) ~chapter 54~ <PARTY!>

~THREE WEEKS LATER~
Early in March, Kiana decides (with the approval of everyone else in the house) to throw a party to celebrate her album's multi-platinum success. She decides to invite some big names from the rap/hip-hop genre while also letting the guys invite some of their buddies hailing from the rock scene. Among Kiana's list are people such as 50 Cent, Eminem, D12, G-Unit, Chingy, Usher, Ludacris, Kanye West, Fat Joe, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell and N.E.R.D., and Jay-Z, among others. Benji recovered more quickly than expected, and is able to attend without difficulty. The Good Charlotte guys do not hesitate to fill the guest list: Linkin Park, Atmosphere, blink-182, Green Day (by the request of lattEfreaK), Sum 41, Simple Plan, Slipknot, Insane Clown Posse, Avenged Sevenfold, Rancid, New Found Glory, Yellowcard, MEST, The Casualties, NoFX, Sugarcult, and Flogging Molly are among them. Then, what would a music blowout be without people from MTV, VH1, Fuse, AP magazine, Spin, and others there? Hell, they almost HAD to come! Joel even allows for a few temporary stages to be set up out back (let's just say that the property is that fucking huge!) so to have a few performances (yeah ordinary people were allowed in so they got a few from Napptown and your invited several of your buddies).
You decide to be a sexy punk today, with a few Gothic touches. You sport a black and white striped tee (short-sleeved) with slits on the shoulders. Underneath of that is a long-sleeved black fishnet shirt. Your skirt is simple and black, coming to your mid-thigh, and you have on black-and-white-striped tights with black Bomber Dogs (they look like supercharged Converse Hi-Tops). On your wrists are multiple spiked leather bands, then you have a leather collar with enormous spikes (they have them at Hot Topic-the spikes must be at least two full inches long!), your dragon-claw ring, a sword pendant, and barbells in your pierced parts except for the spike gages in your ears. You top this off with white base makeup (the chalk-white Goth stuff), heavy black eyeliner, smoky eyeshadow, and glossy cherry-red lips. BTW, your hair is black now with fire-red at the lower part. Your nails are black on your left hand and blood red on the right.
The first people to arrive are not famous. In fact, they are Kiana's friends and family, and she greets them warmly. A middle-aged black woman walks in holding a small three-year-old boy in her arms. Kiana takes the child, and you immediately notice a marked similarity between her and the boy.
(you)-Who's this, Kiana?
(Kiana)-Oh, hey *____*! This is my auntie Shenequa and my son, Anthony. Say hi, Anthony!
(Anthony)-Hi.
(Kiana)-*places child on floor* Go play, Anthony.
(Joel)-Who's that?
(Kiana)-I didn't see you, Tiger. That's my son.
(Joel)-Your...son?
(Kiana)-It's a long, sad story, baby.
(Joel)-Oh, okay...
Suddenly, you spot a semi-familiar face in Kiana's posse: He is tall and light-complected (by African-American standards), with medium-brown, cornrowed hair. It is not until he removes his shades that you recognise him.
(Jamaal)-Hey, Scratch! Wassup, brotha?
(Scratch)-Not much, Jamma.
(you)-Jamaal, you know this cat?
(Jamaal)-Hell yeah, *_____*! This here's my cuz', Shawn. He taught me everything I know about mixing!
(Scratch)-'Sup?
(you)-Aren't you from the Tiger Den club?
(Scratch)-Yeah, I'm the DJ. How do you know me?
(Joel)-She was at the Tiger Den with me and my brother when I met Kiana.
(Kiana)-You remember White Tiger, right, Scratch?
(Scratch)-Oh yeah, now I remember you, White Tiger! You were the one that sent Afrikan Lion home! Y'know, there's been a few people been wantin' to challenge you, Tiger-you certainly have made yourself a rep back at da club. You ought to come back and defend your title!
(Joel)-Maybe I will sometime.
(Scratch)-So you datin' Kiki?
(Joel)-Kiki?
(Scratch)-That's Kiana's nickname. So are you?
(Joel)-Yeah! I helped produce her album. Do you have it?
(Scratch)-Do I HAVE it? You must be crazy-I got it the first day it came out! I get a lot of requests for "Tiger" back at the den-it's like the house favorite, for obvious reasons.
YOu, at this point, tune out and wander elsewhere. By noon, it is shocking how many people actually showed up! When MEST shows up, you hav an interesting encounter with Tony.
(Tony)-Whoa, what's YOUR name, sexy?
(you)-Not available.
