Mega Man Fan Fiction ❯ Surrender ❯ Ch 5 Part 1: Executive Privilege FTW ( Chapter 9 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: ImpatientSnake 
Enter the welcome party! Chapter rated Teen + for language, alcohol use, shounen-ai, etc.
Non Anime: Mega Man Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Adventure / Action / Shounen / Angst | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 06.02.2008 | Updated On: 06.02.2008 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 312 | Status: Work In Progress
Enter the welcome party! Chapter rated Teen + for language, alcohol use, shounen-ai, etc.
Non Anime: Mega Man Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Adventure / Action / Shounen / Angst | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 06.02.2008 | Updated On: 06.02.2008 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 312 | Status: Work In Progress
MMX Fan fiction. Beta Copy. 6.1.08 Ch5. Part 1
ImpatientSnake: Okay this one is EXTREMELY late! Sorry but real life is getting in the way and this was the only time I had to write in about a week. None the less enjoy the story! By the way…Executive privilege FTW! (You’ll get after some reading!)
PS: Don’t forget about the forum and poll on my author page. I’ll answer any and all questions and I constantly check the poll.
Chapter Rating: Teen+. For swearing, “ideologically sensitive” situations, shounen-ai, crude humor, and the use of alcoholic beverages.
Disclaimer: Megaman X, etc. owned by Capcom.
Summary of Last Installment: It’s time for the “Welcome back” party! ^_^
(X’s thoughts)
((Zero’s thoughts))
(((Lifesaver’s thoughts)))
(Douglas’s thoughts)
(Alia’s thoughts)
/ Doctor’s thoughts/
“Dialogue”
“Other random persons”
Lyrics to song
# Author’s Note (See bottom comments section for link)
Flash Backs/Dreams/Day Dreams
000 Divider
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X smiled across the elevator at his nonchalant partner. He knew that the S class hunter hated going to the various parties that the Hunter Base staff threw--as the blond found them noisy and annoying--so this was a treat. But one thing about his friend caught his eye.
“Hey Z…”
The blue-eyed hunter turned to face the smaller hunter as he saw a question in X’s eyes.
“Yeah?”
His brown-haired partner strode over to him, standing inches away from his friend, the B class hunter ran his fingers through the golden blonde hair.
“…how did you get your hair dry this quick?” his voice trailed off as the taller youth became unnerved by their close proximity.
“I… uh… you know the window in your room, the one that gets a lot of air traffic from the HQ heliport?” Zero managed to say as his face grew a deep crimson.
“Hmm… yeah! I remember that we had to sound proof that side of the apartment after we moved in.”
The tall blonde smiled awkwardly as he looked down and began to twiddle with his thumbs.
“Well… I tried towel drying it but I soaked about three towels, I short circuited the ventilation fan trying to dry it that way, so…”
“…You stuck your head out of the window?” X giggled as he completed Zero’s sentence.
The taller hunter’s nervous smiled widened as the elevator came to a stop and the silver doors slid open.
“Looks like we’re here.” Zero announced awkwardly as he tried to regain his usual composure. The smaller youth excitedly grabbed his relocating partner by the arm as they exited the sliding doors.
“Come on Z! You’ve got to try this chocolate cake that Alia made! If you though that the orange juice was good you’ll love this!” X chimed happily as he drug the taller hunter across the crowded room by the arm.
“H-hey! Slow down X! It’s not like the cake’s going anywhere!” Zero called after him as he almost collided with one of the new rookie hunters.
“Is that really the legendary Commander Zero? He doesn’t seem as fierce as everyone says he is.” One of the rookies said to the small group of hunters that was gathered around him.
“You’d better watch what you say. I heard that he knocked out an A class hunter just for looking at ’em the wrong way!” A more experienced hunter in the group warned the cocky novice.
“Heh, yeah right. I’d bet that now he’s human he couldn’t even put a scratch in my armor!”
Another rookie boasted as the S class commander--who was still being dragged about like a rag-doll-- caught wind of the conversation. His brow furrowed with annoyance, Zero tried to turn back to reprimand the haughty fool.
“Let it go Z,” X sighed as he began to walk backwards, still dragging his irritated partner behind him “you can always get him back in training.” The green-eyed commander said with a mischievous wink.
“Heh, sounds like I’m rubbing off on you X…”
Zero retorted as he smiled softly at his chipper friend as he nodded in agreement. Besides, the S class commander was far to busy enjoying the smaller brunette’s company to put the boasting reploid in his place.
((Fine, I’ll let you win this one X…))
He thought fondly as they approached the small group of Alia, Douglas, Signas, and Lifesaver, who were eagerly waiting for them.
“It’s nice to see that you two are doing so well,” Alia said happily as X finished dragging Zero towards the waiting reploids “we were all so worried about you Zero.”
“Welcome back Zero. You gave us quite a scare.” Lifesaver commented in his usually polite manner.
“Yes, it’s great to see you back and in good health Zero.” Signas added in his deep tenor as he placed a firm hand on the blonde’s shoulder.
“Thanks. But you didn’t have to go through all the trouble of throwing together a party.” Zero said as he smiled and looked over the crowd that was joyously gathered about him.
“Don’t be that way!” Douglas supplemented the conversation, as he came from behind the S class hunter and wrapped his arm around Zero’s neck, “Just enjoy the party. Who knows you may actually have fun for a change!”
The red hunter’s eye twitched slightly as the green reploid aggravated him even more.
“Douglas. Either you get off of me right now or I’ll throw you off…” He said coldly as the reploid inventor pushed him further.
“Come on! Lighten up woul--” his words were cut off as the blonde youth grabbed him by the arm and tossed the object of his annoyance across the room. Douglas landed roughly against the tempered glass of the window on the other side of the large room.
“So didn’t you say something about a cake Alia made X?” The blue-eyed hunter asked his surprised counterpart as though nothing had happened.
(Oww… ))
Douglas picked himself up from the steel floor as he glanced toward the opposite side of the room that he had flown from. None of the party’s guests outside of the small circle of friends he had come from had noticed his air time.
(Oh… I’m going to get you back for this…) The green reploid thought as a devious smile crept across his face.
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“You want me to WHAT?!” Zero practically shouted at Signas from across the small, round table that the party guests now sat at.
