LILY ANN

I danced around Spencer's to "The Ballad of Mona Lisa" by Panic! At The Disco, gracefully sliding between customers without disturbing them to put out new product and make sure that all of the tags had been swapped out and all of the shelves had been faced by the previous evening's shift.

"Whoa oh oh whoa, Mona Lisa, you're guaranteed to run this town!" I sang loudly to myself, winking at the giggling customers who were used to my spastic ways. I turned around, prepared to launch myself to the other side of the store where my beloved Red Bull rested behind the counter when I bumped into someone, knocking all of the product in my arms to the floor.

"Oh shit, I'm so sorry!" I kneeled down to pick up the packages of sexy costumes and drinking games, reaching out just in time to read "MARL" on a set of tattooed knuckles that were reaching out to help me pick up the mess in front of me. I froze, recognizing the tattoo immediately, as well as the sleeve of monsters decorating the arm that my eyes raked up before resting on his face.

"Synyster Gates?" It barely came out as a squeak as I stared into the most perfect set of chocolate brown eyes I had ever seen in my entire life. I forgot all about the store I was in, or the fact that I was crouched down on the floor with packages of French maid costumes and dick shaped candies scattered around me.

"The one and only. But you can call me Brian." He smirked, taking my hand and pulling me to a standing position before reaching down and sweeping up the products off of the floor. "And you are?" He arched a brow at me, handing me the packages that I took rather clumsily and stood frozen like a deer in headlights. I'm not even sure I was still breathing.

"Dude, is she alright?" I noticed then, for the first time, that Zacky Vengeance had walked up beside him, his green eyes even more vivid than any photo ever taken of him. He looked at me with a concerned expression, before relaxing into a god-like smile when I gasped out a breath.

"Sorry, yea, you guys just took me by surprise!" I smiled, relaxing back into my confidence that I normally had. I walked across the store, setting the packages onto the counter and straightened my name tag that hung from the lanyard around my neck. I pointed to it proudly, my green eyes sparkling. "I'm Lily Ann, the manager of this rad shop!"

Zacky laughed and stuck his hand out. "I'm Zack, but I'm sure you already knew that." He gestured down to the Avenged Sevenfold camisole that I was wearing under my flannel shirt. I nodded, beaming, and shoved some of my blonde curls out of my eyes.

"Hell yea, I know who you guys are! Guitar fucking gods, if you ask me. What are you guys doing here? Can I help you find anything in particular?"

Brian leaned against the counter, casually flipped through the CD's that were stacked up in a basket by the cash register. "Well, actually, we were looking for you."

I choked on my Red Bull, coughing and sputtering as I sat the can back down on the counter top and stared at him wide-eyed. Zacky about had a heart attack from laughing so hard, rubbing my back to help me breathe again. "Fuck, man, you're going to kill the girl if you keep talking to her!"

When I finally regained my composure, I suddenly noticed that Zacky fucking Vengeance was rubbing my back and that the two sex gods from Avenged Sevenfold were looking for...me?! "Sorry, but what the fuck are you looking for me for?" I eyed them both curiously, my suspicions threading doubt through my mind as I waited for what fantastical response I was about to hear.

Brian pulled out his phone and tapped the screen a few times before responding. "How about we exchange numbers, and you call me when you get off work? We wanted to talk to you about something. Oh, and do you know how to get a hold of a..." He slid his finger over the screen a few more times. "...Reggie Clarkson?"

"Yea, she's my best friend and roommate. She works at the coffee house down on 5th, next to that little tattoo shop." I watched them carefully, then glanced at the Felix the Cat clock on the wall. "I get off work in about two hours, and Reggie usually gets out about an hour after I do. Can I call you and meet you over there where she works? I could use some coffee anyways." I smiled, draining my third Red Bull of the day, and before I could help myself, shouted, "SHAZAM!"

Brian and Zacky both started laughing as I tossed the can into the trash can under the counter. "Was that a Chapelle reference?" Brian asked, pulling out his pack of Marlboros.

"You know it!" I winked, watching them step aside so that two incredibly nervous and star-struck teenagers could put their items on the counter to pay. As I rang up their purchases, I watched them comically as they kept whispering furiously and glancing over at the guys, who kept winking and smiling at them. Finally, I grabbed a couple of "City of Evil" albums that were sitting on the counter and some black Sharpie pens and shoved them over in the guys' direction. Lowering my voice so that I wouldn't alert the store, I leaned in. "Why don't you guys sign these for the lovely ladies?"

The girls looked like they were about to die on the spot as the guys signed the albums and handed them over to the girls, who looked at me wide-eyed. I winked and handed them their change and their bags. "Those are on the house. But keep it a secret until you're out of the mall!" They nodded furiously, thanking me over and over again before ducking out of the store, wildly casting glances at the guys before they left.

I smiled at the two before picking the packages back up off the counter to put them in their rightful places. "That was great of you guys. Even if I did put you on the spot." I walked around the counter, leaning against the corner.

"Hey, no sweat. We love giving back to the fans," Brian smiled and slipped his Aviators back on. "We'll hear from you in a couple hours, then?" I nodded, giving them the lame "call me" and pointed to them before walking to the back of the store to stock the shelves, desperately begging myself not to go ultra fan girl until I was sure they were gone.