(Tony)-Ooh, a fiesty chick! Name's Tony. Tony Lovato.
(you)-I know who you are.
(Tony)-Well, now that you know me, I'd like to know your name.
(you)-*_____*.
(Tony)-*_____*, huh? You single? 'Cause I am...
(you)-Nope.
(Tony)-Who's your man?
(you)-Benji.
(Benji)-Tony, what the hell are you doing?
(Tony)-Hey, there's no way I'd miss my buddy's house party! How ya been, Vicious? *punches Benji playfully*
(Benji)-Hella better than before. What's up? *punches Tony back*
(Tony)-Not much, not much. *peeks at you* Dude, I shouldn't say this, but your girlfriend is smokin' HOT!
(Benji and you)-Thanks.
(Tony)-*raises an eyebrow* That...was odd. Anyway, how'd you two hook up, Vicious?
(Benji)-Strange story. Snowy day in New York.
(Tony)-*mischievous smile* Drunken night?
(Benji)-Hell no-it's even weirder than that, trust me. You then begin to wander the grounds aimlessly, not really going toward anything in particular. In the process, you meet a good assortment of various musicians, most of which because they hit on you. This includes Jordan Pundik (lead singer of NFG), David Desrosiers (Simple Plan bassist-you never met him but almost did back in #8, so you've never seen eachother face-to-face), Pierre Bouvier (lead singer of Simple Plan-it is not long before he recognizes you from in New York {see chapter 8}), Ryan Key (singer/guitarist of Yellowcard), and Ryan Phillips (guitarist for Story of the Year). A very drunk Shaggy 2 Dope (Insane Clown Posse) grabs your ass as you pass by, then you get tossed around by a playful Mark Hoppus and Tom De Longe (blink-182 bassist {Mark} and singer/guitarist {Tom}, although Mark used to do a lot of the songs too-I personally prefer his voice), who you partied with (not in that way you perv!) backstage after one of their concerts a few years ago.
When you enter the room with the pool, the first person you see is Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day (again lattEfreaK's request), who is shirtless (yummy!) and making a bet with Tim Armstrong of Rancid (heehee same last name!). You are somehow dragged into it by Billie.
(Billie)-Hey, girl! What's your name?
(you)-*____*. You're Billie Joe from Green Day.
(Billie)-You know your stuff. Listen, who would you think could cannonball better, me or Tim here?
Like, who would you bet money on if you had to?
(you)-Um...probably you, Billie.
(Billie)-See? SHE agrees with me!
(Tim)-Why don't you prove it? Kid (referring to you) why don't you be the judge?
(you)-*shrug* Why not?
Suddenly, Billie Joe hurries over to the diving board (shirtless but with his pants and shoes still on) and makes a complete scene.
(Billie)-I'll show you, Tim! You'll be drownin' in my wave!
Just then, Billie runs, jumps off the board, curls into the signature cannonball position, and lands in the water with a tremendous SPLASH! all while yelling spiritedly (sounding a little like a banshee in the process but it was funny). When he emerges on the surface, his hair-once in chunky black spikes-is now not quite so defined but still looks hot. His eyeliner is smeared but that's okay.
(Billie)-Ha! Top THAT, Tim!
(Tim)-Fine then, I will!
When Tim mounts the diving board, he is far more of a show-off than even Billie, daring to jump and flip before hitting the surface. His splash is almost as high as Billie's but not quite. Tim surfaces, being sure to grab his favorite derby hat in the process (yes he jumped in the water with that thing on!). When he swims over to the side, you know what he's thinking.
(you)-It was close, but I think Billie Joe wins this one.
(Billie)-YEAH! What now, Tim? In your FACE!
(Tim)-Oh, that's only because she favored you!
(you)-Nope, I'm afraid his was better. Sorry, Tim.
As you walk off, you look behind you and see Billie still cracking up. Tim takes another look at him, and tries to push him in the water but Billie takes Tim down with him.
Outside, you decide to check out who's performing on one of the stages-it's Sum 41, two songs from wrapping up their set. On the other two stages are Slipknot and Linkin Park. Near this stage, you look around to see who's there, and out of the corner of your eye you see a mysterious guy. His hair is short and black, eyes heavily outlined in jet, and his muscular arms are extensively tattooed. He seems to be jotting something down, but you notice that he'll occasionally look up at you. Whenever you try to look back, though, he diverts his attention. Thus, you decide to go talk to him instead of the other way around-you're taken but that doesn't mean you can't talk to him on a mutual level. When you get closer, he peers up with jade green eyes...and you realize it is M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold (lead singer). He, surprisingly, is the first to speak (he has such a sexy voice!).
