Chapter Text
Desert, Zone 4
“Cherri, will you mix for me tonight??”
The older adult turned from his desk to face the red headed boy who just disrupted him : “ Depends on what I get out of it.”
“ I don't know… a hell of a party ?”
“ We all know how your parties end, Party Poison” He says, emphasizing his name carefully like it explained everything. “And I’m honestly not in the mood for a face off with dracs tonight.”
“Aww, come on !! People love our parties. And it only ended up bad two times. It’s not a Poison party without his loyal DJ Cherri Cola.”
“Kobra, please tell your brother to stop.”
The younger brother doesn't even bother looking up from his magazine. “ Please stop, Gee.”
He gets a smack to the forehead in response. “Ouch ! Fuck you !”
“ That’s what you get for siding with him ! And we said no more old names now.”
“ I really don't get why we have to do all these theatrics. Mikey and Gerard were perfectly fine names.”
“ You can just go to Battery City if you want to be normal so bad.”
Mikey—Kobra Kid didn't have bother answering and just grunted before going back to his magazine. It’s been two years since the world as they knew it has gone to shit, and he still struggled with it sometimes. The newfound radiation in the air had been hard on everyone in the desert, but he seemed to get more migraines than his older brother and their friend. He didn't see the point of all the new fancy names either. “It’s symbolic”, had said his brother, always down to be extra. “Because we rejected the false normalcy they’re selling in Battery City. It’s unity between us freaks in the desert, no matter the gang”. Whatever. Kobra had based his desert name off of his favorite movies and his love for reptiles. He used to have a pet snake before. Oh well.
As for Gerard, now Party Poison, they had claimed their new name was meant to be “Fun and mysterious, but in a sexy way”. Kobra just thought it was corny. But it fitted, and the bastard wore it well. He always had been the life of the party, and still was despite the situation. He threw parties in emptied out hangars, gas stations or stone-pits. His parties always reunited people in the zones. Cherri Cola was a respected figure in the desert, and so was his friend Dr Death-Defying, radio host of The DesertZ FrequencieZ, a broadcast that kept everyone updated about BL/ind’s antics and their raids in the desert. Having them sure helped with the ambiance, and helped gather more people.
“... I’ll do it”, Kobra heard Cherri sigh. Fucking Poison always got their way.
“ Will Jet Star and Merry Mayhem at least attend ?” Kobra whined.
“You best believe the band is gonna play !!! That includes you.”
Kobra groaned once again. “Well if Jet plays…”
And thus they began the final planning.
Kobra and Party, helped by Jet and Merry who had joined them, set up the stage and the decorations. Tonight, they were in the best spot they had found yet : an actual former venue. It wasn't as big as some of the hangars they went to, but it felt cozy and almost normal. Like they weren't lost teenagers in a desert hiding from a corporation sponsored dictatorship. Like they were the sixteen and nineteen year olds they dreamed they’d be while watching movies growing up.
“Are we doing the new song tonight?” Asked Merry while hanging up a paper garland she made. On it, it read “ The Fabulous Killjoys”, their band name. She had been the one to suggest the name, and the band as a whole. Merry was nineteen, like Party and her cousin Jet. She had a kid with some guy the others didn't know. He didn't come to parties and they weren't together anymore, but they were amicable and took turns taking care of their daughter. She was a nice girl with a flamboyant personality. Kobra and Party rocked full heads of fancy hair colors, but she was content with only a streak of electric blue in her otherwise brown curly hair. She usually took the lead in their outings and face offs against draculoids, but left the spotlight of the stage to Party Poison. She drummed very well, but that was it. No singing or songwriting. She just kicked and kicked, almost like she fought. But she was passionate in all she did.
“Party said yes. Pretty sure they threw the whole party just to debut it.”
You could tell Jet and Merry were related. If their brown curls and facial features weren't an obvious enough hint, they had the same laugh and sparkle in their eyes. While she was petite, he was all height, but both had a similar slim figure. He was the best guitarist ever. Party always said he was their musical soulmate. He was quieter, but reliable and funny. When he spoke, it was always either thoughtful advice or a funny joke. Jet was their watchful eye, their laid back model, and of course their really hot guitarist. Or at least that’s how Kobra saw it, but he was sure Party would agree.
The four of them made a colorful crew. Four of the many lost teenagers in the Zone who had matched immediately. They set fire to the venues, and made bullets rain on the Draculoids. The Killjoys brought the party with them wherever they went.