“It’ll be fun Z! After all you’re so good at it! You even won last year’s Christmas contest!” X begged his partner; who was seated next to him, as he tugged playfully on the blonde hunter’s arm.
“Every time I come down to one of these parties I always end up getting dragged into doing this!” He glared at the crowd gathered about the table.
“And you wonder why I don’t come down here that often…” He said with a deep sigh.
“I understand if he doesn’t want to do it,” Douglas interrupted from the opposite side of the table, “after all… I am the crowd favorite right now…” He added with a cocky smile.
“Nice try, but I’m still not doing it. You’ll just program it to give me some crappy song again anyway!” The angry blonde sighed as he tried to reign in his temper.
“Hmph! Fine! I’ll just let X choose the song!” Douglas said as he crossed his arms defiantly.
“Ugh… that still doesn’t mean that I’m going to do it…” The S class hunter trailed off as he began to massage the bridge of his nose, trying to chase away some of his aggression.
“Zero…” Signas boomed as he caught the attention of the irritated hunter, “I order you to participate!”
“YOU’RE ORDERING ME TO TAKE PART IN A KARAOKE COMPETITION!?!”
“Yes,” the general reploid smiled mischievously, “and if you don’t you’re fired…”
“WHAT!?! Isn’t that some form of power abuse!?” Zero challenged as he pointed across the table at Signas, his eyes widened in surprise and aggravation.
“Call it an ‘Executive Privilege’…”
Zero sank back into his seat in defeat and looked over towards X.
“You’d better pick something good…”
The green-eyed reploid smiled back nervously as he tried not to laugh at the antics of his friends.
“You’d better go and sign up then, this next act will be over soon.” Douglas teased as the S class hunter headed toward the small karaoke stage that the green reploid inventor had made for the HQ’s various parties.
((I should’ve thrown him out of the window…))
Zero thought as he his way over to the back of the stage where Alia was managing things.
With the blonde hunter gone, the conversation at the table shifted towards X.
“So what song are you going to pick?” Lifesaver asked nonchalantly--his interest in the group’s joke less intense than those of his acquaintances.
“Hmm… I dunno… I’ve never really picked a song for anyone.” he said as he began to ponder what song his partner would like.
“You should make sing one of those really old what where they called? ‘70’s’ songs?” Douglas teased as he grinned at X.
The smaller youth smiled nervously at the reploid inventor.
(He’d never forgive me for something like that… No it has to be something he’d actually like…)
“I’ve got it guys! I’ll be back in a moment!” With that the B class commander took off for the stage after his friend.
“Does anyone even know what kind of music Zero likes?” Signas asked the two reploids with him.
“Who knows.” Douglas added shrugging.
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((Why do I always get dragged into doing this?))
Zero sighed as he came up to the “DJ” booth that Alia was running.
“Hey Zero… Are you going to sing too?”
“Yes… Signas ‘ordered’ me too… X should be over to choose the song in a bit.”
“X? Usually you just go with a random song? Any reason?” The hunter navigator asked with interest.
“It wasn’t my suggestion. But it’s better than having Douglas programming the randomizer to make me sing something from the ‘70’s’.”
The S class commander stated coolly as he stared off into the distance, watching the one of the drunken humans from the accounting department belt out the lyrics to one of the new techno hip-hop songs.
“Well, whatever X picks I’m sure you’ll win.” She added with a friendly smile as the S class commander chuckled at the middle-aged man as he passed out in the middle of the song.
“It looks like I’m next then.” The blonde hunter said as two other humans began to drag the sleeping performer from the stage.
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“Hey Alia…” X whispered into the intercom for her room as he waited outside the hall in the Hunter Base.
The hunter navigator groggily reached for the intercom button by her recovery pod as she responded to the blue hunter’s voice.
“… What is it X?”
‘Can… I come in? I need to talk to someone but… I don’t think that I can talk to Zero about this…”
(Something that you can’t talk to Zero about? That doesn’t sound like you…)
“Sure… just let me open the door…”
Alia groggily turned on the soft, halogen lights and entered in the password for the door. X stood on the other side of the door, a serious--yet unnerved-- look across his fair face.
“Are you okay?” she asked awkwardly, surprised by the unusual mood the normally cheerful hunter exhibited.
“I-I’m fine…” he said unsteadily, his eyes betraying his inner turmoil, “I’m sorry that I woke you up so late.”
“It’s alright X. Come in and have a seat.”
The silver door slid shut noiselessly as the blue hunter passed through and took a seat on the tan leather couch; Alia sat down across from him.
“What did you want to talk about?” She asked with due concern showing.
The green-eyed reploid shifted uncomfortably on the plush sofa as he tried to find the words to explain his situation.
“I… no that’s not right…” the nervous commander fumbled as he stared down at the steel floor.
Alia looked on at the thoroughly embarrassed figure of X as he mentally kicked himself as he stumbled through his sentences.
(If he can’t talk to Zero then maybe…)
“X, does this have something to do with Zero?” She asked with an expression more serious than intended. Causing the blue hunter to blush deeply as his eyes intently focused on her.
“We… we’ve been friends ever since he came to the Hunter Base… but sometimes I…”
He trailed off; staring at the faintly illuminated steel walls of Alia‘s apartment, unwilling voiced what he wasn’t yet willing to confess to himself.
(I think I see where this is going…)
“It’s okay to tell me X, I’m not going to tell anyone.”
The pink reploid said comfortingly as she placed a reassuring hand on the green-eyed hunter’s hunched shoulders. X stared back at her as a small smile came across his face though his green eyes still portrayed his nervousness.
“…Sometimes I… I feel… nervous around him… Though it‘s not a bad nervousness… I‘m happy and I can stop smiling… I know that sounds ridicules…”
Alia began to blush as a soft smile came to her face, X’s innocent and fleeting words striking a heart string.
“It’s not silly X…” She said happily as he turned away from the walls of the apartment and toward her, “you’re just in love!”
“Wh-what?!” X stammered as he was caught off guard, nearly falling from the leather sofa.
“B-but he’s my best friend! And… I-”
She reached out and caught X by the arm, steadying the surprised hunter as his blush deepened.
