I laughed, almost choking on my coffee.

"T- that's how it went, I swear!" Alex managed to stutter through wave of chuckles escaping his mouth.

Some lady has just entered the café and gave us two insane people looks, but I was too busy focused on saving my life and tryna not spill around the coffee.

Me and Alex got pretty along back then in the studio. We've been texting ever since and today we decided to actually meet outside 'work'. I don't know if you can call it a date or something, we were just out having coffee.

Back then because, well, it's taken place about two weeks ago, I'm not sure, but I think that's how long Johnny's been gone.

He had some trial business in London, and right after the recordings he had to, sadly, go away and he's coming back next weekend. I only noticed it then, as he wasn't around, that this silly little world is so boring without him, ohh man!

Though I must say we've spent a loooot of time on FaceTime. I know, right? I'd never expect Johnny to actually use his phone to FaceTime people, ha, he barely uses it at all, but here we go. At times we'd even stay up all night, discussing and judging every single book, movie and rockstar existing. Just random thoughts that popped into our minds.

As much as I enjoyed our little gossip-time, I missed him so, so bad! What's happening to me? It has pretty much felt like someone wrapping a small rubber band tightly around my heart, and it's been only two weeks, for christ sake!

Maybe it's this irritating and more sorta robotic sound of his laugh that's changed because of the phone?

I slowly couldn't stand it.

Thaat sounded a tiny bit dramatic, but even me myself has been honestly getting annoyed for having these kinda feels. And for what?

Alright, let's just end this miserable line of thought and go back to my hanging out with Alex.

"So, apart from being sexy, what do you do for a living?" he asked as we've already exited the cafe and headed down the street.

I looked at him in disbelief and let out a 'damn, nice going, now i'm all yours because of this pick-up line' chuckle. Man what the hell?

"You're playin' smooth, I gotta admit." I commented, placing my hands in the pockets of my jacket, as he rolled his eyes with a smile.

"You're not a cheesy one, I guess."

"Do I really look like one?" I asked and he offered me a small grin, showing his pearly teeth.

"No, but seriously, what's your business?" he questioned once again.

"I mostly get labeled as an artist, I like painting and drawing and these kinda stuff, I adore movies and music is keeping me alive. I sometimes also like to write. Nothing much." I shrugged my shoulders.

"Nothing much? You've just made a song with Alice Cooper and Joe Perry!"

"Yeah, I mean, it was kinda on accident." I replied and he raised his brows. "I'm an absolute lightweight so I didn't have my shit together then, and one time when we got high, I have apparently agreed to record a song, not even knowing how to play the guitar."

He just looked at me like I was insane and laughed to himself a little, "Pretty cool."

I really felt a need to smoke, so I decided to do it since we were outside by now. I put one out of my pack and rested it between my lips. I asked Alex if he'd like one too, but he said he doesn't like smoking.

By the way, I honestly don't get people who say cigarettes smell badly. To me it's such a calming scent (says a nicotine addict).

"It's unhealthy as hell," Alex stated, while I looked for my lighter.

"Johnny thinks so too," I mumbled with the cigarette between my lips.

I horribly enjoyed smoking with Johnny. I remember in the beginning he was all bold, teasing me with cigarettes, but lately I've noticed him worrying slightly. Every now and then he'd remind me that it's just a stupid habit and not worth it. I wonder what made him change his mind, tho.

Anyway, I clicked the lighter twice before it fully showed the fire, and kept the other hand around it to protect it from the wind. I took a hit and dropped the source of fire into my pocket again. I moved the cigarette away from my lips with my two fingers and exhaled deeply, closing my eyes. Just the best feeling in the world. The smoke spread around and soon mixed completely with the air.

Guess who I thought about in right this moment. Oh my- there's really something going on with me.

"Soo, are you and Johnny.. a thing?" Alex asked unsurely, and I choked on my smoke.

"What made you think that? Of course we're not."

"I don't know," he answered, gaze glued to the sidewalk, "The way you look at each other is so precious, it seemed like something's going on between you two."

As he said that, he didn't look pleased at the memory, more like the opposite. Upset even, I'd say, but maybe it's just my weird overreading body language all the time.

On the other hand, I frowned. Am I missing something? I look at Johnny.. normally. I don't get this, apparently, noticeable eyes talking between him and I, that Alex's describing.

"No, no. We're just good friends, that's all."

Alex then told me a bit 'bout his work and we sat on the bench nearby.

I stared at the sky and also admired the all colorful leaves on trees. The fall is beautiful this year, probably like every fall, because how could my romanticizing everything type of person live through it without thinking so. Sometimes in these moments I couldn't focus on anything but the view.

I love stars. They're like little dots shining with hope. Alright, it might not be this way, but it's comfortable to think that you have them all, always there on the night sky. I sighed and heard some muffled voices-

Suddenly a cloud of smoke appeared right in front of my eyes, making me shut them close and cut off the view.

