ardenvasquez

[ardenvasquez]

it had been a while since arden had felt that close to someone, and she didn’t want to pull away, not when serenity made her feel like this. “pink money pieces? someone’s getting bold,” she teased with a smile, her arms still wrapped around serenity. how had she ended up here, with her of all people? serenity drove her crazy in the best ways, and even though arden didn’t like relationships, with her she could imagine making an exception. resting her forehead against serenity’s, she smiled softly. “i’ll dye your hair whenever you want,” she promised, not wanting the moment to end. “you don’t share well?” she echoed, eyebrows raised. “not surprising at all,” she added with a quiet laugh. the kiss was everything she’d been dying for—reckless, bold, just like that one in the alley. she could drown in it, in serenity, who had already blown her away onstage and now with just one kiss made her night even better. her brows arched at the playful threat. “oh, so you’re good at making hearts skip too? never noticed that,” she said with a grin, biting her lip flirtatiously. “i wouldn’t mind mine skipping a little more,” she smirked, leaning in until her lips hovered just shy of hers. “but maybe we could make it skip somewhere else. can i take you to dinner?” she whispered. “and who knows, maybe it’s not too late to find some pink dye… what color do you think would suit me?” she added playfully.

Serenity leaned in with that signature glint in her eye, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips as she toyed with a strand of her own hair between her fingers. Her voice dropped just slightly, playful and smooth.“You gonna dye my ends pink soon then or what?” she teased, gaze locked on Arden’s like she already knew the answer. She let the question hang in the air like a dare—like she was inviting Arden to get closer, to cross that line again. And maybe, just maybe, to keep coming back. Still, the compliment landed. "What about two hot pink money pieces too?" She liked that Arden thought she could pull it off. She liked the attention. Especially from her. The way they moved closer, slow and easy like gravity was doing half the work, Serenity didn’t fight it. Their foreheads rested together, and for once, the silence didn’t feel heavy. It felt electric—like every heartbeat was echoing the same thing back and forth between them. Serenity’s brows lifted, just slightly. She recognised the tone—it was a soft threat dressed as flattery. She liked that, too. “Good,” she murmured, barely louder than a breath. “I don’t share well.” And then came the whisper. The words tickled against her lips, and Serenity didn’t even have time to smile before Arden kissed her, just like that night in the alley outside, bold and a little reckless. The kind of kiss that didn’t ask for permission. Serenity didn’t hesitate. Her hands found Arden’s waist instantly, dragging her in like they’d done before. Her pulse spiked. That same electricity flooded her chest, her limbs, her everything. Serenity let out a breathy laugh against her mouth, eyes half-lidded, lips brushing hers again. “You’re damn right I am,” she whispered, then kissed her again—slower this time, deeper. Like she wanted to make sure Arden would never forget the way it felt to fall for someone. Serenity flashed a playful grin and said, “Careful around me—I’m a drummer, so I know how to keep the beat… and I’m pretty good at making hearts skip one too.” She tapped her fingers lightly on Arden’s arm, eyes twinkling with mischief.

[ardenvasquez]

the way the other's presence alone was enough to make arden wonder why this was happening, especially when it hadn’t happened to her before. what did the hot blonde have that had her in such a chokehold? she didn’t know what it was, but she wanted to get drunk off her. the way it was so easy being that close, the way she wanted to make her want to keep her close... so intoxicating. "you would rock hot pink ends," she promised, a smile on her lips, her suggestion probably a lame excuse to see her again, but if anyone could rock hot pink hair, it was the blonde in front of her—the prettiest girl she had ever laid eyes on. the tension between them was something she could get used to, the silence didn’t pressure arden to speak, and in that moment, with their foreheads pressed together, the way they looked at each other even with so little space between them... maybe arden was starting to feel things, things that didn’t have a name yet. "it was the best advice, but i don’t want to overshare it with other people," she said, and it sounded like a promise, wrapped in fake kindness. the way their breaths tangled made arden’s heart race in her chest. "pretty girls are always right," she whispered, leaning in, finally closing the gap between them, her lips crashing into serenity’s just like they had in that dark hallway before the show. the reaction was the same—her heart pounding, her hands pulling the other girl closer. "the... best... drummer... ever," she breathed between kisses.

Serenity's eyes held that usual, unreadable glint—something between amusement and challenge—as Arden closed the distance between them. There was something about Arden that always pulled her attention—always had, always would.When Arden pulled her in close, Serenity allowed it. Her body melted into the contact for a heartbeat, then lingered a moment longer as they separated. Serenity tilted her head slightly, as if considering it. Her voice came smooth, measured. “Mm, maybe I will take you up on that. Do you think I would suit having hot pink ends?" Their foreheads touched, and Serenity didn’t pull away. Her lashes lowered just a bit, watching her from beneath the curve of her brow. The air between them went quiet—dense with the tension that had always simmered just beneath their interactions. Serenity let out a breath of a laugh, soft but unmistakably amused. Her lips curved—not into a smile, but a smirk, slow and knowing. Her eyes met Arden’s fully now, dark and glinting with a flicker of wicked pride. “Oh yeah?” she murmured, her tone dipped in velvet mockery. “Remind me.” Her smirk deepened, head tilting just a fraction as her gaze flicked over Arden’s lips. “Maybe it was good advice.” Then, slowly, deliberately, she leaned in—her nose brushing lightly against Arden’s, the barest, teasing nudge that sent a warm shiver between them. Her eyes stayed locked on Arden’s, heavy-lidded and unreadable. “Pretty girl, huh?” she murmured, voice low and smooth as silk, her breath mingling with Arden’s now. “Teach me. Pretty girls are usually right.”

