Chapter Text
The rehearsal room smelled of dust, old wood, and faint incense. Rain plucked at the bass idly, Sodo strummed a lazy chord, tuning his guitar while Aurora jingled her tambourine softly. Cirrus fiddled with the keys on the synthesizer, adjusting a minor chord here and there, and Tempest drummed lightly on a spare snare. Phantom leaned against his amp, observing everyone with an amused expression.
At the center of it all, Mountain perched on the edge of the drum kit platform, bare feet dangling as usual. His broad shoulders and calm presence made the chaotic energy around him seem manageable.
Storm bounced lightly on the balls of his feet near the keyboard, his stockier frame packed with restless energy. His eyes sparkled as he watched Mountain tighten a cymbal stand.
“Need a hand?” Storm asked softly, leaning closer.
Mountain glanced up, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “I’ve got it. But I wouldn’t say no to company.”
Storm grinned and stepped closer, fingers brushing briefly against Mountain’s as he adjusted the hardware. The brief contact sent a tiny spark through Storm, and he hid a small grin.
Sodo laughed from across the room. “You two really need to focus on music instead of… whatever that is.”
“Just making sure Mountain doesn’t hurt himself,” Storm quipped, leaning in slightly more than necessary.
Mountain chuckled, the low rumble vibrating in his chest. “I can handle it.”
Aurora tilted her head, smirking. “Some of us are here to play, not flirt.”
Tempest added a soft percussion accent. “Speak for yourself. This is peak entertainment.”
Cirrus sighed, shaking their head. “You two never change.”
Phantom strummed a slow chord in rhythm. “Let them have their fun. The music’s better when they’re happy.”
Storm leaned closer again, whispering, “See? Even Phantom agrees you need me.”
Mountain brushed a stray lock of hair from Storm’s face. “I think we both know who keeps this band alive.”
The first messy notes rang out, and somewhere between the riffs and laughter, the perfect rhythm had already begun—Storm and Mountain at the center of it all.