“ I heard Dr D’s got himself a new sidekick.”
“FUCK !” Party had dropped a box of equipment on his foot. “Cherri you bastard, you startled me !”
“D said the kid’s lonely. Has been alone since the fires. Make friends with him.”
“ Yeah, whatever”, replied Party, still holding onto his feet. “Just don't sneak up on me like that again or I’ll smash your mixing table next.”
Cherri scoffed, used to the banter, and went back to setting up. As he went back and forth to drop off cranes of drinks and snacks, he thought about them. He loved these kids. He loved what they had here. Sure, the whole, vampire-fighting-desert-vigilantes wasn't what he preferred they’d do, but who was he to stop them ? He may have been older but apart from that, he had no claim over them.
That kind of kinship was the worst. He wasn't their father, not their brother, just an older guy who had taken them under his wings. But he didn't get to parent them or tell the crew what they should or shouldn't do. They could all go on a suicide mission and the best he could do was beg, then eventually watch them go. The Killjoys were free spirits and even their honorary member couldn't stop them if he tried.
“The radiation’s already killing us slowly, Poison, you don't need that to kill you faster” Cherri turned around to see Merry Mayhem slap a cigarette out of Party Poison’s hands. They flipped her the bird as a response, leaning down to pick the death stick up. But, instead of lighting it, they put it away in their pockets.
“Yeah, whatever. Let's just get this party started.”
_____
The party was a hit. There were about a hundred people present. Most of them were more or less familiar faces, but also there also was new blood, which was always enjoyable.The four of them bartended for the first half of the night while Cherri Cola mixed. They took turns sneaking off to the dance floor and going wild. Party Poison loved dancing. He and Mikey were the best in the desert at line dancing; with Merry Mayhem he’d get to turn and twirl in her arms, and Jet Star and him often grinded on the other. They did that with other people too. Party would look away when Jet and his little brother started dancing a little closer to one another, and he knew Kobra would do the same. Who’d like to see their siblings grinding on their friends, or on random strangers ? Not any of them two, that was for sure.
As for now, it was him on the dance floor, alone after Merry went to chat up some girl. He threw his hands up in the air and jumped while crossing his feet before turning. As they completed their rotation, they bumped into someone.
“Aw, shit man, sorry !”
“ No it’s on me man I’m sorry! Don't let me kill your vibe. You were killing it.”
Party looked at the boy he crashed into. He seemed to be his age, wearing the same youthful yet tired eyes. He had shoulder length black hair and a sleeveless military vest that seemed a size too big. A scorpio tattoo peeked out of his collar, and his cropped top hinted at another one underneath his navel. The Killjoy spotted his piercings: stretched earlobes, nostril and lip piercing all adorned with silver rings. The other teen seemed to check him out as well. They stared at each other for a bit, hesitant. Poison finally made the first move, stepping closer to put his hand on the other’s shoulder. As he opened his mouth, he was rudely interrupted.
“Bro, it's time for our set “, Kobra sighed as he dragged them away.
Party Poison waved awkwardly to the other boy with his free hand. He usually never did “awkward”.
“Kobra, you just ruined the start of something wonderful.”
“Like hell I did. If you want to get laid, you’ll do it after the show and very far away from me, thank you.”
Party didn't answer as they stepped up the three stairs leading up to the stage. Taking place in the center, he grabbed the mic and started speaking:
“ Can anyone get me a fucking drink !!!?” He half screamed, half sung. The crowd erupted in cheers. They raised their glass, fake-giving it to him. But then he saw it. One person making their way across the crowd and actually handing him a glass full of their alcohol-soda mix.
“Hey, this cutie knows what’s up !” Party exclaimed, downing the glass in one go. “Let’s give it up for the new desert cutie, everyone!” The crowd cheered once again and they leaned to give the glass back to the dark haired cutie, not without blowing him a kiss before going.
The Killjoys show went great. Party Poison jumped around and screamed as always, Kobra Kid was in the usual cooler-than-everyone stance he took on stage, Jet Star played that guitar like he had invented the instrument, and Merry Mayhem had had at least two bras thrown at her. The usual stuff. Except this time, the lead singer’s eyes wandered to a specific part of the crowd each time.
If my velocity starts to make you sweat, then just don't let go
Cause the emergency room got no vacancy
And we just, and we just, and we just, and we just get up and Go !