“Are you alright?”
“Y-yeah. I’m fine…”
Sighing with relief, the hunter navigator couldn’t stop smiling at the B class hunter’s cute--if not awkward--behavior.
“It’s alright to have feelings for him X. What matters is what you do with them, I don’t think that he’d think any less of you for it.”
He stared off into space once more as his anxious smile was replaced with an uneasy frown.
“What if… what if he doesn’t like me… What if I tell him and he never wants to speak to me again…?” He added with worry tainting his words as tears began to show in the corners of his green eyes.
Alia felt deep empathy for the honest hunter; he had trusted everything solely in his reclusive friend and the B class hunter would be devastated if anything were to happen to that bond that the two shared.
“When the time comes you’ll know X… It’s not like you have to run out and tell him this instant!” She said compassionately as she patted the disheartened hunter on the back.
“… I guess you’re right.” X said as a small smile came to his face, “Thanks Alia, I feel a little better…”
“You can stay here tonight if you want X.” She added as he stood up and began to wipe his eyes.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll just go back to my room. Zero’s asleep already anyway…” X added as quietly left the room.
(Good luck X…)
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“Hey Alia!” X shouted cheerfully above the loud new age music coming from the oversized speakers.
“Oh hi X! Have you picked out a song for Zero?”
The brunette nodded as a wide grin marred his features.
“Do you have anything by that older rock band that Z likes? I think it’s called Breaking -Something-…”
“Let me see…” Her fingers flew on the composite hologram keyboards as she searched for the group through the archaic rock music files.
“There’s one here called ‘Breaking Benjamin’. With a few songs listed, is that it?” She asked looking upwards at X, who stood behind her seated form.
“I think so… I don’t know the titles for the songs so anyone will do.”
“Alright. You can go back to Signas and the others if you’d like to, he’s on next.”
“Thanks Alia, I’ll be watching!” He said happily as he bounded off towards their table.
(Now… which song to play…)
Her blue-eyes scanned the screen as short clips of each song began to play quietly into the small ear bud she wore.
“Maybe I could use this opportunity to help X.” She said to herself as the clip for #“You” began to softly play.
(That’s it! Alright Zero, let’s see what’s going on inside your head…)
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(Is this going to start anytime soon? They’ve already played two of those annoying techno songs.)
The agitated hunter thought to himself, as one of the rookie hunters stealthy replaced the S class hunter’s half-empty glass of orange juice that was sitting on the table by him with another one.
“Did you do it?” Douglas said as he pulled the rookie hunter from behind the curtains.
“Yes I did it, now where’s that buster modification part?”
The green reploid grinned as he tossed the small part towards the inexperienced hunter.
“Alright! But I don’t see why this is so important. He’s just doing some karaoke contest, why do you want him to get hammered anyway?”
Douglas laughed slightly, “He’s never really loosened up before, so maybe this’ll help.”
“Eh whatever you say pops.” The rookie shrugged as he ran back excitedly towards the other hunter hopefuls.
“Who’s back there?” The blonde hunter angrily shouted as he caught an indistinguishable line of Douglas’ voice.
“Sorry Zero! I was just working on the lighting! It’ll be up in a bit.” The green reploid shouted from behind the curtains, trying to hide his original intentions.
“You’d better not be programming the machine again! I’m still too happy about that New Years Day party!” The blonde hunter shouted back as he finished off the rest of his drink before being called to the stage.
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“Next up is Zero! Making his first entry since last year’s Christmas Bash! Give it up for the returning champion!”
The speakers boomed as Alia announced the next entrant, curtains razing and multicolored halogen lights flickering on as the elongated electric guitar interlude began to play.
((Well if you can’t beat them…))
Zero thought to himself as he tipped his head downwards as the interlude was coming to an end, the focus of the excited crowd manifested on his solemn figure on the dark stage.
((… then show off!))
My hands are broken,
And time is going on and on it goes… forever… how long…
The blonde’s rich and melodic voice rang out in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the soft interlude of the guitar and drum in the background.
So I got high and live all that life that I’ve taken all for granted…
The harmonic music broke off into a more rapid and aggressive style as the tempo picked up. Playing off of this cue, Zero’s natural showmanship came out as he began belt the lyrics more aggressively into the microphone on stage--true to rocker form.
Promise me you’ll try
To leave it all behind,
‘Cause I’ve elected hell,
Lying to myself.
Why have I gone blind?
Live another life…
The roar of the crowd of reploids and humans alike rose to an insatiable clamor as they fed off of the energy of the blonde’s performance.
“He’s really good.” Signas remarked as his eyes where focused on brightly lit stage.
“I don’t understand why he doesn’t do this more often. It seems to be a good stress relief for him.” Lifesaver added as he sipped on some punch.
(Wow… You’re really into this one aren’t you?) X thought to himself as he turned his back toward the other reploids, trying to hide a crimson blush that came over his features.
You… You…
Zero’s voice resounded harmoniously with the blaring percussion instruments of the song as he began to step a little unsteadily.
((What? What’s wrong with my feet…? I feel… different…)
His thoughts trailed off as an unfamiliar haze settled over his thoughts, loosening his normally restrained inhibitions. His blue-eyes became glass and unfocused, he tried to regain his senses. Gazing out towards the crowd in mid chorus, his loose and disoriented thoughts shifted towards X; their eyes locked as he unconsciously sang for his partner.
The only way out
Is letting your guard down and never die forgotten… I know…
Forgive me, my love,
I stand here all alone, and I can see the bottom
(Is… Is Z looking at me…?!)
The smaller brunette questioned as his Zero’s eyes seemed to stare intently at him as he began to relate the remainder of the song with more passion.
(No… he can’t be…)
You… You… You…
You… You… You…
The blonde’s rich voice rang out with more passionate zeal than his previous performances as he grasped the microphone stand tightly and drug it on the ground as he power slided across the stage, reaching out towards his X. With that the lights began to fade away and the curtain fell.
(Can he…?)
The party guests went wild with applause, praise, and cat calls alike. Most gave a standing ovation as the device built into the karaoke stage measured the volume of their cheering.