[ardenvasquez]

arden had been dying to see serenity again since the last time they saw each other. serenity was right—she had been thinking about her nonstop, and for some reason, she wasn’t mad about that. seeing the light in her eyes when their gaze met was enough to let arden know serenity wanted her there. as they reunited, arden pulled serenity close, a smile on her lips as she felt her so near again. when she pulled back, a warm smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. the way serenity looked made arden nervous again—she wasn’t used to feeling this way, but somehow it felt natural when serenity was the one in front of her. “you didn’t blush, you’re right,” she smiled, her eyes drifting to serenity’s ponytail. from up close, she could clearly see the pink tint in it. “i love it, hot pink’s your color—you should totally dye your ends pink,” she grinned, “and if you wanted, i could help you with that.” she smiled softly. she’d dyed a few girls’ hair back in college—it couldn’t be that hard. as she confessed how her heart had raced when she saw serenity in the crowd, arden realized she’d done the right thing. as she moved closer, foreheads gently touching, she felt her own heart hammering in her chest. “i missed you too,” she whispered with a smile pulling at her lips, “a lot,” she added, leaning in to kiss her—but before their lips met, she paused, voice dropping to a playful whisper, “do you want me to show you a technique a really pretty girl once told me for when you’re feeling nervous?”

Serenity hadn’t expected Arden to actually do it. Not really—not after all the teasing texts, the half-serious flirting, the subtle-but-not-that-subtle hints. She figured maybe Arden would show up to a future show. Maybe. But not now, not tonight. And definitely not unannounced, right after a show when her pulse was still racing and the adrenaline hadn’t even settled in her bones yet. But there she was. When Serenity opened the backstage door and saw Arden turn toward her, her body moved before her thoughts could catch up. She stepped forward—no, crashed into her—arms tight around Arden’s shoulders, like if she let go, it might break whatever moment this was. Serenity’s breath caught. She didn’t need more explanation than that. She felt the arms around her waist, the warmth of Arden’s cheek brushing hers for a fleeting second before she leaned back just enough to look at her face—god, that face. How did someone look so good in this shitty lighting? Serenity smiled, eyes narrowing like she was trying not to look too smug, even though her heart felt like it was about to pound right out of her chest. “Told you.” Her voice was quiet but laced with something electric. “I never bluff when I’m right.” She laughed, a sharp breath through her nose, head tilting just slightly, lips still close.“You noticed the ponytail tonight, huh? I sprayed hot pink through streaks through it for tonight's show. Do you like it?” she teased, fingers brushing lightly at the hem of Arden’s jacket. Her voice dropped a touch, the air between them thick with everything that hadn’t been said yet. “You know, I was watching the crowd... but when I saw you?” Her hand slid to Arden’s wrist, thumb grazing the pulse point there, slow and deliberate. “I think my heart raced." She paused, leaning in, letting their foreheads rest together for a second. “You just showing up like this…” Her breath hitched, soft and real. “You have no idea what that did to me. I loved spotting your face in the crowd staring back at me." She cupped Arden's cheek. "You know how much I missed this cute little face?"

[ardenvasquez]

arden had planned that, of course they had exchanged texts and of course arden had been dreaming about their interaction before that concert. that was the reason she showed up unannounced. she wanted to see her—more like she needed to see her. she noticed the glow in her eyes when their eyes met, how she looked surprised, and even though she should’ve been focused on the crowd cheering for them, serenity’s focus landed on her. it made arden feel like she was the only person that mattered in the room. it didn’t take much for arden to follow her directions, and even less to end up backstage, looking around, waiting for the blonde drummer. she hadn’t done that for anyone—just showing up because she wanted to see her, without being anything official yet? that was something unexpected, something flynn had pointed out when arden told him her plan. as she heard someone walking toward the door, arden turned just in time to see serenity opening it. arden barely had time to say anything before the blonde’s body crashed into hers, making her stumble slightly before wrapping her arms around serenity’s waist. "of course," she whispered, closing her eyes for a second, soaking in the closeness she had missed for far too long. "you said i wouldn’t be able to get you out of my head, and you were right," she added, "you were amazing up there—with your cool drumsticks, that killer makeup, and that ponytail… you completely shadowed the rest of your band."

Serenity hadn’t expected to see her—not tonight, not here, not in the middle of the crowd. She was used to scanning faces in the crowd, used to the rush of energy from the audience, but when her eyes landed on Arden, everything else fell away. The music, the lights, the noise—it all blurred into the background. There she was. And Serenity’s heart just about forgot how to beat. The moment their hands touched, she cupped Arden’s cheeks without thinking, her thumbs brushing softly against skin she’d missed more than she wanted to admit. Her grin stretched wide at Arden’s words, warmth blooming in her chest like sunlight breaking through the noise. “A surprise?” Serenity echoed with a laugh, eyes searching Arden’s face like she was trying to memorise her all over again. “You always know how to make an entrance.” When Arden glanced to the side, Serenity followed her gaze and caught on quickly, nodding before giving her hand one last squeeze. “I’ll see you soon,” she said, voice laced with something quieter, more intimate beneath all the chaos. And just like that, Arden was gone again, melting into the crowd with a wink and a parting line that lingered—enjoy your moment, you deserve it. Serenity stood there for a beat longer, letting the adrenaline and affection swirl together in her chest. She wasn’t usually the type to get distracted, but Arden had a way of turning her world sideways in the best and most infuriating way. Without waiting for another round of teasing from her girls, she handed off her drumsticks, gave her band mates a quick wave, and turned on her heel—half-walking, half-running toward the guest entrance. Her boots thudded against the floor, her ponytail bouncing, the heat of the show still clinging to her skin. And then—there she was. Arden. “Hey—” Arden barely had time to react before Serenity was on her, throwing her arms around her with a laugh that cracked wide open with relief and joy. She didn’t care that she was sweating. Didn’t care who was watching. Serenity held her like she never wanted to let go. Face tucked into Arden’s neck, she whispered breathlessly, “You showed up.” And she sounded like she still couldn’t believe it.