The dark haired boy stared right back at them, smiling. It was almost taunting. Party looked away, going for another run around the stage.
Who they want you to be
Who they wanted to see
Go kill the party with me, and never go home
Their bright red hair seemed almost neon against the lights of the venue. The decay and lack of power meant they had limited projectors, but the Killjoys didn't need fancy equipment to prove they were great. All of them glistened in sweat and energy. Poison went back to the cute boy's side of the stage and dropped to his knees, now directly facing him.
Who they want you to be
Who they wanted to see
Party Poison got as close as the stage allowed and put his hand on his shoulder for the second time tonight. As he gets their faces closer, he keeps singing, his words full of intention.
Just leave the party with me and never go home
The singer smiled when he saw the target of his not so subtle flirting was now crimson red. They put a foot back up in a motion to stand, but were suddenly stopped by the other man pressing their faces together.
It was nothing crazy, nothing to make them lose their balance, but it sure was unexpected. A quick peck on the lips, no time for passionate frenching. But Party still felt really hot. He’d kiss people at parties—didn’t everyone? But the sudden initiative of his partner wasn't something he had thought about. He missed a line or two, but quickly got back on his feet to keep on singing.
I’m unbelievable yeah, i’m undefeatable yeah,
Let’s ruin everything, blast it to the back now
From the other back of the stage, he looked at the one who had just kissed him. He seemed to panic, maybe afraid to have overstepped. Staying in place, Poison pointed at him, and sang with a reassuring look .
They sell presentable, young and so ingestible
Sterile and collectible
Safe, and I can't stand it
The other boy smiled in return. Party Poison looked up to his bandmates and saw his brother raising a brow, dubitative. Party shrugged as a response. This wasn't Kobra’s business.
This is a letter, my word is the Beretta
The sound of my vendetta against the ones that planned it
The rest of the show went smoothly. More jumping, screaming, mosh pits and theatrics. When the Killjoys all went to salute, everyone cheered one last time. It seemed like they were the only ones in the world. If it could be only like that…show after show, party after party. But the life they had chosen only allowed them to be reckless half the time. The other half consisted of scavenging for supplies and energy, killing draculoids and destroying all traces of BL/ind in the Zones. They wouldn't get to dedicate their life to music, tour across the globe and meet new people. Scratch that last part, they still could meet new people. Party Poison definitely wanted to meet the military vest wearing boy properly. Maybe kiss him some more. Ask his name eventually.
They exited the stage and went back to the bar. Cherri and his friends had taken over the bartending, but the DJ was now going back to mixing for the rest of the night.
“Don't bother, kids. Pony and I are taking care of it. Go enjoy yourselves, you earned it”, said Dr Death Defying as he and his friend Show Pony shoved glass, in all of their hands.
“You rule, D”, Kobra downed his glass and took Jet Star by the hand, dragging him to the dance floor. Party turned and saw Merry was already off with the same girl as before the show. The two girls were chatting in a corner, as intimately as a room full of people allowed.
“D, get me two drinks please, I need to find the sing- oh.”
Party Poison looked at the newcomer. It was the dark haired cutie from earlier. They stared at each other, and once again, got interrupted before being able to utter a word to each other.
“Party Poison, Fun Ghoul, meet each other. Though it seems you’ve already made acquaintance” introduced Dr Death, a knowing smirk on his lips. “Here you go, kid”, ithe winked, giving a drink to Fun Ghoul. The kid in question awkwardly looked at his drink before looking back up to Party Poison. The singer grabbed his hand and led the way away from the bar, not looking back. He led them out of the venue by an exit unknown to Ghoul. Outside, they settled on a lonesome bench that somehow survived.
“So uh, you're Dr D’s new kid, right ? Cherri Cola told us about you.”
“Oh”, Ghoul grimaced. “Nothing embarrassing I hope. D acts like I'm a twelve year old in need of babysitting sometimes.”
“ And you are..?”
“Seventeen, thank you. I don't need babysitters”. He takes a sip. “But I could use some friends.”
Party chuckles. “I’ll introduce you to the rest of the band.”
They stay there, legs dangling off the bench, knees touching. Neither of them speaks, they just sip on their drinks and stare at the building emanating with music. Early May is already hot in the desert, but once the sun has set, it’s always a bit chilly outside no matter the season. Fun Ghoul likes the warmth of Party Poison and the alcohol. Party Poison likes how Fun Ghoul’s jacket is cold, how the chill and and cool soda refreshes him after the show.