(Shadows)-Can I help you?
(you)-Uh...well, you're M. Shadows, right?
(Shadows)-Yeah, I know my name. Why don't you tell me yours?
(you)-*____*.
(Shadows)-Cool name. Why'd you come over here? You a fan?
(you)-*blush* Well, actually I am...but I had come over here because I thought you were checking me out, but you seemed kind of shy.
(Shadows)-Aren't you observant! Never really had a girl approach me before. Yeah, I was checking you out, I admit it.
(you)-But why were you shy?
(Shadows)-I don't know, really...I mean, I have had bad experiences with hitting on the wrong girls. Did I make a good choice this time or are you taken?
(you)-Oh...well, this is awkward because...I am taken.
(Shadows)-Well then that raises the question again: Why'd you come here if you were taken?
(you)-Um...I have always wanted to meet you, so I took the opportunity...and there's no reason we can't just talk.
(Shadows)-True, true.
(you)-*sitting down next to him* So why were you interested in me? Most people usually ignore me.
(Shadows)-Hell, you seemed pretty interesting, and still do. I mean, you're this fuckin' hot Goth chick wandering around here with a bunch of punk-rockers. Even with the two groups blending together, you seem like you came from the true Goth end of the spectrum.
(you)-Oh...no, I'm sort of Goth and mostly punk. I just decided to go like this for today. I live with the Good Charlotte guys.
(Shadows)-*raises an eyebrow* Really? How'd that happen?
(you)-Long story, and a rather peculiar one at that.
(Shadows)-Hey, makes life fucking interesting! I suppose you're dating one of the GC guys, too.
(you)-Yep. Benji.
(Shadows)-Shit, you guys are meant for eachother! I can see why he'd like you!
From the stage, you hear Zacky Vengeance, the backup guitarist for Avenged Sevenfold, call Shadows. You didn't realize how quickly Sum 41 had finished.
(Zacky)-Hey, Shadows! We're all waitin' for you, buddy!
(Shadows)-Be there in a second! *to you* Cool talkin' with you, we can catch up after the set.
You see him hop quickly to the stage, grab the mike, and start revving up the crowd. Once he's done with that, the band breaks out their song "Chapter Four" to start (god I love that song-it's really creepy!). You love the chorus: I've come here to kill you/won't leave until you've died/Murder born of vengeance/I closed my brother's eyes tonight (it sounds really awesome when he sings it!). Shadows still can't seem to keep his eyes off of you during the set, but quickly averts his gaze when he spots Benji, who comes up behind you and steals a kiss.
(Benji)-Enjoying yourself, *_____*?
(you)-Yep, I'm lovin' it. How about yourself?
(Benji)-Can't complain. Tom, Mark, Tony, and I have been throwing random friends in the pool for the hell of it. Chuck, the drummer for Simple Plan, got SO pissed off when he got tossed! God, that was so fuckin' funny!
(you)-Why didn't you tell me? I wanna throw people in the water too!
(Benji)-Hmm...maybe you can help us toss in David...or maybe Deryck.
(you)-Anything else happen?
(Benji)Yeah! Chris and David were trying to find out who was the funniest dancer, and they both wound up doing a fucking tango! Um...Corey Taylor-number Eight in Slipknot-is fucking wasted and is offering people a look at him behind his mask in exchange for blowjobs but so far has found no takers. Oh, and I wanna ask you something...
(you)-What's that?
(Benji)-Stevo-32 asked me about you. How do you know Steve?
(you)-I met him backstage the second night in New York. He wanted to go out with me but I had my heart set on you.
(Benji)-Oh, I get it now.
Suddenly, you hear a familiar voice behind you, and quickly realize it is that of Shadows (once again).
(Shadows)-Aren't you two the cute couple!
(you)-You're back quickly, Shadows.
(Shadows)-Nope, it's been a half-hour already.
(Benji)-And how did you two meet?
(you)-Uh...
(Shadows)-We just got to talking before my band's set, and became quick friends. Hey, are you guys planning on getting married anytime soon?
(Benji)-Um...not just yet...
Out of nowhere, Dave King (singer/guitarist of Flogging Molly-fucking awesome band!) joins the conversation after pounding a few too many beers. He still seems to have a grip on what is actually coming out of his mouth, though.
(Dave)-*slurred* Madden, what the fuck're ye waitin' for? Why don't yeh give yeh'r lady a claddagh?
(Benji)-A...claddagh? What's that?
