CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"if you wanna be my little baby
you can meet me in the pale moonlight..."

☆☆☆

"This is why I never practise scenes with you!" I said in between laughing. "I'm sorry!" Kassidy said while trying to catch her breath. "The man doesn't even have a Russian accent, Kass!" "You don't know that!" she said as we laughed. "He's the male protagonist! Of course you know it!" "I think it suits him." she said and I laughed even harder. "That's it. I'm asking for help from Izzy next time." I said and she gave me an evil smirk. "I think you two should practise the scene on page eight.". I raised an eyebrow at her and turned to that page where I saw that the role I was planning on auditioning for and the male protagonist kiss. I laughed and threw a pillow at her face.

Just then, we heard the door click and Axl came inside. "Hey there, trouble makers." he said and we smiled "Hi, Axl." we said in unision. "I'm here too!" Izzy said and rushed inside. "Hi, Izzy." we said in unision. Izzy made his way over the couch and sat next to me. He put his arm around my shoulders and grabbed the script out of my hands. "Hey!" I complained and he looked at me "New audition?" "Yes, sir." I said and he started reading it. "I'm so-" Axl started but I cut him off by saying "There are waffles on the kitchen counter.". He smiled and went inside the kitchen. "Leave some for Izzy tho!" I yelled. "Fiiine..." He yelled back and I smiled.

"Hey, Juliette. Wanna practise page eight?" he said and wiggled his eyebrows. Kassidy & I laughed and I said "In your dreams." "We're doing other stuff there." he flirtatiously said. "Gross!" "Reading the bible I meant! You dirty, dirty girl." he said and we laughed even harder. "So... Wanna do it?" he said and pushed his lips out jokingly. What both of them did not expect tho was that I grabbed his face and kissed him.

When I broke the kiss, Izzy looked at me shocked. "I think you're going to nail that scene." he softly said and I winked at him. "Juliette! I can't find the fucking cyrup!" "Hold on, I'm coming!" I said and got up. Izzy got closer to Kassidy and said "Are there any sex scenes?" jokingly. Kassidy and I both laughed and Izzy winked at me.

I got in the kitchen and opened the fridge. "You are seriously so blind." I said and handed him the cyrup bottle. "Thanks." he said and grabbed his plate.

We went back into the living room where Kassidy was but Izzy was nowhere to be found.

Again with the disappearing...

"Where's Izzy?" I asked to which Kassidy answered "Balcony. He's smoking." "Oh food can wait I want to smoke too." Axl said and went out on the balcony.

"So... Are we gonna talk about it?" Kassidy said and looked at me with a huge grin. "Talk about what?" I asked and she rolled her eyes. "The fact that you just straight up kissed Izzy, the guy you fancy." she said "A lady never kisses and tells, Kassidy." I joked and she rolled her eyes at me. "It was very unexpected! You kissed him!" she said in disbelief. "What happens now?" she asked and smiled "Nothing, it was just a kiss." "Just a kiss?" she asked and shook her head. "I can't believe you just kissed him. I mean, you kissed kissed him and boy was he into it." she murmured as I sat down next to her. "Waffle time!" Axl said as they both came inside. Izzy and I made eye contact.

Oh how I want to kiss him again...

He disappeared into the kitchen and then came in the living room with his plate in hand. He sat next to me and I looked at him. "Do you really have to eat on the couch? There's a damn table over there!" I said and chuckled. "He wants to be close to you, Juliette." Axl said and I blushed. Izzy shot him a death glare and then said "I'm sorry, I'll go eat at the table." "No, it's okay. Eat here if it makes you more comfortable, I guess." I said and gave him a small smile. "Unbelievable. She doesn't even let me eat at the couch!" Kassidy said. "Oh that's bullshit and we both know it." "Is it really, Jaws?" Kass said and gave me a challenging look. "Yes it is." I argued back and squinted my eyes at her.