“Well everyone, it looks like we have a new record! That puts Zero in the lead over Douglas, making him the winner of tonight’s competition! Congratulations Zero!” Alia announced overtly cheerfully and excitedly over the stage intercom as the crowd’s adoration became deafening.
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((Ugh… I feel dizzy…I don’t think I can get back up…))
Zero’s fail thoughts rang out through his clouded mind, as he tired to lift his now heavy body from the stage floor--the effects of the high proof Everclear Douglas slipped him took effect.
“That was an excellent performance Zero!” Alia blissfully shouted over the loud music she put on as she bounded over toward the blonde youth.
“…”
“Zero? Are you okay?” The hunter navigator’s voice grew worried as the blonde hunter didn’t respond.
“I… I feel… dizzy…” He managed to say with a slurred accent covering his normally cool and collected voice.
“Can you get up?” Her thoughts becoming more fearful as she held out her hand; dreading that his condition may have worsened since leaving the hospital.
“I’ll try…” The unsteady youth replied as he slowly accepted the assistance, only to loose his balance and fall backward onto the hard floor of the stage.
“Oh no… Stay right here. I’ll be back with X.” The blonde-haired reploid instructed him as she headed off into the crowd to find his partner.
((Not like I’ve… got much of a choice…))
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“X!”
The brunette quickly snapped out of his day-dream as he say Alia running toward him, concern showing in her eyes.
“What’s up Alia? Is something wrong?”
“It’s Zero, he’s still on the stage and he can’t get up! I think something’s really wrong with him.”
Shock rang throughout the crowd as X was mortified by her account.
(No! I must have given him to high a proof! I didn’t mean for this to happen…) Douglas thought regretfully as his thoughts shook him.
“Damn it! We just got home!” The scared brunette said to himself as he rushed towards the stage.
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((Why… now… I just… got home…))
The S class commander thought solemnly as he fought to stay in control of his mind and his inhibitions.
“Zero! Zero! Are you alright?!”
The blonde youth’s focus shifted as the familiar voice entered his hazy thoughts.
“I’mm…. fline… X…”
He managed to call after the worried brunette as X made his way towards the collapsed hunter.
“You’re not fine… you can’t stand and you can hardly speak!”
The smaller hunter said with fear filling his voice as he pulled the incapacitated hunter to his feet; steadying the S class commander by throwing the youth’s arm over his shoulder.
“I slaid… I’mm… fline!”
Zero tried to fight back as he noticed the other reploids approaching the back of the stage.
“Is he alright X?” Signas questioned as he caught sight of the two hunters.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him… He sounds like he got hit a bit to hard…”
“He’s going to be okay X,” Lifesaver added as he approached the two, “it just looks like he’s had a bit more alcohol than he could handle.”
“Alcohol? But he doesn’t smell like it…” The brown-haired youth stated as he vainly sniffed the air about him.
“He doesn’t have to,” The white reploid said as he picked up Zero’s discarded glass and scanned the remaining orange juice left in it, “it looks like there was a decent amount of Everclear mixed in this. A high proof at that.”
“Everclear… But we banned that from the HQ after the last New Years party…” Signas said angrily as he took the glass from Lifesaver’s hand.
“So is he going to be okay?” X asked, his worry slowly dissipating.
“He’ll be fine. Though he won’t be himself for a few hours, he’ll be back to normal by morning.” The white reploid care technician advised the concerned hunter.
“You should probably take him back his room X,” Alia said compassionately as she smoothed some of the stray pieces of blonde hair from Zero’s face.
X nodded, cradling the disoriented hunter in his arms as he headed off towards the elevator, fear for his friend’s altered state still apparent in his green-eyes.
“…Xxxx….”
The intoxicated youth trailed off as he struggled to keep his wits.
“Yeah Z?”
“I’m slorry… I dridin’t means to …ake you… leave the prarty…” Zero said apologetically as the two entered the elevator.
“It’s okay Z, I care more about your health than the party.”
“Thlanks…” The blonde hunter slurred as he buried his dizzy head into X’s chest, smiling contently.
“N-no problem Z…” X replied nervously as Zero’s new found spontaneity took over the blonde hunter’s usual demeanor.
Unsettled green-eyes looked out of the elevator window into the glowing night city line. Silence presided over the elevator as X tried to focus on the stillness of the night--rather than his friend’s unconscious advances.
(This isn’t good… If I end up doing something I regret he’ll never forgive me…)
Silver doors slid noiselessly open as the elevator came to a stop. Apprehensively, the green-eyed hunter quickly strode over to the door to their shared room. He entered the password with celerity as he tried to steady Zero with the use of one arm.
“Rrrr… we… gloing home… Xxxx?” The blonde asked as he was woken up from his “half sleep”.
“Yeah Z, we’re going home. You could use a good rest.”
“Awww… but… I wannaa… stlay wif you…”
Zero slurred as X opened the door to the blonde’s room, he continued trying to seem cute like X commonly did to get the S class hunter to listen to him.
“Pwease…?”
He added as X laid him down on the king sized bed, pulling the crimson blanket over the drunken hunter.
“Z… I don’t think that’s a good idea--” The brown-haired youth’s voice cut off as Zero drug the hunter back onto the bed and pinned him down, smiling widely.
“Oh colme on… I jus walnna be arround… joo…” The blue-eyed youth begged as he poked X playfully on the nose.
“…But… you’re not yourself right now Z… I don’t wan to-- H-hey! S-stop that!”
X trailed off laughing hysterically as the taller hunter began to tickle his waist and sides.
“Hah Hahahah! Come on! Haha ha! Knock it off Z!”
“No… nojht until you… slaay you’ll stlay wif me!”
(What harm could it do? After all he’s just playing pranks like he normally does.)
“Haha haha ha! A-alright! Hah ha! I’ll stay! Jus-- ha hahaha ha! Stop!”
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# For those of you who haven’t heard the song, it’s “You” by Breaking Benjamin and you can find a video of it here:
http:// youtube.com/watch?v= JADgc5ymYL8.
Just paste it into your browser, remove the space after “http://” and “watch?v=“ and it’ll pop up.
ImpatientSnake: Everclear for the win! This chapter isn’t just fan service there’s going to be more to it. I’m EXTREMELY sorry that this had to come so late but I feel it’s worth waiting for. I do believe I’ve created a songfic hybrid! It gets more miles to the gallon than a regular songfic! Anyway… it took me about 300+ songs to find the right one--with some added help--so I hope you appreciate the effort.
