we are the reckless, we are the wild youth [au]

grabriel ivan gonzalez//nineteen

Gabriel noticed right away that Ariel had been crying as soon as she sat back down at the booth. She didn't speak to him, so he didn't speak to her. It was best to speak once they were outside and in the car.

It was warm outside, about seventy degrees with a cool breeze. The sky was cloudless and a perfect, bright blue. Even though it was autumn, it still felt like summer. The leaves hadn't changed colors yet and the weather was still nice enough to go to the beach.

Once inside of the car, Gabriel turned directly toward Ariel and looked her in the eye. Her eyes were dull, emotionless. She was trying to hide something from him.

"Why were you crying?" He wondered, grabbing her chin in his hand and moving her chin up. He then offered a goofy smile in an attempt to cheer her up.

"C'mon, Tiger Lily. You can tell me." Looking at her now, he had this odd sensation that they had met before. As in, another life. He knew it couldn't be possible, he didn't believe in anything divine. Don't tell his Catholic mother, though. Still, gazing deep into those crystal clear, light blue eyes... He could have sworn she was royalty once.

Starting the car, Gabriel played Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy by Fall Out Boy. He was a huge fan, especially of their old school music. The more punk rock, the better.

"Let's go back to my place before you have class. I'm sure our mom can make you feel better." He called he their mom because she was, sort of. She treated Ariel like the daughter she never had.

gabriel ivan gonzalez//nineteen

Gabriel began to drive back to his place when suddenly Ariel told him to pull over. With one glance at his panicking friend, he did not hesitate to pull off to the side of the road.

It wasn't on a busy street, luckily. It was a narrow road that wasn't used very often. On either side was dense forestry, something not often seen in their town. Wild sunflowers as tall as he was, which was over six feet, were angled toward the sun. The grass was tall, almost knee length and swaying in light breeze.

Gabriel shut off the engine and hopped out of his beat up, hand-me-down car. He then ran over to the passenger side and opened the car door. He unbuckled Ariel's seatbelt and wrapped his arms around her; lifting her up in his arms. He then sat down in the tall grass and held her in his arms.

The male began to hum to their song while rubbing her back in circles. After a few moments, he began to sing.

"Did you stand there all alone? Oh I cannot explain what's going down. I can see you standing next to me. In and out, somewhere else right now." His voice was gruff and a little out of tune, but he knew it would calm his best friend down. First, he had to get the panic to subside. Then he could ask questions.

"You sigh, look away. I can see it clear as day. Close your eyes, so afraid. Hide behind that baby face. Do do do do do do." Gabriel continued to sing to her, his voice soothing despite its rough tone.

The grass seemed to hide them from the outside world. The sun shone brightly down on them; heating causing a sheen of sweat to appear on Gabriel's forehead. A tree was above them; the leaves casting a shadow that looked like black lace on Ariel's pale skin.

gabriel ivan gonzalez//nineteen

Gabriel noticed that her panting had ceased and her breathing was even, but he continued to hum nonetheless. He hummed until the song was over, and then some.

Though his humming stopped abruptly when she looked up at him. Her lips were a breath away from his and her wet eyes were filled with so much innocence. He shivered when she brought her hand to his cheek and then trailed her fingers down his cheekbone. He could smell the sweet scent of her breath and it made him swallow thickly. He had the sudden urge to kiss her, to kiss her and throw caution to the wind. He even leaned in...

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Gabriel sighed through gritted teeth before reaching for his phone; never breaking eye contact with Ariel.
"Beuno."

"Necesitas llegar a casa ahora mismo!"

"Por que?"

"Porque tu hermano esta en casa."

"Si mama. Estare ahi pronto. Te quiero. Adios."

"Bueno. Te quiero, Adios."

Gabriel hung up the phone and lowered his head; his dark brown eyes staring hard at the ground. He inhaled deeply through his nose and closed his eyes. He then leaned his head back and exhaled slowly. When he opened his eyes again, he was looking at the bright blue sky. It was a nice day, probably about seventy-five degrees now.

Finally, he looked back down at Ariel. Her eyelashes were still wet with tears, almost like dew on blades of grass. He smiled slowly, his hand reaching out to tuck her hair behind her ear. It was a blissful moment, but it was ending too soon for his liking.

"We need to get back to my place. Are you gonna be alright?" His voice was gruff, as usual, but had a softer undertone.

gabriel ivan gonzalez//nineteen

Gabriel's face flushed brightly when she spoke to him, telling him to promise her that he;'d never leave. He hadn't planned to, no matter what. Why would she think otherwise?

"I promise." He said in a low, deep voice that seemed to bellow.

After helping her back into the car and entering it himself, he started the engine and peeled away. He watched the spot where they had just almost kissed in his rear view mirror.

While he drove, he listened to her sing. She hit the keys perfectly, singing in that melodic voice of hers. It was soothing to his ears, calming him down. His blush began to fade as he focused on the song. In his opinion, she was better than most musicians he had listened to.

Most of the ride was silent, besides Ariel's singing. It was slightly awkward for Gabriel since she hadn't explained herself earlier. He wondered what was going on. Did it have to do with Isabella?