(Dave)-Oh, don't tell meh yeh don' know what a claddagh is, Madden! Step aside wit' me, mate! A claddagh...*gestures single-handedly* is a wee lit'le ring with two 'ands...holdin' a heart 'twixt 'em. I can't believe you didn't know tha', Madden. An' you call yeh'self an Eire...
(Benji)-Hey, just because I didn't know that doesn't mean I'm not Irish!
(Dave)-'Ey, 'ey, I'm jus' pullin' yeh chain. 'ere...I have one yeh can give to 'er...*pulls a claddagh out of his pocket* Ah! 'ere we go! *hands it to Benji* Put it on 'er right finger upside-down so yeh know she's taken but not engaged.
(Benji)-Thanks, Dave.
(Dave)-Eh, don't mention it, matey! *walks off singing Sweet Roisin Dubh*
Meanwhile, you and M. Shadows have been back to chattering. He's been entertaining you with one story from when he and his band were on the road (taken from an actual account {May 16, 2004 in the Tour Diary} on the A7x website).
(Shadows)-...so then, Jason and I are standing there in disbelief, and this guy comes in and looks up up and down, fully aroused. I mean, this dude is walking around the men's locker room, butt-naked with a fucking boner! At that moment, Zacky, Jason, and I just packed up our stuff and got the fuck outta there!
(Johnny Christ, bassist of A7x)-Shadows, the guys need to talk to you.
(Shadows)-Alright. *____*, I'll be right back.
(you)-'Kay.
You then decide to wander inside, where everything has become a madhouse. Tom De Longe, Mark Hoppus, and Longineu Parsons (drummer of Yellowcard-I don't know how to say his name either!) are performing a strip show for a group of adoring ladies (Mark is even in his little pink thong!). All three are covered in a combination of whipped cream, squeeze cheese, and silly string (no this has no basis in ANY of my sexual fantasies even as I definitely have the potential to come up with something that twisted as a turn-on! No, just...don't ask where I came up with that-for your own good don't ask!) and plan to jump naked into the pool. You are most intrigued but feel slightly guilty and look elsewhere.
You know who the Casualties are and knew they were here, but you do not expect to be dragged into their circle. You are completely caught off-guard as Jorge (lead singer) and Rick (bassist) grab you and pull you in along with a few other hapless passersby. All four guys are beyond hammered-Jake even forgot to take off his goddamn Flying V guitar (I'm not dissing the guitar in any way). The foursome raise their drinks and chant-obnoxiously loudly-the song Tomorrow Belongs to Us (Jorge leading, of course-and he's the one who dragged you in so you're right next to him while he's shouting with the others). Jake even hits a few notes on his guitar as accompaniment (somehow he manages to play it right). When you finally escape, you feel semi-drunk simply from the guys' alcohol-drenched breath XP (eew!). In one corner, you spot Tim Pagnotta (singer/guitarist of Sugarcult) making out with...Tara Reid? How the fuck did she get here? Eh, who the fuck cares?
Nearby, there is a rap battle going on between Mike Shinoda, Slug (rap master of Atmosphere), Ludacris, and Violent J (Insane CLown Posse). J-Kwon, Eminem, Shaggy 2 Dope, Ant (Atmosphere's DJ), Zero (aka Sid Wilson-DJ of Slipknot), and Joseph Hahn are taking bets on who'll win. David Desrosiers, more than a little tipsy at this point, is making out with anyone he can get his hands on, even if it is another guy...for the enjoyment of a small all-female audience.
Jamaal and Amy Lee are making great conversation on the couch-you would never have expected such different people to have such incredible chemistry. Elsewhere, Kiana and Joel are in an interview with Alternative Press magazine.
By the pool, A soaked and shirtless Tony Lovato is 'pants-ing' any unlucky guys he happens to meet. You get in there just in time to see him take the swim shorts off of Billie Joe Armstrong...while he's getting ready to jump off the diving board! Actually, Tony pulls them off just in time-Billie hits the water with nothing on and does not realize it until after he surfaces, only to see Tony waving them above like a flag.
(Tony)-Missing something, Billie Joe?
(Billie)-Lovato, you suck hard! Gimme my damn shorts!
(Tony)-You have to get them from me!
(Billie)-No, I'm not getting out of here butt-naked! I'm a married dude!
(Tony)-There's a difference between seeing and doing! She'll understand!
(Billie)-Tony, just give 'em back to me!
(Tony)-No! HAHA! (isn't Tony evil? He needs a taste of his own medicine >:D )
Just then you see him running over to the just-changed Benji and moving in for the strike. You try to stop the blond-haired prankster but it's too late: Tony yanks off Benji's shorts and shows his family jewels to everyone!