Updates: Expect chapter 5 part 1 sometime in the coming week. I’m graduating from high school this week-- as well as taking exams-- so you’ll have to excuse my tight schedule.
Credit given to Breaking Benjamin for “You”.
ImpatientSnake: Okay this one is EXTREMELY late! Sorry but real life is getting in the way and this was the only time I had to write in about a week. None the less enjoy the story! By the way…Executive privilege FTW! (You’ll get after some reading!)
PS: Don’t forget about the forum and poll on my author page. I’ll answer any and all questions and I constantly check the poll.
Chapter Rating: Teen+. For swearing, “ideologically sensitive” situations, shounen-ai, crude humor, and the use of alcoholic beverages.
Disclaimer: Megaman X, etc. owned by Capcom.
Summary of Last Installment: It’s time for the “Welcome back” party! ^_^
(X’s thoughts)
((Zero’s thoughts))
(((Lifesaver’s thoughts)))
(Douglas’s thoughts)
(Alia’s thoughts)
/ Doctor’s thoughts/
“Dialogue”
“Other random persons”
Lyrics to song
# Author’s Note (See bottom comments section for link)
Flash Backs/Dreams/Day Dreams
000 Divider
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X smiled across the elevator at his nonchalant partner. He knew that the S class hunter hated going to the various parties that the Hunter Base staff threw--as the blond found them noisy and annoying--so this was a treat. But one thing about his friend caught his eye.
“Hey Z…”
The blue-eyed hunter turned to face the smaller hunter as he saw a question in X’s eyes.
“Yeah?”
His brown-haired partner strode over to him, standing inches away from his friend, the B class hunter ran his fingers through the golden blonde hair.
“…how did you get your hair dry this quick?” his voice trailed off as the taller youth became unnerved by their close proximity.
“I… uh… you know the window in your room, the one that gets a lot of air traffic from the HQ heliport?” Zero managed to say as his face grew a deep crimson.
“Hmm… yeah! I remember that we had to sound proof that side of the apartment after we moved in.”
The tall blonde smiled awkwardly as he looked down and began to twiddle with his thumbs.
“Well… I tried towel drying it but I soaked about three towels, I short circuited the ventilation fan trying to dry it that way, so…”
“…You stuck your head out of the window?” X giggled as he completed Zero’s sentence.
The taller hunter’s nervous smiled widened as the elevator came to a stop and the silver doors slid open.
“Looks like we’re here.” Zero announced awkwardly as he tried to regain his usual composure. The smaller youth excitedly grabbed his relocating partner by the arm as they exited the sliding doors.
“Come on Z! You’ve got to try this chocolate cake that Alia made! If you though that the orange juice was good you’ll love this!” X chimed happily as he drug the taller hunter across the crowded room by the arm.
“H-hey! Slow down X! It’s not like the cake’s going anywhere!” Zero called after him as he almost collided with one of the new rookie hunters.
“Is that really the legendary Commander Zero? He doesn’t seem as fierce as everyone says he is.” One of the rookies said to the small group of hunters that was gathered around him.
“You’d better watch what you say. I heard that he knocked out an A class hunter just for looking at ’em the wrong way!” A more experienced hunter in the group warned the cocky novice.
“Heh, yeah right. I’d bet that now he’s human he couldn’t even put a scratch in my armor!”
Another rookie boasted as the S class commander--who was still being dragged about like a rag-doll-- caught wind of the conversation. His brow furrowed with annoyance, Zero tried to turn back to reprimand the haughty fool.
“Let it go Z,” X sighed as he began to walk backwards, still dragging his irritated partner behind him “you can always get him back in training.” The green-eyed commander said with a mischievous wink.
“Heh, sounds like I’m rubbing off on you X…”
Zero retorted as he smiled softly at his chipper friend as he nodded in agreement. Besides, the S class commander was far to busy enjoying the smaller brunette’s company to put the boasting reploid in his place.
((Fine, I’ll let you win this one X…))
He thought fondly as they approached the small group of Alia, Douglas, Signas, and Lifesaver, who were eagerly waiting for them.
“It’s nice to see that you two are doing so well,” Alia said happily as X finished dragging Zero towards the waiting reploids “we were all so worried about you Zero.”
“Welcome back Zero. You gave us quite a scare.” Lifesaver commented in his usually polite manner.
“Yes, it’s great to see you back and in good health Zero.” Signas added in his deep tenor as he placed a firm hand on the blonde’s shoulder.
“Thanks. But you didn’t have to go through all the trouble of throwing together a party.” Zero said as he smiled and looked over the crowd that was joyously gathered about him.
“Don’t be that way!” Douglas supplemented the conversation, as he came from behind the S class hunter and wrapped his arm around Zero’s neck, “Just enjoy the party. Who knows you may actually have fun for a change!”
The red hunter’s eye twitched slightly as the green reploid aggravated him even more.
“Douglas. Either you get off of me right now or I’ll throw you off…” He said coldly as the reploid inventor pushed him further.
“Come on! Lighten up woul--” his words were cut off as the blonde youth grabbed him by the arm and tossed the object of his annoyance across the room. Douglas landed roughly against the tempered glass of the window on the other side of the large room.
“So didn’t you say something about a cake Alia made X?” The blue-eyed hunter asked his surprised counterpart as though nothing had happened.
(Oww… ))
Douglas picked himself up from the steel floor as he glanced toward the opposite side of the room that he had flown from. None of the party’s guests outside of the small circle of friends he had come from had noticed his air time.
(Oh… I’m going to get you back for this…) The green reploid thought as a devious smile crept across his face.
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“You want me to WHAT?!” Zero practically shouted at Signas from across the small, round table that the party guests now sat at.
“It’ll be fun Z! After all you’re so good at it! You even won last year’s Christmas contest!” X begged his partner; who was seated next to him, as he tugged playfully on the blonde hunter’s arm.
“Every time I come down to one of these parties I always end up getting dragged into doing this!” He glared at the crowd gathered about the table.
“And you wonder why I don’t come down here that often…” He said with a deep sigh.