I heard Johnny giggle beside me. Oh, due to my staring I almost forgot he was right next to me, playfully enjoying his nicotine.

"Hey, I was looking at that!" I said, waving around with my hand to make the smoke vanish.

"Have you heard a word I said?" he asked with raised brows.

I, however, furrowed them. "Were you saying something?" I questioned back confused, making him roll his eyes. "Oh, just look. It's almost like there's so many of 'em that the sky doesn't have enough room."

I fixed my gaze on his side-profile as he actually looked up. I decided to take a look again, too.

"Agree," he said, "It's beautiful."

I turned my head to look at him, but he was already staring back at me.

I giggled to myself, remembering the moment. He used to do the thing with smoke every time I wasn't paying attention to something important he was saying. I loved it.

I looked over at Alex and suddenly felt guilty. Why it's Johnny who always occupies my mind?

----> day later

I thought a lot about yesterday. I wasn't sure what exactly drawn me to Alex, but I could feel it. He already said that he'd be very happy to take me somewhere again, and I agreed.

Going out with Alex was so simple - no guys running around and sticking a camera up to your face trying to take the best shot of you living your life.

Everything's cool, but it seemed sorta too simple, unlike the realities to which I slowly began to get used to. Or maybe it's just my overthinking ass, overthinking something that barely started. I should take some time and then think.

I woke up late, about noon, and had no clue what to do with myself. I've watched a movie and then was just chilling, bored shitless. That's until -

mr. deppbooty calling...

"Hi, El." He started sweetly and I couldn't help but grin widely. El coming from him sounds so, I don't know, it just makes my heart go wild.

"Hey, Johnny. How's everything?"

"Pretty good. I'm calling to ask if Alice told you already."

"Told me what?"

He waited a moment before telling me. "Our song is almost ready."

"Oh shit!" I exclaimed excitedly. However next came a sudden wave of anxiety butterflies in my stomach. Ugh I just hate feelings. "How do you think it turned out?"

"I believe it's absolutely amazing. Even better with your guitar part." I chuckled. "It's true! I could see how much passion you put into it. It can't be anything but a piece of art."

I can't explain the way it made me smile. He was always able to do it, no matter how anxious I felt.

"Alright, I believe you." Duh, eternally.

We were both these kinda people who share daydreams all the time,so we talked about stuff like how it'd feel like to sing it with David Bowie, have millions of people listen to it and all. In my opinion daydreaming is one of the best ways to spend time, especially with someone who sees the world the same as you do.

"Do you know on what day you're coming back?" I asked, now laying on my belly, occasionally with my legs swinging in the air.

"Aww, someone misses me!"

I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn't see it. "Nah," I denied. "There's just no one to annoy me."

"Excuse you? You're being mean, ms. Jones." I still can't figure out why he likes so much to call me by the last name that's actually not my last name.

I laughed, "Part of my charm."

"Tell me something I don't know."

Oh man, I loved when we talked like this.

"Alright, alright. Adam says we're gonna be back on Friday night."

Oh my lord, that's 5 whole days. By that time I'll be laying in my grave, dead out of boredom. I laid my head on my forearms and groaned quietly.

"I know, El, me too. I love London, but the atmosphere of why I'm here makes me feel sick to my stomach."

Suddenly I heard a sound of notification and it turned out that Maxine sent me a photo. I clicked on the notification and not too long after I was met with a headline of an article.

Johnny Depp replaced? Elektra strolling around the city with a new man.

"For fucks sake!" Was the first thing that I thought.

Johnny asked me what happened, and I read out loud the headline. He sounded equally pissed.

It was honestly getting boring. Like, don't these guys have a life? By the way, as far as I was looking for them, I couldn't see any. What were they, wearing camo costumes and hiding in the bushes?

"I wonder how Alex feels-" This was partly also about him.

"You went out with Alex?" he suddenly asked and I frowned. Why did this part drawn his attention?

"Yeah.. Pretty much." I replied.

"And.. Was he the one to suggest it?"He questioned again, and now I got completely confused.

"Yes."

"And you agreed?" He asked, more to just make sure. What was up with him?

"Obviously."

"Oh," he replied. "Cool."

Anything, but not Johnny saying 'cool'. You can tell something is up, just by hearing how suspicious it sounds. Why would he-

Suddenly, I stopped frowning and my forehead lightened up. My mouth fell open at the realization. Oh my god!

"Tu es jaloux!" I exclaimed.

"What? I'm not jealous! Why would I be jealous?" He quickly defended himself.

I can't believe my own ears. "John Christopher Depp II is jealous. I didn't know I'll reach this moment."

"Oh come on," he started. "What am I supposed to be jealous of? He's nothing compared to me and we're nothing alike. Literally, even starting from eye color."

Ending on actually going out with me, sure.

"M-hmm, possessive Johnny. I like it." I commented mischievously and could see the image of him rolling his eyes.

"You're one hell of a tease." he shortly stated.