"Anyway... We have a show tonight and it'd be cool if you guys came along." Axl said and Kassidy excitedly replied "We'll totally be there!" "I bet you'll be there. I'm afraid that she won't." Axl said and pointed at me. "Oh, you're being unfair right now. Yes, crowded places are not my thing but I love seeing you all perform." I said "Can you blame me? You're the one who always whines about it!" Axl replied and my mouth hung open. "I do not!" I said and looked at everyone who was staring at me. "Do I really?" I asked and turned to Izzy. He looked at me for a few seconds without saying anything and then went back to eating his waffles. "Oh god, I feel terrible right now!" I said as I got up to grab the book I borrowed it from Izzy and return it. I went into my room and looked around, trying to spot where I left it.

After a few minutes Izzy knocked on the already widely open door. "You okay?" he said as he came in. I gave him a small smile and said "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just looking for the book I borrowed from you a few days ago.". He closed the door and came over at me. He gently took my hands in his and put my arms around his neck. I smiled at the gesture and kissed him.

"What are we gonna do about the fact that you just can't keep your hands to yourself?" he teased and I chuckled. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself!" I dramatically said. "You need to be taught some manners young lady." "Or what? You gonna spank me?" "Maybe." "Then I'll do it again." I said and we laughed.

"Seriously now, we kissed in front of Kassidy." "Well, you were flirting your ass off with me so I decided to take some action." "I was not!" "Really? You're going to deny it?" "Alright fine. Maybe I was." he said and I playfully rolled my eyes at him. "What did she say?" "That's girl stuff." "You're impossible to work with, you know that?" he said and chuckled. "I told her that I just felt like doing it and I did it. She was so shocked because she knows-... it doesn't matter what she knows uhh..." "What does she know Juliette?" Izzy said and raised an eyebrow at me. "Well... Maybe she knows that I used to have a small crush on you." "Used to?" He asked "You got over me?" he asked "We're friends with benefits, Izzy."

~

It was now Friday evening and Kassidy & I were waiting outside for the boys. We were dressed up and looked totally hot, like always,

We are two fine bitches.

so a lot of men that passed catcalled us.

"Men." I said and pretended to gag, making Kassidy laugh. "Totally agree with you girls." Duff joked in a girly voice and we both laughed. "They are such pigs!" he continued. "Amen, sister." Izzy joked and we laughed again.

"Alright, you can make fun of us but you have no idea how unattractive or annoying cat calling is." Kassidy said and I nodded in agreement. "Do men really expect us to be flattered when the whistle?" Kassidy said. "Hey baby, you'd look so much prettier if you smiled." I said in a manly voice. "That bitch got an ass to die for!" Kassidy continued in a manly voice. "Look at her tits, man!" I said and we both laughed as the boys looked down in embarrassment "And yes, in case you were wondering, we are making fun of you." I said and gave them a fake smile.

Then, the rest of the boys came down and looked at Izzy and Duff. "I suppose this is their doing." Axl said, referring to the fact that the boy looked totally embarrassed. "And we're pretty damn proud of it, not gonna lie." Kassidy said and smiled. "Are you ready to go?" I asked and the boys said yes. "Well, there is one thing, we don't all actually fit in the car." "No problem, I'll ride my motorcycle and Juliette will come with me." Izzy said. "Jeez, thanks for the free will." I said and playfully rolled my eyes. "If you don't wanna come, fine by me." he said. "If you don't wanna go, I can take my motorcycle too-" Slash started but I shook my head. "No, that won't be necessary." I said and Izzy smirked. "And we're taking my motorcycle too." Duff said and Axl nodded. "Then it's settled." "I'm gonna go grab my helmet. We'll meet you guys there." Izzy said.

After a few minutes of waiting, Izzy appeared and placed his free arm on my lower back.

We walked to the place where he had previously parked his motorcycle. "Are you ready to go?" "Yep!" I said and smiled at him. He handed me his helmet and I looked at him in confusion. "What are you gonna wear?" I asked worried. "Don't worry, babe. I'll be fine." "What you're doing is dangerous, Stradlin." "Don't you think I'm a good driver?" Izzy said and gave me a challenging look. "Of course not, I think you're a terrific driver but I don't trust L.A." I said.