[ardenvasquez]

after that night they shared arden wouldn't have been able to stop thinking about serenity even if she tried to. she had that magnetic pull that had arden wanting everything with her, even if she didn’t know what that everything was just yet. she bought those tickets the night after their kiss. all her bandmates teased her about falling in love after one kiss—she didn’t deny it, she just ignored them, but there was something more. she wanted to see her again, to know every piece of her. being so close to the stage, arden could see serenity clearly—those hot pink drumsticks, her hair, that smile that told the whole world how much she loved being up there. when serenity stepped closer to the edge, arden and the rest of the crowd cheered even louder, and maybe that’s how she caught her attention. the surprise on her face when their eyes met was enough to make arden's heart skip. the noise faded for a second, like it was just them. she made her way to the barricade, just close enough to reach for serenity's hands. serenity cupped her cheeks, and arden could feel all the eyes on them—people who probably wanted to be where she was. "it was a surprise," she said loudly, grinning. "of course i made it, i won’t tell you when i got this, but i’ve been dying to see you again," she admitted. when serenity made a gesture toward someone, arden followed her gaze, finding the guy she was talking about. "i’ll see you there," she promised, hands still a little shaky from just that short interaction. she didn’t know how serenity made her feel this way—she wasn’t usually like this. she was chill, outgoing, confident... but serenity made her feel excited in a way she couldn’t explain. "enjoy your moment, you deserve it," she said with a wink before slipping away through the crowd and toward the guy, who didn’t even hesitate before guiding her backstage. now she waited, pacing a little, nerves bubbling in her chest as she wandered around, wondering what she’d even say once serenity walked through that door.

Serenity's heart raced as the final chords of the song reverberated through the venue, the applause of the crowd like a soothing hum that washed over her. She stepped toward the front of the stage to join her bandmates, her hands still gripping her signature hot pink drumsticks, which had become an inseparable part of her persona. The sticks, bright and bold, always seemed to shine under the stage lights, just like her. As they took their collective bow, she felt the familiar rush of accomplishment, but it was the sight in the crowd that made her breath catch. Then she spotted someone. Arden. There she was, standing among the sea of fans, her gaze fixed on Serenity. The moment their eyes met, Serenity’s entire face lit up, a wide grin spreading across her features. Her pulse quickened, and her heart seemed to beat louder than the drums she had just pounded. Without thinking, her hands reached out, taking a hold of one of Arden's hands. Serenity’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she finally pulled her hand away from Arden's cheek, a grin still plastered on her face. "You didn’t say you were coming!" she exclaimed, her voice full of surprise and joy. Her hot pink drumsticks were still clutched in her hands, bouncing with her energy as she leaned forward a little, eager to pull Arden closer. "Omg, you made it," she added, a playful laugh escaping her lips. Without missing a beat, Serenity pointed across the room, her eyes lighting up with mischief. "Come talk to that guy over there," she said, nodding toward a tall figure near the bar, who was giving her a knowing glance. "He’ll get you backstage." She winked at Arden, her excitement palpable. The rush of seeing Arden in the crowd after the show had been a pleasant surprise, but the thought of spending more time together behind the scenes was even better.

@ardenvasquez

[ardenvasquez]

that night had already exceeded her expectations, and she hadn’t even stepped on stage yet. the way she felt drawn to serenity made her forget how nervous she was. that anxious energy had been replaced with something else—something deeper, something that made her want to stay in this moment forever. even though she was excited to go out there and perform, a part of her wished she could just stay here, wrapped up in this teasing banter and comfortable silence. "i hope so. i don’t want you forgetting this," arden said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. she wasn’t going to forget—not even if she tried. they were already making promises to see each other again, to call, to make sure this moment didn’t fade, and arden was down for every single one of them. "i don’t think i could, even if i tried," she admitted, her gaze dropping to where serenity’s fingers were now lightly grazing over her arm. a shiver ran down her spine at the touch, relaxing her further into the moment. "you made me forget about everything tonight," she said playfully, but the truth sat between her words. even as the chuckle followed, she meant it. there was something intoxicating about the other girl’s closeness, something that felt too good to pull away from. "and i will," arden whispered back. "i hope you’re out there looking at me." her dark gaze met serenity’s, a soft smile playing on her lips. "you too," serenity murmured. arden was about to lean in again, ready to steal another kiss, when the door banged open. "arden, let’s go, it’s time!" casey, nate, and flynn appeared, buzzing with excitement. arden sighed, glancing at serenity one last time before stepping back. "bye, serenity," she said with a soft smile before finally turning to follow her band. but just before she disappeared through the door, she stole one last glance over her shoulder—because leaving felt a little harder than it should have.

Serenity felt the warmth of the moment, the electric connection between her and Arden that she hadn't expected to feel tonight. Their kiss had been full of fire, and even as they pulled away, she could still feel the heat between them. Arden's honesty made her smile, a soft, teasing smile, as she let her fingers gently trail down Arden's neck, her touch light and lingering. "I won’t forget," Serenity whispered softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "And I’ll definitely be imagining it again." She let her lips hover just above Arden's, teasing her without words, feeling the energy between them. As their gazes locked, Serenity couldn’t help but feel the pull of something more, something deeper. The night was just beginning, and she didn’t want to rush anything, but at the same time, she wasn’t sure she wanted this feeling to ever fade. "We'll see each other again," Serenity said, her tone lighter, more playful, as she leaned in just a little closer, "I’ll make sure to call you. You won’t be able to get me out of your head." Her heart raced, and Serenity knew this was only the beginning. She couldn’t help but feel hopeful for what could come next. Serenity’s nails lightly grazed down Arden’s arms in a slow, teasing motion, her touch soft but deliberate. As she leaned in closer, she nudged her nose gently against Arden’s, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Made you forget about your nerves though, right?” she whispered, her voice laced with flirtation. There was a glint of mischief in her eyes, as if she already knew the answer. Serenity’s lips brushed lightly against Arden’s ear as she spoke, her voice low and sultry, full of anticipation. “I want you to give that crowd the show of their lives tonight,” she whispered, her fingers still tracing teasing patterns down Arden’s arms. She pulled back just enough to look into Arden’s eyes, her gaze full of intensity and encouragement. “You’ve got this,” she added, a playful smile tugging at her lips, knowing that Arden’s nerves were long gone now, replaced with something much stronger.