Once they were in his neighborhood, the song Soarin by Bazzi began to play. Gabriel bit his bottom lip and smirked. He couldn't help it, this song was his guilty pleasure. The two of them began to sing along, Gabriel off key and Ariel hitting every note perfectly.

While they sang, Gabriel glanced at her. She was emotionally invested in the song; her head bobbing and her hair whipping this way and that. His coffee brown eyes focused on her rose tinted lips for a moment, only a moment, before he stared back at the road.

He wanted to kiss her. He should have kissed, back on the side of the road. He could have just let his phone go to voicemail, his mother would call again.

He didn't want to admit it, but he loved her. He just couldn't tell her because, if he did, it could ruin their whole entire friendship.

Once they reached Gabriel's house, he cut the engine off and turned to Ariel. "Adrian is inside."

It was a warning. His brother was... Something else. He wasn't exactly a good guy and he never did like Ariel. He was always jealous of how much time the two of them spent together.

gabriel ivan gonzalez//nineteen

When Gabriel entered the house, his mother came rushing out of the kitchen to meet them. She was wearing an apron and strands of hair were falling from her ponytail.

"Mija." She said, rushing up to cup Ariel's cheeks in her hands. She then reached up and kissed her on the forehead. She had always loved Ariel like the daughter she never had. In fact, she'd die for her.

Then she turned to Gabriel and told him, "Adrian is in the living room."

His mother was wiping at her eyes. She was the most clean-cut, well put together person he knew. But Adrian always seemed to break her.

His mother was crazy smart and crazy wealthy when she was younger, but then she met his father and that all changed. Their abuelo cut her off, but she didn't care because they had each other. They were crazy in love and shortly after getting married, they had the twins. She had been accepted into Princeton, but she turned it down to stay home and take care of her kids. She ended up owning a bakery and their padre became a police officer. Then he was shot on the job and everything changed. Now her kids were her life. But Adrian kept breaking her heart and Gabriel wasn't having it.

"I'll take care of him." Gabriel said as he passed. Though he stopped to give his madre a quick hug.

His mother then violently shook her head with one violent snap. Suddenly, all of the sadness was gone. She looked like her usual self again; sharp, focused, unflappable. Gabriel had a way of snapping her out of her sadness. She knew her other son would be dealt with.

Entering the living room, Gabriel leaned against the doorframe and looked at the couch where his brother sat. When Adrian saw him, he shot up from his seat and said, "Did ya miss me?"

Gabriel stared at him with a stoic expression, though it cracked and he smiled. "Of course I did, brother."

The two then collided into a big bear hug that only lasted a second. They then patted each other's shoulders and stood back.

"Why didn't you tell me you got out early?" Gabriel asked, moving to sit on the couch next to him.

"I wanted to surprise you." Adrian said with a smile until he noticed Ariel. Then he frowned deeply. His mocha colored eyes flew back to his brother and he asked a question in them.

"She deserves to be here, too." Gabriel said, reaching his hand out to take Ariel's. His hand clutched hers with force.

"Like Hell she does!" Adrian seemed like he was pouting like a small child.

"Brother, Its not worth it." Gabriel said, referring to starting a fight with Ariel. In the end, he would have to choose sides and he would always choose Ariel. He didn't want to do that when he just got his brother back.

Adrian grinned, as if he understood a joke that Gabriel didn't.

"This woman named Isabella is looking for you." Gabriel said, absentmindedly rubbing at his cheek.

When he heard that name, Adrian cursed under his breath and let his head fall back on the cushion. "I thought I left that skank behind. Why can't she the message? I don't want her!"

Gabriel sighed heavily. He and his twin only looked alike. That was where their similarities ended.

"Where are you going to stay?" Gabriel wondered, wanting to change the subject.

"Here, of course." Adrian said, as if it was obvious.

But it wasn't. They lived in a small, two bedroom house. One room for his mother, one room for Gabriel.
"I guess you're sleeping on the couch then." Gabriel said in almost a growl. He knew this guy had an apartment back in San Jose. He must have gotten kicked out.

"Awesome!" Adrian said with fake enthusiasm before glancing at Gabriel's back pocket.

"No way! You got us tickets to the concert tonight!" Adrian's expression lit up and Gabriel felt slightly guilty. Slightly.

"No, these are for me and Ariel. I didn't know you were even out yet, so-"

"Oh, don't worry about it." Adrian said in a tone that meant "actually, worry about it."

Gabriel sighed again and looked back at Ariel. "I should probably take you home so you can change for the concert."

//do you wanna timeskip to the concert?//

gabriel ivan gonzalez//nineteen

Gabriel stood off to the side, near the bar. He had a plastic cup of coke that he had poured rum into in his hand that he was nursing. He didn't plan on getting wasted, he just enjoyed the taste. He always kept his flask just in case.

They had picked up McDonald's on the way to the concert just to fill their stomachs. He didn't really taste it. It was just cheap and easy. They also sang a lot on the way there. Well, Ariel did most of the singing. It was a pretty easy drive, only forty five minutes away.