I swear, if anything happens to him-

He put his hand on my cheek and pecked my lips. He helped me put the helmet on and I just stared at him, admiring his beautiful features. "What?" Izzy asked as he raised his eyebrow at me. "Nothing. You're cute." I said and grinned at him. He rolled his eyes and slightly smiled. "Hop on doll." Izzy said and I did as he told me while he stared at me intensely.

"Uhh, Izzy?" I said, trying to get his attention but he kept on staring at me with the same weird expression. "Izzy!" I said, louder this time. "Yeah?" he said, finally snapping out of his thoughts. "Sorry to disturb your thoughts but we sort of have to go, y'know." I said and Izzy nodded. "Uh, yeah, I'm sorry." he awkwardly said and hoped on the motorcycle in front of me.

Where the fuck is your mind at, Stradlin?

~

We finally reached the club where the rest of the guys and Kassidy were waiting.

"Finally." Axl said as he handed Izzy his guitar and amp. "Let me help you with that." I said and took the amplifier off of his hands. "You don't have to do that," "I wanna help." I said and he nodded. "Thank you." he said and smiled at me.

"Shit, I think I forgot my lighter." Izzy said and I shook my head. "It's in my bag, let me get it for you." I said and reached into my bag, moving around until I found it and took it out.

I lit the cigarette that was between his lips and heard a very familiar sound while doing that. It was the sound my camera made whenever it snapped a picture.

I immediately looked at Kassidy, knowing damn well she probably took my camera without asking again.

She flashed me a smile but I shot her a death glare back. "I forgot to mention that I borrowed your camera!" she said and I rolled my eyes. "Asking would be nice!" I said and she shrugged her shoulders. "You'd let me borrow it anyway so why bother?" she said and I shook my head. "Can you believe her?" I asked Izzy who smiled in response.

We got inside the club and went backstage where the boys would be practicing and tuning their instruments before the show.

"Look." Kassidy excitedly said as she shoved the Polaroid she had taken in my face. I was reading to complain until I looked at the Polaroid and realised it was a picture of Izzy and I. A picture of me lighting his cigarette.

"See? It's good." she said with a huge smile on her face and I nodded. "It's actually a pretty nice picture." I said. "I knew you'd like it!" she said and I chuckled. "I'd still appreciate if you asked next time, Kassidy." "Fine." she gave in.

I then felt breathing coming from behind me and jumped in shock. "Jesus, Stradlin, stop doing that!" I said, putting my hand on my heart and taking deep breaths. "Let me see the picture, I know I'm in it." he said and I handed him it.

"How the fuck did you know it's a picture of us?" I said and he smirked. "I saw Kassidy snapping the picture." "And you didn't say anything? I could have looked better." I said and he rolled his eyes. "You look fine, Juliette." "Yeah but I could have looked better, my hair is a mess!" I said and he shook his head as he put his arm around my shoulders and leaded us to the drinks.

The moment where they'd have to go in stage eventually came and Kassidy and I looked at them proudly.
The moment they appeared on stage the crowd in the club cheered. "How's everybody doin' tonight?" Axl's voice echoed through all parts of the club.

~

They got off the stage and I smiled at them. "You guys kicked ass!" I said and Kassidy excitedly nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Juliette!" Steven said his cute, big, bright smile. "Tonight's show went great, don't you think?" he asked and sat on the couch with a beer in hand. "Totally! Even better than last time!" I said and his smile got even bigger. "Where are the others?" I asked and he smirked "I believe you mean where's Izzy." he said and I playfully rolled my eyes. "No, I mean where are the others. Including Izzy." I explained. "Axl and Slash went for drinks. I suppose Duff is with Kassidy and Izzy disappeared somewhere, I have no idea where he went!" he said and we both chuckled "Classic Stradlin move."