REGGIE.

I wiped up another spill off of the counter, cutting my eyes at the new guy who was more concerned with flattering the next pair of tits that walked through the doors instead of making sure he actually did his work. In most places, managers loathed hiring most female employees because of the drama that was started. I, however, preferred the women who loved being baristas and getting free coffee over trying to get the next number that was passed over the counter on a napkin.

"Josh, would you fucking pay attention?! You're spilling coffee everywhere!" I hissed through my teeth, trying not to attract the attention of the entire coffee house as I passed behind him, nudging him hard in the ribs with my elbow. Most people would be worried about coming up with some type of harassment charge, but not me. I was next in line to own this place, and I'd be damned if some kid out of high school was going to ruin that for me.

"Yea, sorry..." he muttered under his breath, wiping at a nonexistent spot to appear busy. Everyone knew I could be a raging bitch when I was crossed, especially at work. This was my sanctuary, one of my favorite places to be besides at home with Lily Ann. I worked my ass off daily to be the best manager of the best coffee house on the LA strip.

I heard the bell chime above the door to signal a new customer and looked up, flashing my best smile to whoever it was. "Welcome to--" I choked on my next phrase, seeing who it was that walked in.

Have you ever seen someone that you considered an absolute god, and they seemed to carry their own aura? When I set eyes on Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates in the doorway of my coffee house, the sunlight behind them seemed to make them glow. Did I die? Was I in rock-and-roll heaven right now? I didn't realize that I was standing there, behind the counter, like a complete idiot until Synyster leaned over the counter, resting on his beautifully sculpted forearms, that perfect jaw holding the most beautiful smile I had ever seen.

"Hello? Are you Reggie Clarkson?" This question shocked me out of my stupor. Why was Synyster Gates asking for me? How in the fuck did he know my name?

"Yea?" Was all I could muster as I watched his lips curl into a smirk so powerful that I probably creamed myself right there.

"We stopped by the mall earlier and Lily Ann told us where you worked. I hope it's okay that we wait for her here. We have to talk to both of you about something important when you get off work..." He trailed off, watching my expression transform from stupefied, to confused, to amazed, to confused, and then back to amazed.

"Uh, yea yea, that's perfectly fine!" I stammered out, my eyes locked on his lips. "Can I get you anything while you wait?" I shifted my eyes between both of them, praying to God that I didn't start happy dancing or embarrass myself in some form or fashion in front of them. I had a feeling it was coming, but I was holding on to my professionalism and maturity for dear life.

The nodded and checked out the menu briefly before ordering, which I decided I would make personally so that Josh couldn't fuck it up. No way was I leaving this order in the hands of an 18-year-old that couldn't keep his station clean if his life depended on it. When I finished up their order, I carried it outside to the little table they were sitting at, both smoking Marlboros and people watching on the strip. I apologized for not being able to stop and chat and rushed back inside, pulling my phone out as I went.

WTF?! ZV AND SG ARE HERE?! CAN YOU EXPLAIN THIS?! - Reggie.

They stopped by the shop. Said they needed to see us. Don't know. I'll be there in 30. - LA <3

I sighed and watch the clock, begging it to tick faster. Even with the guys sitting outside, it was hard not to watch them through the bay windows. Why were they here? Did we win some type of contest? Did I die and go to Heaven and I still work in a coffee shop there? Did I wake up in some alternate reality where I'm a sex goddess and my favorite celebrities are here to sweep me off my feet and carry me away into the sunset?

"Excuse me? Hello? Can I get a fucking coffee here?!" A snippy voice shocked me out of my reverie and I looked down at a small teenager, with her hands on her hips and glasses that were in no way, shape, or form prescription. God damn hipsters... I sighed and nodded, taking her order and passing it off to Josh with a small side note to please fucking spit in it. He smirked and rolled his eyes, pretending to hock a loogie into the cup.

LILY ANN

"God damn mother fucking piece of shit traffic!!!!" I screamed to no one in particular, pushing against my steering wheel as if that would magically remove all of the cars out of my way. Trying to get to the coffee shop at two in the afternoon was a nightmare in itself, but now I was trying to get to two of the most amazing men I had ever set my eyes on. And 5th Avenue was covered in, "SUNDAY DRIVERS!" I shouted rudely through my windshield, receiving some one finger salutes and concerned looks from the cars around me.

I finally managed to find a place to park about three blocks away, which was a miracle in itself, and took off at a brisk pace toward the coffee shop, sucking the nicotine out of my clove cigarette like it was the most precious commodity on Earth. I finally spotted the guys at a table outside, laughing and waving their arms around like maniacs, and it made me laugh to myself.

I pulled my cell phone out and shot a text to Reggie before I made my presence known.

Coming up out front. Get outside n-o-w. LA <3

Like magic, I saw her flaming red hair appear near the guys' table and I strolled up casually like I hadn't be creeping nearby like a complete stalker. "Hey guys!" I flopped down in a chair in front of them, ashing my cigarette and patting the chair next to me for Reggie to make herself comfortable. Sure, she was still working, but she was the fucking manager. Take a break already...this is important business.