“So… about earlier…” Poison initiates. He doesn't take his eyes off what’s in front of them, afraid to face Fun Ghoul.
“Oh, yeah. You guys were great. Really dig the show.”
Party Poison almost breaks his neck turning to him. They had a whole moment up there and kissed on stage but this guy just thought “they were great”?? What was his deal ? At the sight of his grimace, Ghoul seems to understand what he’s thinking and breaks into a shit eating grin.
“M’kidding. You were fucking hot. Come here.” Fun Ghoul laughs and puts his arm around Party Poison’s shoulders. They’re now facing each other, foreheads touching. The younger teen looks at him, as if to ask permission. As an answer, the Killjoy crashes their lips together.
The kiss tasted like blood, alcohol and nicotine. Not an appetizing mix, but the skies knew Party had peculiar taste. They raised their hand to stroke along Fun Ghoul’s jawline and deepened the kiss. Before they knew it, their back is against the bench's, and Ghoul is straddling on their thighs. Party’s hands go from Ghoul’s face to his back, and then his ass. He feels himself relaxing against the other boy’s body. He who wanted a cigarette ended up getting high another way.
" Do you kiss anyone who looks at you twice?" Party hadn't intended for the question to sound this mean. They cringed at themselves.
"Just the really hot red heads," Ghoul says. He didn't seem to have picked up on the accidentally implied insult, thankfully. "I actually don't know what came over me. S'not in my habits to kiss strangers. Must be the alcohol. Got to my head too fast."
"That makes two of us, then", chuckled Party as they resumed kissing Ghoul.
Their make out session was going steady when the quiet roar of an electric engine was heard. BL/ind was here. It seemed only Party noticed.
He kept on kissing Ghoul, almost like he was glued to his lips. Fun Ghoul suddenly broke the kiss, burying his face in the crook between Party’s neck and shoulder. He was out of breath, trying to find a rhythm. How cute.
“What, not used to kissing boys ? You can say I'm a girl if you'd prefer.” He joked, looking around them. The familiar white headlights of BL/ind’s cars were slowly getting closer. His protégé whimpered a bit, not budging from his position. Cute, he thought, but impractical. The car drifted around the building and stopped in front of them. Party Poison brought Fun Ghoul closer before he could move away, and whispered in his ear .
“Don't move, pretty boy.”
Ghoul held his breath. Party slowly unsheathed his ray gun, staring at the parked car. After a couple seconds of nothing, the car doors opened. Two dracs.
Party shot thrice, not bothering to stand up. Both the Draculoids fell face first in the sand and the third one blew the siren on the car’s roof. He took a breath of relief. To be honest with themselves, they hadn't believed they would make the shots. In between the alcohol, their less than pratical position and the high of the kissing, making not one, but three perfect shots in a row was lucky. Or so they'd say if they did believe in luck. Party had always prefered to say it was fate.
“Okay, Ghoul, you can let go.”
Fun Ghoul fell backwards before the other one could catch him and landed his back in the sand. Looking upside down, he whistled at the damages Party Poison had just inflicted.
“ That sure was hot.”
“You haven't seen nothing yet. Come on, let's blow their coms before they get to us.”
“Ooo, technology. I like that.”
“You know about cars?”
“Boy, do I know about cars !” exclaimed Fun Ghoul. “I mean, nothing crazy. I worked part time at a garage shop before the fires. Also was in the electronics club in my school.”
“So you're like, a total nerd ? You’d fit right in.”
They sat in the front of the car, looking at the dashboard full of screens and buttons. They drove the car away from the venue, before emptying it out of its gas and other valuables, and finally decided to blow it up. Fun Ghoul gave Party Poison a full breakdown of BL/ind’s cars technology and what they could get out of each. Party Poison showed Fun Ghoul how to shoot a ray gun, their arm alongside him, chest pressed to his back, chin rested on his shoulder. Ghoul fought the urge to kiss them.
“Can you see auras ?”
“Auras ?”Asked Fun Ghoul. He had heard Dr Death and Show Pony mention things about auras before, but nothing too concrete.
“Whatever. You'll learn. For now, just focus on our target—the little light underneath the trunk’s opening. And when you aim, pull the trigger in sync with your heartbeat.”
He pulled the trigger. Bullseye. The car exploded. Party Poison cheered. They didn't kiss. He loved the thrill of firing the gun but missed when BL/ind was just advertisements on the TV.