"I can't find Duff, it's like he disappeared." Kassidy said as she came and sat down on the couch with us. "You could say he pulled a Stradlin." I said and we laughed. "From now on, whenever someone dissapears unexpectedly, I'm using the term 'Pulled a Stradlin'." I said and we laughed again. "It makes sense actually!" Kassidy said. "Don't wanna ruin the new joke but there's Duff with Izzy and Axl." Steven said and pointed at a table. "Uhh, that's not Axl." I said and looked at Kassidy. It was some chick and from her body language you could tell she was flirting with Duff.

"That's not Axl?" Steven said and Kassidy shook her head. "I think I've already had too many drinks." Steven said and I laughed but stopped once I realised how annoyed Kassidy looked.

"Steven, honey, can you give us a minute?" I said and he nodded. He walked over to the booth and immediately got Izzy's attention as they started talking.

"Look at him!" Kassidy angrily said "The nerve!" she continued. "Look, I get that you're upset because she's flirting but Duff is not doing anything." "Well, yeah he isn't flirting back but he's not exactly ignoring her either." she said, pouted her bottom lip and took a sip from her drink. "He's just trying to be nice, Kass. Besides, if it bothers you that much, go over there and claim your man!" "What? No way! I'm not some possessive girlfriend! In fact, I'm not even his girlfriend." she said "He still hasn't asked you to officially become his girlfriend?" "No and it's killing me!" she said and hugged me. I was surprised at first but I eventually hugged her back. "Talk to him about it, honey. Men are clueless." "You're telling me..." she said and we chuckled a bit. "Let's go to the booth. You'll talk to him and I'll ask Steven if he can take care of the chick. I bet he'll be more than happy to help." I said and we laughed.

"Hey, boys. Hate to interrupt but Steven we desperately need your help." I said as Kassidy nervously sat next to Duff. "Sure, what is it?" he said. "I need you to flirt with that chick." "The one that's talking to Duff?" "Yes." "Am I allowed to bang her?" "I suppose you can, if you wish." "Alright!" he said as a cheeky smirk appeared on his face.

He got up and talked to the chick, immediately charming her with his ways.

"Why did you ask Steven to flirt with her instead of me?" Izzy asked in amusement. "Want me all to yourself, huh?" he continued and I rolled my eyes. "Please, Steven has a much more bigger shot at getting with her than your ugly-ass face." I joked and he shook his head, taking a sip from his drink as I stared at him.

That was truly one of the biggest lies I had told in my whole life. Izzy was the most attractive man I'd ever seen. Every single detail on that man drove me crazy. One single look and he made my knees feel so weak. One single smile and he made butterflies explode around my stomach. Not only that, one of his smiles could make my week. Especially if I was lucky enough to cause it.

Every single time he entered a room I felt like an overly excited puppy that saw it's owner after they came back from a quick trip to the grocery store.

But surely, that's how friends make eachother feel. Right?

Okay, maybe whenever I was with the other guys I didn't behave like an infatuated teenager but that didn't mean I developed feelings for him.

Right?!

On the other hand, I wasn't Friends With Benefits with the rest of the guys so that's why I viewed Izzy so differently.

Right?!?

"You're so mean." Izzy said and pouted his bottom lip.

Not crashing my lips into his took a lot of will power.

"I think I'd rather stick with my version tho," he said as he put his arm around my shoulders "you just can't stand the idea of sharing me." he continued and I rolled my eyes. He looked deeply into my eyes and then my lips. "Stop that." "I'm not doing anything." he lied.

He knew exactly what he was doing and he was good at it.

"You look so sexy tonight" Izzy whispered in my ear and I took a deep shaky breath.

I'd like an award for my self-control, please.

"You think?" I asked as I turned my head to the side so I could actually face him. "Of course I do." he said and he put a single strand of my hair behind my ear. "Prove it, drop your pants." I teased, our faces so close, I could feel his hot breath.

I officially demand a self-control award.

"Woah, get a room you two." Axl said as he sat down next to us. "We brought drinks." Slash said. "Oh dear, give me one." I said and Axl handed me a cup that I drank in one sip without even asking what was in there.

Izzy and I locked eyes again and he smirked. He