Zacky smiled, devastatingly might I add, and leaned forward on his elbows. "'Bout time! I was starting to think you forgot about us." He winked, playing with his snake bites from the inside and making me swoon.

"Never," I winked back, crossing my legs in front of me and leaning back to make myself more comfortable. "So, uh, what's going on fellas? How in the world did you find us?" I gestured between Reggie and myself, arching a brow and putting on my pure business face. This had been gnawing at me all day, and I needed my answers or I was bound to implode.

"Well," Brian began, playing with his phone again. "We were sent this..." he flipped his phone around to show us the screen, causing our jaws to drop and our eyes to widen. "...in an e-mail the day before yesterday. We figured we needed to meet the writers....which would be you two, correct?" He waved his hand between the two of us, tilting his head a little to the side to see if we'd attempt to bullshit him.

OF COURSE I considered pulling something out of my ass and pretending that I had never seen it before. Why would I admit to the two most amazing men in the world, who were probably appalled, that I had anything to do with it? Or Reggie, for that matter?

"Fuck yea, we wrote that shit. How in the world did it get e-mailed to you, though? I didn't think you'd worry about little fan fiction websites," Reggie stated boldly, making me want to either face palm myself or slap the shit out of her. Great...there went my escape route.

"Well," Brian began again, smiling at Reggie's forwardness. Zacky's eyes were locked on me the entire time. "Normally we don't. However, this one hit more than just your normal forums or fan fiction sites. Our buddy, Jimmy, found it on one of his websites that he frequents and figured we should see it. By the way..." he shut his screen off and repocketed it, leaning back in his chair and pulling out another Marlboro. "...he thought it was great." He smirked around his cigarette as he dipped his head to light it with his Zippo.

I felt like I was frozen in my chair, and I'm pretty sure that the flush that had consumed my face had turned into an alarmingly mottled purple shade by then. Zacky's eyes were still glued to mine, and I wasn't sure what to make of his expression. Was he pissed? Disgusted? Horrified? All three and more?

See, the story that the guys were talking about was the fan fiction that I had finished writing the previous week. Remember the one where someone killed a girl at the end? Yea, that one. The they in question were none other than the two beautiful men sitting in front of me, and the story had posed them as murderous psychos that kidnapped a girl that won some fan contest and, after ensnaring her in a web of lies and deceit, tortured her mercilessly and killed her in various twisted ways. And now, the same green eyes that I had dreamed would look at me in a loving, lustful way, were now boring holes right through my soul.

"Well, that's fucking awesome!" Reggie shouted, ecstatic that her other icon thought our work was great. "But what about you two?" She gestured between the two of them, rolling her hand in a 'come on' gesture. I just kept wishing I could drown myself in the coffee that Reggie had brought out for me.

"I loved it," Zacky finally spoke up, still watching my face with a mixture of mirth...and something different. Lustful? Nah, it couldn't be. Dangerous? Maybe... I thought I felt my heart stop, and my breath hitched behind my cigarette. "Really?" I breathed out, barely audibly through my shock.

"Hell yea," Brian piped up, laughing. "It was fucking awesome! Definitely well written, and the way you made us sound? They make movies about that shit!" He high-fived Zacky and flicked his cigarette into the nearby ashtray. "Which brings us to the other reason why we found you. Jimmy wouldn't leave us alone until we agreed to bring you out to the house for a party tonight. We just got off tour a couple of weeks ago, and have yet to really throw an all-out bash at the house to celebrate. What do you say?"

Reggie squeaked, unable to answer. Fucking seriously?! You shut the fuck up now?! I smiled, nodding my head. "That would be fucking epic! Seriously? You're not bullshitting us? This isn't fucking funny if you are!" I probably looked like I was about to launch myself out of my chair, which explained the reasonable way the guys were leaning back in their chairs.

"We're 100% fucking serious!" Zacky laughed, looking over at Brian. "Dude, Jimmy's gonna love this girl. They act just alike." Brian fake groaned, rolling his eyes over to Zacky. "Fuck, can we handle two of them?"

I flipped them both off, and as I waited for them to scribble down the information on one of the napkins, Reggie got up grudgingly to go finish her shift. As she swung the door open, you could hear her shouting at Josh while the espresso machine was going berserk.

Brian slid the napkin to me, winking at me before getting up out of his chair. "We'll see you tonight then." I nodded, my eyes twinkling in the sunlight. I would NOT lose my shit now...not after they had already personally invited me to a party at one of their houses. I would NOT freak out...I would NOT freak out...I WOULD freak out...

I swallowed the fangirl that was dying to crawl out of my throat, promising her plenty of ridiculous giggling and squealing once I was back in the safety of my condo. I watched them walk off down the street, slipping into a sleek black Audi and driving away. I stared at the napkin in my hand speechlessly, frozen in place for the remainder of Reggie's shift. What the fuck just happened?

Notes

Thank you already for the votes and lovely comments! I'm really excited about this story, and I've been brain storming all day about it.

Don't forget the check out my other story --> She's Only Happy When She's Crying