[ardenvasquez]

✧ how arden and flynn ended up being roomates ✧

arden looked at her best friend, flynn, as they stood side by side in front of yet another apartment door. when she had told him she wanted to move out after college, he hadn’t even hesitated before saying yes to helping her look for a place. he knew how much it meant to her — she wanted her own space, her own life, somewhere she could breathe and maybe, finally, start feeling like she was on the right path. the band was starting to pick up, getting called for a couple of small gigs here and there, and even getting paid for some of them. it wasn’t much, but it was something. something real, something they could hold on to. that was what they wanted — to make music, to make something out of all the late nights spent in garages and cramped bedrooms practicing until their fingers hurt. and still, arden had other dreams too. right after graduation, she’d thrown herself headfirst into auditioning for every musical theatre production that would take her, dragging flynn and the boys with her as her unofficial support crew. they had driven her to every single audition, waiting in cheap diners nearby or in the car, texting her memes to keep her calm. but nothing ever seemed to work out. she never got the call. never got the part. never got to be someone’s leading lady. apparently, she wasn’t enough for them. but she was enough for her band, and maybe that was all that mattered. they were going to be okay — together. "it really sucks," arden mumbled, breaking the silence between them as they stood in the middle of the empty apartment they were visiting. she was looking down at her feet, but flynn was watching her. "i really thought i had it this time. i don’t know why they didn’t want me as their maria," she continued, her voice smaller, shakier than usual. "i mean... it’s fucking west side story, flynn. if i can’t be maria, who is it gonna be?" she groaned, running both hands over her face before leaning heavily against flynn's side. he didn’t say anything at first, just slipped his arm around her shoulders, giving her a soft squeeze, resting his chin gently against the top of her head. "they’re missing out," he said quietly, "you would have been the best maria they’ve ever had. their loss, arden. seriously."

"you have to say that," she mumbled, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "nah, i don’t," he said, nudging her side with a smirk. "and hey, we’re gonna be lucky today. i can feel it. we’re gonna find the perfect place for you, and you’ll be living your own life in no time." they wandered around the apartment, taking in the high ceilings, the big windows that let in a ridiculous amount of sunlight, the creaky wooden floors that would probably drive her nuts but also give the place so much character. it was a little too big for one person, sure, but it was... perfect. arden could already picture her bass guitars hanging on the wall, the couch in the corner where she could write songs for hours, the little space that would hold her karaoke machine. but then reality hit her, and she sighed, pulling out the paper with the rent listed on it like it was mocking her. "this is way too much money, flynn," she said, almost whispering. "i really thought this was it. can’t you see my bass collection right there?" she pointed at one wall. "and my karaoke machine over there?" she motioned to another spot. "but no," she muttered, scrunching the paper into a ball and throwing it across the room. "of course it can’t happen."

flynn watched her for a second, his brows furrowing, before he said quietly, "i’ll move in with you." arden blinked, turning to look at him, eyes wide. "what?" "i’ll move in," he repeated, more sure of himself this time. "we can split it. fifty-fifty. you’d still have your bass wall, and your karaoke machine, and i can take the other room. it’s a good deal. besides, it’s not like i’m gonna move in with the guys — they’re a mess. at least i know you will clean up after yourself." arden stared at him, lips slowly curving into a smile that made her eyes shine a little brighter. "you’d do that for me?" she asked, her voice soft, touched in a way she couldn’t hide. "of course," he grinned, nudging her shoulder. "what are best friends for?" without warning, she threw her arms around him, holding him tight. "i love you so much, flynn," she whispered against his shoulder. "you don’t," he teased, laughing, "you’re too gay to love me." she pulled back, laughing now too. "if i was straight, i’d be so in love with you," she joked, playfully shoving his chest. "ouch, harsh," he said with a laugh, rubbing the spot she pushed. "i just saved your life, and this is how you thank me?"flynn mused dramatically. "you’re a hero," she grinned, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. "yeah, yeah, let’s buy this apartment, baby," he smirked, reaching out to grab her hand and giving it a little squeeze. "long live our apartment," arden laughed, spinning around in the middle of the room.

"we need a cool name for it though," flynn added as they started walking toward the door where the owner was waiting for them to make a decision. "the cave?" he suggested, raising an eyebrow. arden scrunched up her nose. "ugh, no. way too lame." "too lame, huh?" flynn laughed, shaking his head. "okay, miss creative, what do you got?" she paused, eyes scanning the space again, already seeing it filled with instruments and friends and laughter. "what about... the studio?" she said softly, a spark of excitement returning to her voice. flynn looked thoughtful, turning the name over in his head like it was a new song they were writing. "the studio," he repeated, nodding slowly. "i like it. actually, i love it." arden’s grin was back, wide and full of hope now. "yeah, like... it’s where all the magic happens. our music, our writing, band practices... oh! and karaoke nights have to be a thing." "obviously," flynn grinned, "and i’m calling dibs on the good mic." "in your dreams, blondie," arden shot back, sticking her tongue out at him. "i’m not letting you murder my ears with that voice." "rude. but fine," he chuckled. they stood there a moment longer, just smiling at each other, the weight of arden’s earlier disappointment finally lifting. "so it’s official?" flynn asked, holding out his hand like they were making some sacred deal. arden took it, shaking it firmly with a laugh. "it’s official. the studio." "our mess, our music, our frozen pizza dinners," he added, winking. "hell yeah," she grinned. as they walked toward the owner to seal the deal, they knew this was it — a new chapter, their own place, where dreams were allowed to be messy and loud and completely theirs.