“I understand if he doesn’t want to do it,” Douglas interrupted from the opposite side of the table, “after all… I am the crowd favorite right now…” He added with a cocky smile.
“Nice try, but I’m still not doing it. You’ll just program it to give me some crappy song again anyway!” The angry blonde sighed as he tried to reign in his temper.
“Hmph! Fine! I’ll just let X choose the song!” Douglas said as he crossed his arms defiantly.
“Ugh… that still doesn’t mean that I’m going to do it…” The S class hunter trailed off as he began to massage the bridge of his nose, trying to chase away some of his aggression.
“Zero…” Signas boomed as he caught the attention of the irritated hunter, “I order you to participate!”
“YOU’RE ORDERING ME TO TAKE PART IN A KARAOKE COMPETITION!?!”
“Yes,” the general reploid smiled mischievously, “and if you don’t you’re fired…”
“WHAT!?! Isn’t that some form of power abuse!?” Zero challenged as he pointed across the table at Signas, his eyes widened in surprise and aggravation.
“Call it an ‘Executive Privilege’…”
Zero sank back into his seat in defeat and looked over towards X.
“You’d better pick something good…”
The green-eyed reploid smiled back nervously as he tried not to laugh at the antics of his friends.
“You’d better go and sign up then, this next act will be over soon.” Douglas teased as the S class hunter headed toward the small karaoke stage that the green reploid inventor had made for the HQ’s various parties.
((I should’ve thrown him out of the window…))
Zero thought as he his way over to the back of the stage where Alia was managing things.
With the blonde hunter gone, the conversation at the table shifted towards X.
“So what song are you going to pick?” Lifesaver asked nonchalantly--his interest in the group’s joke less intense than those of his acquaintances.
“Hmm… I dunno… I’ve never really picked a song for anyone.” he said as he began to ponder what song his partner would like.
“You should make sing one of those really old what where they called? ‘70’s’ songs?” Douglas teased as he grinned at X.
The smaller youth smiled nervously at the reploid inventor.
(He’d never forgive me for something like that… No it has to be something he’d actually like…)
“I’ve got it guys! I’ll be back in a moment!” With that the B class commander took off for the stage after his friend.
“Does anyone even know what kind of music Zero likes?” Signas asked the two reploids with him.
“Who knows.” Douglas added shrugging.
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((Why do I always get dragged into doing this?))
Zero sighed as he came up to the “DJ” booth that Alia was running.
“Hey Zero… Are you going to sing too?”
“Yes… Signas ‘ordered’ me too… X should be over to choose the song in a bit.”
“X? Usually you just go with a random song? Any reason?” The hunter navigator asked with interest.
“It wasn’t my suggestion. But it’s better than having Douglas programming the randomizer to make me sing something from the ‘70’s’.”
The S class commander stated coolly as he stared off into the distance, watching the one of the drunken humans from the accounting department belt out the lyrics to one of the new techno hip-hop songs.
“Well, whatever X picks I’m sure you’ll win.” She added with a friendly smile as the S class commander chuckled at the middle-aged man as he passed out in the middle of the song.
“It looks like I’m next then.” The blonde hunter said as two other humans began to drag the sleeping performer from the stage.
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“Hey Alia…” X whispered into the intercom for her room as he waited outside the hall in the Hunter Base.
The hunter navigator groggily reached for the intercom button by her recovery pod as she responded to the blue hunter’s voice.
“… What is it X?”
‘Can… I come in? I need to talk to someone but… I don’t think that I can talk to Zero about this…”
(Something that you can’t talk to Zero about? That doesn’t sound like you…)
“Sure… just let me open the door…”
Alia groggily turned on the soft, halogen lights and entered in the password for the door. X stood on the other side of the door, a serious--yet unnerved-- look across his fair face.
“Are you okay?” she asked awkwardly, surprised by the unusual mood the normally cheerful hunter exhibited.
“I-I’m fine…” he said unsteadily, his eyes betraying his inner turmoil, “I’m sorry that I woke you up so late.”
“It’s alright X. Come in and have a seat.”
The silver door slid shut noiselessly as the blue hunter passed through and took a seat on the tan leather couch; Alia sat down across from him.
“What did you want to talk about?” She asked with due concern showing.
The green-eyed reploid shifted uncomfortably on the plush sofa as he tried to find the words to explain his situation.
“I… no that’s not right…” the nervous commander fumbled as he stared down at the steel floor.
Alia looked on at the thoroughly embarrassed figure of X as he mentally kicked himself as he stumbled through his sentences.
(If he can’t talk to Zero then maybe…)
“X, does this have something to do with Zero?” She asked with an expression more serious than intended. Causing the blue hunter to blush deeply as his eyes intently focused on her.
“We… we’ve been friends ever since he came to the Hunter Base… but sometimes I…”
He trailed off; staring at the faintly illuminated steel walls of Alia‘s apartment, unwilling voiced what he wasn’t yet willing to confess to himself.
(I think I see where this is going…)
“It’s okay to tell me X, I’m not going to tell anyone.”
The pink reploid said comfortingly as she placed a reassuring hand on the green-eyed hunter’s hunched shoulders. X stared back at her as a small smile came across his face though his green eyes still portrayed his nervousness.
“…Sometimes I… I feel… nervous around him… Though it‘s not a bad nervousness… I‘m happy and I can stop smiling… I know that sounds ridicules…”
Alia began to blush as a soft smile came to her face, X’s innocent and fleeting words striking a heart string.
“It’s not silly X…” She said happily as he turned away from the walls of the apartment and toward her, “you’re just in love!”
“Wh-what?!” X stammered as he was caught off guard, nearly falling from the leather sofa.
“B-but he’s my best friend! And… I-”
She reached out and caught X by the arm, steadying the surprised hunter as his blush deepened.
“Are you alright?”
“Y-yeah. I’m fine…”
Sighing with relief, the hunter navigator couldn’t stop smiling at the B class hunter’s cute--if not awkward--behavior.
“It’s alright to have feelings for him X. What matters is what you do with them, I don’t think that he’d think any less of you for it.”
He stared off into space once more as his anxious smile was replaced with an uneasy frown.