(girl catcaller)-Hey baby, can I suck you off?
(Benji)-Nope, I got my girlfriend to do that! *you roll your eyes*
When Tony tries to get away, you grab and hold him so he can't (let's just say you're that strong!). Thus, Benji pulls his own pants back up and turns the same prank on Tony. Quickly, Tony's pale cheeks flush bright pink as he scrambles to cover himself. This event falls prior to the puckish blond initiating a wrestling match that gets them both tumbled into the water. You then toss Billie Joe his swim shorts and make your way elsewhere.
Late in the night, around 8 pm, you are exhausted from moshing, dancing, and just having fun, but you are kept going by caffeinated sodas and pure adrenaline. You grab a shot of Grasshopper (I think it has a mint-chocolate flavor) and retreat to a dark part of the back yard. As you take a sip, you are once again found by your friend M. Shadows (how DOES he keep finding you? maybe he can smell you, like a vampire. Ooh, that would be hot, M. Shadows as a vampire-there's something sexy about vampirism but I don't know what it is).
(Shadows)-Well, hey *____*. Long time, no see. What's up?
(you)-I don't know, I'm a little ragged, but I'll survive. How about yourself?
(Shadows)-*gazing skyward* Pretty cool. *musing softly* Man, I love the night...the starlight, the darkness...*averts eyes downward; voice gets real soft* the romance... (yeah I made Shadows a sort of quixotic character-I always think there's something romantic about Goths and punks).
You are intrigued by these last two words, so you stop to think about that, and look at him oddly-only to find him looking back. Suddenly, he gives you one swift kiss on the lips-no tongue, just a kiss. Hell, you think he's pretty good.
(you)-What was that all about?
(Shadows)-Please promise you won't tell Benji. I don't know what I was thinking...but...I'm totally infatuated. I never know quite what to do with myself sometimes. I mean, I really think we'd be a good couple, y'know, since we seem to get along so well...
You stop to think about that, then stop yourself-yeah, Shadows is a sweetie (hey never forget that it's my story I made this up how I want it!) but your heart belongs to someone else.
(Shadows)-But, of course...I know you love Benji. Don't let him go, okay?
(you)-Yeah. By the way, where is he?
(Shadows)-Y'know, I have no clue...
You walk off (Shadows in tow-he just decided to trail you), and look at the table where Benji is sitting...only to see the same drunken female catcaller from before making out with him. You drop your drink and run off down the street (you're outside). Benji tries to call after you but you ignore him or don't hear him. You run all the way down the street to the park, sobbing your eyes out. You walk over to the fountain in the middle of the park and gaze at the beautiful, lounging statue of a mermaid, the water flowing from under her giant seashell perch. You stretch out and sit on the side, gazing into the surface of the small pool and lazily, maybe absent-mindedly, running your fingertips through the clear, cool liquid to ripple it. You are there for about five or ten minutes before you hear a voice calling you from afar. It is Shadows (aww isn't that sweet he was worried about you!) and Benji seems to be following him.
(Shadows)-*____*!
(you)-What is it, Shadows?
(Shadows)-Why are you here?
(you)-You saw what happened back there...
(Shadows)-Exactly, because you didn't.
(you)-Huh?
(Shadows)-Benji wasn't making out with that chick-she forced it on him. *you look skeptical*
(Benji)-Oh, *____*, I was so worried about you! Listen, you have to believe me!
(you)-Prove to me that I should trust you.
(Benji)-*gets on both knees* Please...don't do this to me, *____*, I love you with all my heart. I would never leave you for some skanky girl! You mean everything to me...I don't know what I'd do without you! As proof of my love...*takes out the claddagh that Dave gave him earlier* I want you to take this *slides it on your right ring finger* as a symbol of my fidelity, and as a promise ring-that we shall never cheat on another ever, and my promise that we will someday be engaged.
You cannot contain yourself-tears of both joy and sadness pour from your eyes. Benji quickly rises to hug you gently...and he starts to cry with you. Even the bystanding M. Shadows sheds a tear (thereby smearing his eyeliner), and looks on with both happiness and green-eyed (both literal and figurative) envy. You kiss Benji as he picks you up bride-style to take you home. Shadows tags along because he doesn't know his own way around (he's from California).
Wow, that one was loaded with a lot!
Yeah, REALLY FUCKING LONG! I really wanted to get this one out of the way because of it's extensive length and it's wide spectrum of emotions and events. Anyway hope it wasn't too long and you got a lot of people you might have liked. I had a hard time choosing a picture for this result.