[ardenvasquez]

arden knew it was going to be a good night—they were playing the biggest venue in town, opening for a great band, and after this show, things were going to take off. what she didn’t expect was to meet a pretty girl who would start flirting with her while they waited. the pull the blonde had on her was something she couldn’t explain. they didn’t know each other, but arden was already sure she wouldn’t be able to forget her, no matter how hard she tried. and now, they were kissing in an empty hallway, the playlist inside the venue blasting through the walls, but out here, it was just a faint hum. she couldn’t care less about anything else, only the girl kissing her. before, she’d used her nerves as an excuse to flirt with serenity, but now she wasn’t sure she could go a single day without this feeling. as they pulled away, arden couldn’t help but be honest—she needed more. she wasn’t usually greedy, but with the blonde in her arms, she wanted to make the most of every second. she pulled her closer, hands wrapping around her back as serenity’s fingers ran through her hair, making her smile against the kiss. if this wasn’t the perfect kiss, arden didn’t know what was. she wouldn’t forget her—how could she? she didn’t believe in love at first sight, but at first kiss? she might just write a song about it. the electricity running through her as serenity’s lips pressed against hers was enough to drive her crazy. nothing else existed anymore, just them, frozen in time, and she wished she could make it last forever. as serenity pulled away, arden’s gaze met hers before she leaned in again, barely whispering. she felt goosebumps rise on her skin in anticipation. at her words, arden bit her lower lip. "got it," she nodded. "i’ll give you a show, don’t worry about it," she promised, pressing one more quick kiss to her lips. "i hope you don’t forget about it," she smiled, "and if we don’t see each other after this, i hope you call me just to let me know what you ended up imagining," she smirked.

Serenity could feel the spark between them growing stronger with each moment. Arden’s playful energy matched her own in a way that was rare, and there was something undeniably magnetic about her presence. The chemistry was there, and Serenity didn’t want to ignore it. Arden’s teasing words only fueled the tension, and Serenity couldn’t help but smile, a soft laugh escaping her as she replied, “I don’t think you’ll regret it.” The way Arden’s gaze lingered, full of curiosity and challenge, made Serenity’s heart beat just a little faster. She wasn’t used to feeling so drawn in, yet there was something about this connection that felt easy, comfortable, and exciting all at once. There was no denying the pull. As they walked down the alleyway, Serenity led with a calm confidence, yet she could feel the anticipation in the air, the sense of something new unfolding. Every step, every glance, felt charged with possibility. Arden’s teasing made Serenity’s smile grow. When they reached the wall, the world seemed to slow down just for a second. The closeness between them made Serenity’s heart race, and she felt the tension in the air between them. Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, their lips met in a passionate kiss. It wasn’t rushed in the slightest, but it was full of the intensity that had been building between them. When they pulled apart, their faces still close, Arden’s whispered words sent a shiver through Serenity. Serenity’s heart raced as she deepened the kiss, her hands gently finding their way into Arden’s soft brunette locks. She could feel the silkiness of the hair beneath her fingertips, her touch tender and careful as she tilted her head slightly, adjusting to the moment. Every movement between them was full of meaning, each shift in position almost instinctive. Serenity’s touch was soft yet firm, her hands running through Arden’s hair as she pulled her a little closer, the connection between them growing stronger with every passing second. The world outside seemed to disappear, leaving just the two of them, lost in the quiet, electric intimacy of the moment. Serenity's voice was low, teasing yet filled with a quiet intensity as she leaned in closer, her breath brushing against Arden's ear. Her words hung in the air between them, playful but with a hint of something deeper, something she was eager to explore. "You're gonna think of me when you're playing on stage, right?" she asked, her eyes locking with Arden’s, challenging her with a knowing smile. "I want you to picture nothing but me. I want your fingers playing that bass the way they might play with someone like me. Give me the show of my life and make my imagination run wild. Got it?"

[ardenvasquez]

arden couldn’t help the thrill running through her as serenity matched her energy. it wasn’t often someone caught her attention like this, but serenity was different. the chemistry between them was undeniable, and she wasn’t about to fight it. “will i regret that?” arden teased, her voice low and playful, eyes lingering on serenity's lips for a second before meeting her gaze again. she was already lost in the moment, the anticipation building with every word and every touch. “i have a lot of free time,” she promised, a smile tugging at her lips. arden was always one to give off an air of confidence, but with serenity, she found herself feeling a little more vulnerable, a little more intrigued by where this could go. she wanted to see how far this playful connection could take them. as she followed serenity down the hallway, the excitement in her chest grew, her heart racing as she let the blonde lead the way. every step felt charged with the tension building between them. "yes, you are, you're not denying it, are you?" she asked with a teasing glint in her eyes, enjoying how playful the moment was. serenity’s tease made arden bite down on her lower lip, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. she was determined to keep up, to match the blonde’s energy, but she was also eager to see how far this would go. and then it happened. she was pressed against the cold brick wall, her breath hitching, a smile tugging at her lips. the tension between them was palpable, and arden could feel every nerve in her body alive, yearning for more. when serenity mentioned the distraction, arden was about to respond, but her words were silenced by the blonde's lips crashing into hers. the kiss was electric, sending sparks all through her. arden's hands moved instinctively to cup serenity’s cheek, her body already reacting to the intensity of the kiss. "i need a little more," arden whispered against her lips, before she was the one pulling the blonde in, crashing her lips back against serenity's with even more urgency. the heat between them was undeniable, and in that moment, there was no holding back.

Serenity couldn’t help but grin as she felt Arden’s energy match hers, playful and undeniably magnetic. The way she leaned in just a little closer, her words carrying that flirtatious edge—Serenity loved it. She’d always known she had that effect on people, but there was something about Arden that had her a little more intrigued than usual. "All the minutes I want, huh?" Serenity raised an eyebrow, her voice low and teasing as she stepped closer to Arden, her hand still gently holding onto hers. "You sure about you want to offer someone like me that? I might take up a lot of your free time." She loved how easily Arden slipped into her rhythm, how she matched her playful energy without hesitation. It was electric, and Serenity was soaking it all in, watching the way Arden's eyes sparkled with amusement, feeling that warmth between them. There was something undeniably comforting about it. For their first time meeting, it didn't feel like that. When they stepped outside, Serenity took a deep breath of the night air, the cool breeze teasing her skin, but it was nothing compared to the heat of the moment. Arden’s teasing smile made Serenity’s pulse quicken, and she leaned in just slightly, close enough that their breaths almost mingled. "Walking distraction?" Serenity’s voice was playful, but her gaze was steady, locked onto Arden's with an intensity that matched her flirtatious grin. "Well, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve… but first, let me see if you can keep up." She gave a wicked smile, already feeling that familiar rush of excitement as she led Arden further into the dark alley outside, to shield them. She then lightly pressed Arden against the cool brick wall, pausing for a heartbeat, her eyes locking onto Arden’s with a playful glint. She stepped closer, her body just a breath away from Arden’s, the warmth between them undeniable. Her hand rested lightly on the wall beside Arden’s head, leaning in slightly. "So," Serenity murmured, her voice low and teasing, "I think you're gonna like this distraction." Before Arden could respond, Serenity leaned in, her lips brushing against the other girl's. "Distracted yet?"