“What if… what if he doesn’t like me… What if I tell him and he never wants to speak to me again…?” He added with worry tainting his words as tears began to show in the corners of his green eyes.
Alia felt deep empathy for the honest hunter; he had trusted everything solely in his reclusive friend and the B class hunter would be devastated if anything were to happen to that bond that the two shared.
“When the time comes you’ll know X… It’s not like you have to run out and tell him this instant!” She said compassionately as she patted the disheartened hunter on the back.
“… I guess you’re right.” X said as a small smile came to his face, “Thanks Alia, I feel a little better…”
“You can stay here tonight if you want X.” She added as he stood up and began to wipe his eyes.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll just go back to my room. Zero’s asleep already anyway…” X added as quietly left the room.
(Good luck X…)
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“Hey Alia!” X shouted cheerfully above the loud new age music coming from the oversized speakers.
“Oh hi X! Have you picked out a song for Zero?”
The brunette nodded as a wide grin marred his features.
“Do you have anything by that older rock band that Z likes? I think it’s called Breaking -Something-…”
“Let me see…” Her fingers flew on the composite hologram keyboards as she searched for the group through the archaic rock music files.
“There’s one here called ‘Breaking Benjamin’. With a few songs listed, is that it?” She asked looking upwards at X, who stood behind her seated form.
“I think so… I don’t know the titles for the songs so anyone will do.”
“Alright. You can go back to Signas and the others if you’d like to, he’s on next.”
“Thanks Alia, I’ll be watching!” He said happily as he bounded off towards their table.
(Now… which song to play…)
Her blue-eyes scanned the screen as short clips of each song began to play quietly into the small ear bud she wore.
“Maybe I could use this opportunity to help X.” She said to herself as the clip for #“You” began to softly play.
(That’s it! Alright Zero, let’s see what’s going on inside your head…)
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(Is this going to start anytime soon? They’ve already played two of those annoying techno songs.)
The agitated hunter thought to himself, as one of the rookie hunters stealthy replaced the S class hunter’s half-empty glass of orange juice that was sitting on the table by him with another one.
“Did you do it?” Douglas said as he pulled the rookie hunter from behind the curtains.
“Yes I did it, now where’s that buster modification part?”
The green reploid grinned as he tossed the small part towards the inexperienced hunter.
“Alright! But I don’t see why this is so important. He’s just doing some karaoke contest, why do you want him to get hammered anyway?”
Douglas laughed slightly, “He’s never really loosened up before, so maybe this’ll help.”
“Eh whatever you say pops.” The rookie shrugged as he ran back excitedly towards the other hunter hopefuls.
“Who’s back there?” The blonde hunter angrily shouted as he caught an indistinguishable line of Douglas’ voice.
“Sorry Zero! I was just working on the lighting! It’ll be up in a bit.” The green reploid shouted from behind the curtains, trying to hide his original intentions.
“You’d better not be programming the machine again! I’m still too happy about that New Years Day party!” The blonde hunter shouted back as he finished off the rest of his drink before being called to the stage.
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“Next up is Zero! Making his first entry since last year’s Christmas Bash! Give it up for the returning champion!”
The speakers boomed as Alia announced the next entrant, curtains razing and multicolored halogen lights flickering on as the elongated electric guitar interlude began to play.
((Well if you can’t beat them…))
Zero thought to himself as he tipped his head downwards as the interlude was coming to an end, the focus of the excited crowd manifested on his solemn figure on the dark stage.
((… then show off!))
My hands are broken,
And time is going on and on it goes… forever… how long…
The blonde’s rich and melodic voice rang out in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the soft interlude of the guitar and drum in the background.
So I got high and live all that life that I’ve taken all for granted…
The harmonic music broke off into a more rapid and aggressive style as the tempo picked up. Playing off of this cue, Zero’s natural showmanship came out as he began belt the lyrics more aggressively into the microphone on stage--true to rocker form.
Promise me you’ll try
To leave it all behind,
‘Cause I’ve elected hell,
Lying to myself.
Why have I gone blind?
Live another life…
The roar of the crowd of reploids and humans alike rose to an insatiable clamor as they fed off of the energy of the blonde’s performance.
“He’s really good.” Signas remarked as his eyes where focused on brightly lit stage.
“I don’t understand why he doesn’t do this more often. It seems to be a good stress relief for him.” Lifesaver added as he sipped on some punch.
(Wow… You’re really into this one aren’t you?) X thought to himself as he turned his back toward the other reploids, trying to hide a crimson blush that came over his features.
You… You…
Zero’s voice resounded harmoniously with the blaring percussion instruments of the song as he began to step a little unsteadily.
((What? What’s wrong with my feet…? I feel… different…)
His thoughts trailed off as an unfamiliar haze settled over his thoughts, loosening his normally restrained inhibitions. His blue-eyes became glass and unfocused, he tried to regain his senses. Gazing out towards the crowd in mid chorus, his loose and disoriented thoughts shifted towards X; their eyes locked as he unconsciously sang for his partner.
The only way out
Is letting your guard down and never die forgotten… I know…
Forgive me, my love,
I stand here all alone, and I can see the bottom
(Is… Is Z looking at me…?!)
The smaller brunette questioned as his Zero’s eyes seemed to stare intently at him as he began to relate the remainder of the song with more passion.
(No… he can’t be…)
You… You… You…
You… You… You…
The blonde’s rich voice rang out with more passionate zeal than his previous performances as he grasped the microphone stand tightly and drug it on the ground as he power slided across the stage, reaching out towards his X. With that the lights began to fade away and the curtain fell.
(Can he…?)
The party guests went wild with applause, praise, and cat calls alike. Most gave a standing ovation as the device built into the karaoke stage measured the volume of their cheering.
“Well everyone, it looks like we have a new record! That puts Zero in the lead over Douglas, making him the winner of tonight’s competition! Congratulations Zero!” Alia announced overtly cheerfully and excitedly over the stage intercom as the crowd’s adoration became deafening.
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((Ugh… I feel dizzy…I don’t think I can get back up…))
Zero’s fail thoughts rang out through his clouded mind, as he tired to lift his now heavy body from the stage floor--the effects of the high proof Everclear Douglas slipped him took effect.