Now he was standing off to the side while Ariel danced to the music. She was a pretty good dancer. And by pretty good, he meant amazing. He could watch her dance or listen to her sing all day. Some opening band called The Crocodiles was playing. They were some punk rock band he had never heard of. They sounded like they needed to rehearse more, but he didn't mind it. Their heavy metal sound was blasting at him and giving him a headache.

He continued to sip at his drink, relishing in the strong taste. He watched as Virysa swayed her hips and bobbed her head. He thought about walking over there, swooping her up, and kissing her hard.

Shaking his head, Gabriel forced himself to look away. He was beginning to grow bored, but that's just because the band he cam to see hadn't come out yet.

lukas edward black//twenty & bonnie astrid black//eighteen

Lukas hadn't planned on going to the concert, but his younger sister had a way of talking him into things. And since her friend has bailed on her, she had an extra ticket to spare.

Bonnie was buried deep somewhere in the mosh pit, dancing and singing along. He wasn't a big fan of the band playing, but he figured he could at least try to get something out of it. So he scanned the crowd in search of any attractive females.

He saw one girl who looked a couple years younger than him. She was blonde with streaks of color in her hair and way too much eyeliner. He figured if he gave her that signature look he gave most girls, then she'd start grinding on him which would lead to making out. And, if he got lucky, fucking in the bathroom stall down the hall.

He didn't used to be like this. But then Emma broke his heart and he went on a fucking spree. It was the only way he knew how to cope.

The set ended and Bonnie came rushing out of the crowd. She was covered in her own sweat and the sweat of strangers. Even her clothes were wet. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun that was already coming loose.

"That was awesome!" Bonnie shrieked while jumping up and down. Lukas just grinned and patted her on the head.

"Yeah, well, the real band needs to hurry up so we can leave." Lukas said with a nonchalant shrug.

Bonnie made a pouty face and said, "Don't be a stick in the mud."

Lukas rolled his eyes at her, but he still couldn't help but smile.

gabriel ivan gonzalez//nineteen

Gabriel chuckled when Ariel walked up and commented on his bored expression. They both knew he'd have more fun once the actual band they came to see began to play.

Before he could respond, she snatched his drink from his hand and sauntered back onto the dance floor. He began to protest, but she was already back in the crowd and motioning for him to join.

He glanced away, but then looked back at her and smiled. He couldn't help but smile at her playfulness.

But then she took a sip of the drink and made a face. Gabriel's expression grew dark and overly stern.

The male began to march toward her, but then she slipped into the crowd. Gabriel stood right where she was a few seconds ago and searched the crowd for her.

"Shit." Gabriel cursed, turning in circles and looking for his best friend.

His head was pounding as the musician kept repeating how much life sucks and then there was a guitar riff. It felt like his head was splintering with every aggressive noise.

"Ariel!" He called out, but his voice was lost in the sound of what some people may call music.

lukas edward black//twenty

Lukas had long since lost Bonnie in the crowd. He didn't mind, he knew she could take care of herself. As long as she was safe about having fun, he didn't mind.

Right now, he was heading straight for the blonde he was eyeing earlier. She was grinning at him, as if she understood what was about to happen. With the looks she was giving him, he knew that he'd be getting lucky tonight.

Though, just as he was about to near her, someone ran into him. Their drink spilled on his white shirt and he snarled. Great.

But then the girl turned to look up at him and his eyes widened. "Ariel?"

He leaned forward so that she could hear him over the blaring music. "I didn't think I'd see you here. Must be fate."

His lips turned upward into a playful smile as he teasingly shoved her.

In the neon lights, she looked beautiful. Her pale hair was almost multi-color in the lights and her eyes were mesmerizing. He was almost in a trance as he gazed down at her.

//sorry this sucks, gotta rebuild my muse//

lukas edward black//twenty

Lukas chuckled when Ariel shoved him back, causing the rest of her drink to spill onto his shirt. She didn't seem to notice. She was too busy dancing and laughing. Even over the music, he could hear the sweet sound. It sounded like wind chimes, he thought. Light and airy and musical.

Wait, he needed to stop that. He couldn't actually fall for the girl, just take her virginity and be done with it. He'd probably never see her again after that.

But then he saw the way she smiled at him and it made his heart skip a beat.

Glancing down at his shirt, he decided he didn't want to wear it when it was wet. So he brought his hands over his head and pulled the shirt off. His muscles were in full view and it caught the eye of a few ladies nearby.

Throwing his shirt into the crowd, no longer needing it, he smiled back at Ariel. Other than his shirt, he had been wearing baggy jeans and sneakers. He hadn't exactly dressed up for the concert, unlike Ariel and his sister. Who was somewhere in the crowd.

Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun were on stage now and he could feel the beat of the drums throughout his entire body. He reached out and placed a hand on Ariel's arm, as if to steady himself.

When he touched her, he felt an odd sensation. As if he knew her. Of course he knew of her, but he felt as if he knew her soul. She was a princess, a tigress, a queen, a warrior...

Then he retracted his hand and the feeling was gone.

Furrowing his brow, he frowned slightly. Why did he feel so much for a girl he barely knew?

Just then, he saw his sister coming toward him through the crowd. She smiled and waved, but it wasn't to him. It was to... Ariel?