[ardenvasquez]

if arden was honest with herself, she’d stopped worrying about the concert the moment she found herself perched on serenity’s lap. not that she’d admit it—not yet. there was a pull, something magnetic about the blonde, and she knew she was meeting her energy, matching the subtle flirting with her own. serenity was intoxicating, and arden had no intention of cutting the moment short. "thanks, i’m really proud of us," she replied with a nod, her voice soft but genuine. it wasn’t just a line—she truly was proud. starting as a college band, they’d defied the odds. most groups like theirs fizzled out after a semester or two, but hers? it had lasted, and she’d gained not only bandmates but the most amazing friends she could have asked for. sitting so close, she could feel serenity’s warmth, and it was... comforting. maybe a little addictive. with her legs draped over serenity’s, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. and the way the blonde drummed her fingers playfully against her thigh? arden was sure she could get used to that. it was a moment that made her wonder if the concert could even come close to topping this—whatever "this" was. "then it’s great you called me over," she said with a soft laugh, leaning into the playful tone as serenity mentioned needing a distraction. her heart fluttered when the other got up, taking her hand and pulling her to her feet. arden was more than willing to play whatever game serenity had in mind. "all the minutes you want," she replied, her smile widening as she let herself be led outside. the sound of her bandmates cheering from behind made her laugh, though it also sent a rush of warmth to her cheeks, her face burning red. once they were outside, arden turned to serenity, her lips curling into a teasing smile as she leaned slightly closer. "so, what now, walking distraction?" she quipped, her tone flirtatious, her gaze locked on serenity's.

Serenity couldn’t help but feel a mix of curiosity and excitement as the brunette spoke. She wasn’t sure if this was just how she acted with everyone or if the flirting was intentional, but it didn’t matter. The attention felt intoxicating, and for a moment, Serenity forgot about everything else—the concert, the crowd, the nerves that had been creeping up inside her too. All she could focus on was the girl sitting so close, her presence pulling Serenity in like a magnet. As the Arden shared her story, Serenity found herself hanging on every word. The way her eyes lit up when she spoke about the band, the dreams they’d chased, it was impossible not to be drawn in. "That’s incredible," Serenity said, her voice soft but full of genuine admiration. "You’ve come so far. It's wild, yeah. But so well deserved." Arden's legs draped across Serenity’s lap, her face just inches away, and Serenity could feel the warmth of her breath. It was a dangerous closeness, but Serenity didn’t mind. In fact, she welcomed it. The magnetic pull between them was undeniable, and Serenity's fingers lightly drumming on the girl's thigh only made her pulse quicken. Her presence, her confidence, was something Serenity found both calming and electrifying at the same time. It was a perfect balance to the nervous energy she had been feeling all night. As Arden leaned in even closer, Serenity felt her breath catch. The teasing smile on her lips and the playful tone in her voice sent a spark of excitement through Serenity, leaving her wondering what would happen if she gave in to the challenge. The playful, yet serious edge in her voice made Serenity want to push things further, to see where this connection might go. "Maybe you just need a little distraction," Serenity murmured, her voice soft, playful, yet full of intent. "I have been told I'm good at those." It was a game, she realized, one that she was more than willing to play. She reached for the other girls hand and shot a look over her shoulder at her band that kept doing quick looks over at the two of them. "Follow me outside a minute."

[ardenvasquez]

she didn’t know how the blonde acted with others. was this just her personality? was she like this with everyone? or was the flirting intentional? she couldn’t tell, but she was loving the attention. for a moment, she forgot about the concert, forgot about the nerves and the noise. right now, all she could think about was the girl sitting so close, her presence intoxicating. “yeah,” she said, nodding, her voice soft as if she were sharing a secret. “i tried to get cast in a musical once. turns out, they didn’t want me. so, after joking around about starting a band together, we just... did it.” she smiled, her eyes lighting up as she spoke. “and now, here we are. playing here. it’s wild. we’ve been dreaming about this since the band first started.” her smile lingered, but her voice wavered slightly as she admitted, “it’s hard to keep grounded when you’re this nervous about going on stage” she felt herself leaning in, the space between them shrinking naturally, as if there was nowhere else she wanted to be. her legs were now draped over serenity’s lap, her face closer to hers than it probably should’ve been—but she didn’t care. maybe she wanted this, wanted the other girl to keep her attention pinned. serenity’s fingers lightly drumming against her thigh were enough to keep her heartbeat racing. there was something so magnetic about her, the way her calm confidence balanced out her own nervous energy. “i think i need that,” she murmured, her lips tugging into a playful smile. serenity’s calm gaze only made her bolder. “how do i keep my focus?” she whispered, her tone just as playful, her words tinged with a challenge she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to win.