“That was an excellent performance Zero!” Alia blissfully shouted over the loud music she put on as she bounded over toward the blonde youth.
“…”
“Zero? Are you okay?” The hunter navigator’s voice grew worried as the blonde hunter didn’t respond.
“I… I feel… dizzy…” He managed to say with a slurred accent covering his normally cool and collected voice.
“Can you get up?” Her thoughts becoming more fearful as she held out her hand; dreading that his condition may have worsened since leaving the hospital.
“I’ll try…” The unsteady youth replied as he slowly accepted the assistance, only to loose his balance and fall backward onto the hard floor of the stage.
“Oh no… Stay right here. I’ll be back with X.” The blonde-haired reploid instructed him as she headed off into the crowd to find his partner.
((Not like I’ve… got much of a choice…))
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“X!”
The brunette quickly snapped out of his day-dream as he say Alia running toward him, concern showing in her eyes.
“What’s up Alia? Is something wrong?”
“It’s Zero, he’s still on the stage and he can’t get up! I think something’s really wrong with him.”
Shock rang throughout the crowd as X was mortified by her account.
(No! I must have given him to high a proof! I didn’t mean for this to happen…) Douglas thought regretfully as his thoughts shook him.
“Damn it! We just got home!” The scared brunette said to himself as he rushed towards the stage.
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((Why… now… I just… got home…))
The S class commander thought solemnly as he fought to stay in control of his mind and his inhibitions.
“Zero! Zero! Are you alright?!”
The blonde youth’s focus shifted as the familiar voice entered his hazy thoughts.
“I’mm…. fline… X…”
He managed to call after the worried brunette as X made his way towards the collapsed hunter.
“You’re not fine… you can’t stand and you can hardly speak!”
The smaller hunter said with fear filling his voice as he pulled the incapacitated hunter to his feet; steadying the S class commander by throwing the youth’s arm over his shoulder.
“I slaid… I’mm… fline!”
Zero tried to fight back as he noticed the other reploids approaching the back of the stage.
“Is he alright X?” Signas questioned as he caught sight of the two hunters.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him… He sounds like he got hit a bit to hard…”
“He’s going to be okay X,” Lifesaver added as he approached the two, “it just looks like he’s had a bit more alcohol than he could handle.”
“Alcohol? But he doesn’t smell like it…” The brown-haired youth stated as he vainly sniffed the air about him.
“He doesn’t have to,” The white reploid said as he picked up Zero’s discarded glass and scanned the remaining orange juice left in it, “it looks like there was a decent amount of Everclear mixed in this. A high proof at that.”
“Everclear… But we banned that from the HQ after the last New Years party…” Signas said angrily as he took the glass from Lifesaver’s hand.
“So is he going to be okay?” X asked, his worry slowly dissipating.
“He’ll be fine. Though he won’t be himself for a few hours, he’ll be back to normal by morning.” The white reploid care technician advised the concerned hunter.
“You should probably take him back his room X,” Alia said compassionately as she smoothed some of the stray pieces of blonde hair from Zero’s face.
X nodded, cradling the disoriented hunter in his arms as he headed off towards the elevator, fear for his friend’s altered state still apparent in his green-eyes.
“…Xxxx….”
The intoxicated youth trailed off as he struggled to keep his wits.
“Yeah Z?”
“I’m slorry… I dridin’t means to …ake you… leave the prarty…” Zero said apologetically as the two entered the elevator.
“It’s okay Z, I care more about your health than the party.”
“Thlanks…” The blonde hunter slurred as he buried his dizzy head into X’s chest, smiling contently.
“N-no problem Z…” X replied nervously as Zero’s new found spontaneity took over the blonde hunter’s usual demeanor.
Unsettled green-eyes looked out of the elevator window into the glowing night city line. Silence presided over the elevator as X tried to focus on the stillness of the night--rather than his friend’s unconscious advances.
(This isn’t good… If I end up doing something I regret he’ll never forgive me…)
Silver doors slid noiselessly open as the elevator came to a stop. Apprehensively, the green-eyed hunter quickly strode over to the door to their shared room. He entered the password with celerity as he tried to steady Zero with the use of one arm.
“Rrrr… we… gloing home… Xxxx?” The blonde asked as he was woken up from his “half sleep”.
“Yeah Z, we’re going home. You could use a good rest.”
“Awww… but… I wannaa… stlay wif you…”
Zero slurred as X opened the door to the blonde’s room, he continued trying to seem cute like X commonly did to get the S class hunter to listen to him.
“Pwease…?”
He added as X laid him down on the king sized bed, pulling the crimson blanket over the drunken hunter.
“Z… I don’t think that’s a good idea--” The brown-haired youth’s voice cut off as Zero drug the hunter back onto the bed and pinned him down, smiling widely.
“Oh colme on… I jus walnna be arround… joo…” The blue-eyed youth begged as he poked X playfully on the nose.
“…But… you’re not yourself right now Z… I don’t wan to-- H-hey! S-stop that!”
X trailed off laughing hysterically as the taller hunter began to tickle his waist and sides.
“Hah Hahahah! Come on! Haha ha! Knock it off Z!”
“No… nojht until you… slaay you’ll stlay wif me!”
(What harm could it do? After all he’s just playing pranks like he normally does.)
“Haha haha ha! A-alright! Hah ha! I’ll stay! Jus-- ha hahaha ha! Stop!”
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# For those of you who haven’t heard the song, it’s “You” by Breaking Benjamin and you can find a video of it here:
http:// youtube.com/watch?v= JADgc5ymYL8.
Just paste it into your browser, remove the space after “http://” and “watch?v=“ and it’ll pop up.
ImpatientSnake: Everclear for the win! This chapter isn’t just fan service there’s going to be more to it. I’m EXTREMELY sorry that this had to come so late but I feel it’s worth waiting for. I do believe I’ve created a songfic hybrid! It gets more miles to the gallon than a regular songfic! Anyway… it took me about 300+ songs to find the right one--with some added help--so I hope you appreciate the effort.
Updates: Expect chapter 5 part 1 sometime in the coming week. I’m graduating from high school this week-- as well as taking exams-- so you’ll have to excuse my tight schedule.
Credit given to Breaking Benjamin for “You”.