Serenity had been trying to keep it together, to pretend like she wasn't all too aware of the proximity between her and Arden. It was hard to ignore the warmth of Arden’s body so close to hers, or the way her presence seemed to fill up the space in a way Serenity hadn’t expected. When Arden mentioned her nerves, Serenity felt a soft pang of empathy. She could tell it was something Arden wasn’t used to admitting, especially not in a setting like this. Serenity was glad she could be the one to offer some comfort, even if she had to do so under the guise of sitting close. After all, that was her excuse, right? She wasn’t flirting. She was just… helping. Helping with nerves, with the loneliness that often hit before a performance. "You're a band formed from college? That's so cute" She couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of the hyper brunette guy across the room with a kid too. He seemed to be high on life. "You can ground yourself to help with the nerves. This venue is one of the best around here though, huh?" The teasing from Flynn brought Serenity back to reality. She laughed softly under her breath, her fingers slightly twitching at the feel of Arden's legs resting on her lap. "Do I mind?" she repeated, pretending to consider it for a moment, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I guess not. I don't mind at all." She shot Arden a sly grin, her tone teasing but not unkind. Truth was, it was impossible to ignore the way Arden had made herself at ease despite the crowded space. Serenity wasn’t sure if Arden was intentionally pushing boundaries or if she was just being her usual bold self, but either way, Serenity wasn’t complaining. At least not yet. Her fingernails lightly drummed against the other girl's legs - playfully. "Did you want me to teach you how to ground yourself? It's all about keeping your focus."

[ardenvasquez]

arden was pretty much over the whole blonde situation—or so she told herself. the space between them was almost nonexistent, but if the blonde wanted to sit so close she was practically in her lap? that had to mean she knew it and didn’t care, right? that’s what arden decided to assume. it was funny, though, how the other girl was telling her it was nice to meet her while practically sitting on top of her. that kind of thing hadn’t happened to arden before, not like this. “yeah, we started playing together back in college, and here we are,” she shrugged casually, even though it wasn’t casual at all to her. she loved those three idiots more than anything, and she had no clue where she’d be without them. “the one who looks like tarzan? yeah, he’s got the cutest baby i’ve ever seen,” she added with a nod, her gaze shifting briefly to casey before flicking back to the blonde.“we’re definitely squished in here,” she chuckled, trying to focus on her words and not the closeness. then serenity said something about how sitting there was supposed to make arden feel less alone when it was time to go onstage, and arden’s eyebrows shot up, amused. the way she said it made it sound like there was no ulterior motive—no interest in being all up in her space, no subtle flirting. just helping her feel less alone. yeah, right. if arden asked anyone else in the room, she was pretty sure they’d all agree serenity was flirting. “i’ll let you know after the show if it worked,” she mused, shrugging playfully before her gaze turned back to the blonde. “we’ve been dreaming about playing in this venue for so long,” she admitted with a small nod. “i’ll remember it for sure. it’s not my first rodeo or anything, but i still don’t really know how to deal with my nerves,” she blurted out, then immediately regretted saying it. sometimes, she was just too much like her bandmates—speaking without thinking. “but thanks,” she added, brushing it off.then, in a bold move, arden shifted over serenity, stretching out so her legs rested on the arms of the couch and draped over serenity’s lap. she could hear flynn’s voice in the background, throwing out a teasing, “go arden!” which earned an eyeroll from her. “do you mind?” she asked, glancing at serenity, her tone half-joking but her expression daring her to say otherwise.

Serenity glanced up from her hot pink drumsticks as Arden slid into the tiny space beside her. She didn’t flinch when Arden’s elbow brushed against hers, nor did she seem to notice the almost nonexistent space between them. "Nice to meet you too," Serenity replied, her voice smooth and steady, as if they weren’t about to step out onto a stage in a few minutes. She gave a quick, almost lazy glance toward Arden’s band mates, who were clearly working hard to hide their own jitters. "Your best friends, huh?" Serenity chuckled lightly, her eyes flicking back to Arden. "One of those guys is a dad?" There was a quiet, wry amusement in her tone, but she didn’t sound judgmental. Serenity had her own share of pre-show nerves, but you'd never guess by watching her. As Arden asked her question, Serenity gave a small shrug, one shoulder rising nonchalantly. "You’re fine," she said, her voice calm. "We’re all squished in here, right? Doesn’t bother me. It also wouldn't be the first time I've had a girl sat on top of me." She smiled then, a little softer this time, looking at Arden more directly. "Besides, it’s probably better to be close. Makes you feel a little less alone before you walk out there." Her words were matter-of-fact, but there was something about the way she said them that made it clear she wasn’t just talking about physical space. "First big show, huh?" Serenity added with a small, encouraging smile. "You’ll be great. Just remember to breathe."

[ardenvasquez]

arden couldn’t believe it was finally happening. after so many years of dreaming and working, she was minutes away from stepping onto that stage, opening for a huge band, all with her best friends. her emotions were tangled—excitement and nerves wrapped together. her eyes drifted to the blonde drummer, who looked totally calm and collected. she was tempted, really tempted, to say something—anything—to distract herself, and before she could think twice, she made her way over. the spot left open for her was so tiny that she practically ended up sitting on top of the blonde. "nice to meet you," she said softly, glancing over with a small, nervous smile. she gestured toward her bandmates, who were definitely not as calm as they pretended to be. "those idiots over there? they’re my best friends," she chuckled. "just a bunch of overgrown kids, even if one of them happens to be a dad" her gaze lingered on the drummer, hoping she wouldn’t mind the practically nonexistent space between them. "so, uh… do you mind if i'm practically on top of you?"

serenity couldn't explain how she was feeling into specific words. a mixture of excitement, nervousness and a whole lot of high energy. you couldn't go and play a show like tonight's without feeling the bass of the music pumping through your veins. she ready to go. serenity knew a couple of people in the crowd tonight - mainly friends and friends of friends and people who had already supported the band in the past that ran fan pages for them all on social media. those people were adorable with the tweets and getting excited whenever somebody answered them. she didn't fee like a star yet. serenity smirked and rolled her eyes playfully as one of the boys across the room let out a low wolf whistle which he didn't disguise. "i'm not going to apologise if you do end up getting too distracted." serenity wanted to be a source of comfort for the girl in the mix of the madness that happened backstage before a huge gig took place. "arden." serenity repeated the name to make sure she would remember it. she loved meeting other bands and band members that had similar interests that she had. "i'm serenity. i'm the drummer from the other support act that's playing here tonight. what's the connection between everyone in your band? are some of those your brothers, boyfriend and friends, or besties?"

[ardenvasquez]

they’d dreamed of this night forever—since their first jam sessions, late nights, and endless rehearsals. tonight, they were stepping onto that stage, ready to own it, and arden was certain people were going to love them. the pressure was intense, not just because of the headliner’s crowd but because their friends were in the audience, too. coral, always their biggest supporter, was somewhere out there, and kyle was probably here for nate. it had to be perfect. she was mid-thought when a voice cut through her focus. turning, arden spotted the blonde girl who’d been in the room when they’d walked in, though she hadn’t really noticed how striking she was until now. the girl patted the seat next to her with a smile, and arden was pulled from her anxious pacing just in time to hear nate’s wolf whistle. she shot him a quick glare, catching his eyebrow wiggle and the nudge he gave casey. “i don’t want to get too distracted,” she murmured, mostly to herself, but she turned and took in the girl’s vibrant pink drumsticks, her nerves calming just a little. “and i’m arden,” she added with a grin.

serenity's band was also performing at one of the city's most beloved venues tonight and the adrenaline was started to kick in as more and more people started to file into the main concerts room. she was thankful to the headliner for the opportunity to give these newer bands the chance to showcase themselves to a brand new audience. serenity was sat on top one of the huge amps set backstage shifting through random playlist music until it was go time. she twirled her bright pink drumsticks through her fingers to give herself something to focus on for a couple of seconds. she looked across the room at the other support act with the three guys sat there talking among each other and then at the girl buzzing and ready to go and play. "hey, other bands girl, come over here and sit with me. i feel like you could use a distraction until it's time to go and rock your heart out."

[ardenvasquez]

they didn’t know who was going up first, or who’d be the first to step on that stage. all they had was the background noise of some random playlist playing over the speakers as people trickled into the venue. this was their moment, and arden’s nerves were in overdrive. she paced back and forth in the room, barely noticing casey and nate’s calm as they hung back, though she’d caught a few curious glances from the other band. not that it mattered. she was buzzing with adrenaline, practically itching to move. “i’ll go crazy in here,” she sighed, pressing her hands together as if trying to hold back the energy. @serenitybellxo

[ardenvasquez]

arden had known casey and the band for what felt like forever. she’d watched casey go from his wild days, always surrounded by people, to the moment he met coral. even arden had noticed how they instantly clicked, and now, seeing him as a dad, living his best life, it made her heart swell with happiness for her friend. "you’ve definitely matured a little bit, i’ll give you that," she teased, a smile tugging at her lips. her eyes widened in surprise at his next words. "wait, you’re writing a song about our friendship and didn’t tell any of us? did you tell nate? because you know i can get any information out of him," she grinned, the playful glint in her eyes showing just how much she was enjoying this moment. being part of the regency family meant everything to her. standing there on the stage, arden couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. from this spot, they’d be able to see everyone in the crowd, and the thought of it made her heart race with anticipation. she laughed as casey spun her around, feeling like a kid again, free and full of joy. she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this happy. "we have to celebrate this," arden mused, the idea already forming in her mind. "we should get everyone together—partners, babies, the whole crew—and have a barbecue or something, just to celebrate all of this," she suggested, still grinning as casey set her back on the floor.

casey didn't know how parenthood was going to treat him but he was loving every second of raising a kid with his favourite person. coral was the most perfect mom. celeste's up bringing was going to be better than both of theirs and he knew they'd both do everything they could to make sure of it. she deserved to feel as loved as possible with two parents that would give her the world if they could do. "past and former so-called loser, maybe. i think i've matured a little bit since our college days." casey could still come across as immature sometimes but he didn't go around toying with people's feelings anymore. he didn't need too. coral was completely his type. he could still remember the time when he warned his band to give him a shot with coral. "i'm actually writing a song about all of our friendships without it being too obvious." casey's band mates would be able to pick out lines and memories from within the lyrics which would relate to them all in different ways which seemed special to him. casey looked down at the area in front of the stage which would be filled with people. the excitement and nervousness was already running through his veins. he thrived on adrenaline. "we're all going to play our favourite venue. how freaking insane is that?" casey charged across the stage and span arden around giddy with all his excitement. "we fucking made it, arden!"

[ardenvasquez]

arden chuckled at his words. "oh, that's what i'll tell her whenever we talk about you. i'll tell her her daddy is a loser," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes as she looked at her best friend. she would never actually talk that way about casey, but teasing him was always fun. "if coral talks about you? man, she's so in love with you, it's sickening. she probably talks about you at every opportunity," she laughed. arden pretended to gag as he confessed he wrote songs for both his girlfriend and daughter. "so cheesy, casey," she laughed, though she secretly thought it was adorable. "in fact, that's really cute. i hope someday you write a song about how amazing of a best friend i am, though. if not, i'll cry myself to sleep every night," she joked, following him onto the stage. once she was up there, she looked around the room, imagining it filled with people. "it feels amazing," she nodded. "imagine everyone looking at us, the room packed, with coral, celeste, and kyle close to the stage but safe from the crowd. everyone cheering for us," she smiled, looking around. "this is the dream."

casey loved that the band had started to get gigs at weddings near the start of their career because of being called registry - it seemed fitting. who would of known that he would also fall in love at somebody else's wedding too. "i hope she thinks i'm cool and not some loser try hard musician." casey wanted his daughter to be proud of his achievements and think that it was cool that he had followed his heart and went after his dreams while also supporting his loving girlfriend and adoring little girl at home. "do you really think that coral talks about me to celeste when i'm not at home?" casey wondered if that's something that happened when he wasn't there to witness it. "yeah, of course. i write songs about both my girls so they've both gotta listen to it." casey would practice and play his songs at every opportunity at home. maybe celeste would inherit his love for music from him? arden's arm wrapped around his waist - so his own wrapped around the girl's shoulder as he lead them both over to the door to get onto the stage. casey walked onto it - throwing his arms out to both of his sides. "how's it feel? the correct answer is right."