Today was nothing more special than yesterday, except I haven't called Johnny. The whole thing with jealousy is so hilarious, damn.

I decided to clean up the house since I haven't done that in ages, which my mom probably wouldn't be proud of.

Alice just called, saying there's a meeting at his house for all of us to finally listen to the song. He sounded like he was about to blow up with the excitement and I couldn't blame him - I felt the same.

From what I know, Johnny's still in London, so I don't know why they want to listen to it without him.

I couldn't worry much as I had to dress up hurriedly. I called Jack and collected myself. I'm a part of an a c t u a l song. It all happened so fast and I couldn't stop thinking about people listening to it on the internet and elsewhere, maybe even admiring the work we did. My mind was filled with the rockstar aesthetic as I was already on my way to Alice's place.

I also texted Maxine, because ever since I told her about it she wanted to be the first one to listen. I sent her Alice's address with all the needed informations. She said she's currently on some business meeting, but she'll try to be there ASAP.

She works as an architect, so these kind of meetings are bread and butter to her. It's a miracle if she hasn't got at least one of them throughout the day.

Me and Jack finally arrived to Alice's house and went in. We said hi to everyone who's already gathered there, means few guys of the most important studio crew that I knew and really liked, 'cause they were amazingly cool. Joe also appeared to be there, already with a drink in his hand. He greeted me with a quick hug and explained that the guys work on downloading files of the song.

The vibe really set in, everyone was amused and having really great time. However, deep down I felt some sort of emptiness, because there was someone missing. It made it impossible for me to fully enjoy the moment.

"Hey, Elektra, is everything alright?" Alice asked, approaching me at one of the couches.

"Everything's the best," I reassured him. "But I just wish Johnny was here too."

He looked and smiled at me in the way that said me too.

"You really do like him, don't you?" He asked and I nodded.

He gave me a mysterious smile and I decided to smile too, to not ruin the vibe. Time to get a grip, I mean, Johnny's probably enjoying the song too, just from afar.

We've heard the doorbell and Alice went to open the door. Maybe it's- no, just stupid hopes.

Not long after, I was greeted by the wonderful sight of Maxine. She has earlier once already visited the studio on some day of recordings and I've introduced her to most of the people. She was similar to me, so she also found them extremely cool.

"You." She started, pointing at me. "Don't you have a phone?"

We cut the distance between us and embraced each other in a quick hug.

"I do, but my notifications are on mute." I figured out she must've probably been calling me to say that she's already here.

I always keep my phone silenced, so it wouldn't interrupt me in living. I don't feel like having a mini heart attack just because I was sitting in silence and something 'ding' ed on full volume.

"Guys, I think I got it." Tom's, the main guy's, voice echoed in the room. Everyone got excited and sat somewhere close, wanting to have the best look.

No one dared to move nor make a sound. Tom clicked play and I couldn't tell if I was nervous or excited anymore.

We listened, however as seconds passed by there's no sound coming out. Literally, we just sat in silence.

"Too political," Maxine suddenly said.

"I think so too, I mean, young audience could listen to it, too." I added and everyone bursted out laughing.

"Alright, hold on, gimme a moment." Tom interrupted and started working again. "How can something so simple be so complicated?"

"Who's hungry?" Joe asked loudly, showing us his phone with pizzeria menu on the screen.

I definitely was. I haven't really eaten breakfast today and it was almost 3 pm already. We collected the info of who wanted what kind of pizza. I unfortunately lost at rock paper scissors with Joe about who calls to order it. It's so stressing like oh my god, but I had to.

--

Not 30 minutes have passed by and we heard the doorbell. I was currently in the kitchen just getting some water.

"I'm gonna get it!" Alice yelled.

A while later I heard loud cheering from the living room. I mean, who wouldn't? I quickly drank the rest of the drink from the glass and made my way towards the saloon. Damn, I can't wait to eat that delicious pizza.

"I'm so hun-" I stopped in my tracks when I looked up from my phone and saw who actually stood in the huge doorway to the living room.

No. Fucking. Way.

My heart automatically started beating faster and butterflies made themselves comfortable in the pit of my stomach. At the same time I felt like crying and screaming, all because I saw someone I haven't seen in a while. What was happening to me?

I looked around and noticed that everyone had these knowing smiles plastered on their faces, even including Maxine.

They all knew!

And then there's me who thought he's actually gonna stay in London 'til Friday. Horrible.

Everyone went silent, just watching as I mentally fell apart from taking in the situation.

Johnny looked across the room, his shiny, dark brown eyes meeting mine.

He had his hands behind his back and a pretty nice smile on his lips. He wore simple grey jeans and a black Johnny Cash tshirt, with a leather jacket over it. There was a hat hiding his hair and a bandanna, doing the same thing to his forehead. He looked beautiful.

"Holy shit," I muttered. This reunion made me feel things I never did, realize how much you can actually miss someone, and I had no idea why.

"I was hoping for a 'hi', but this is good too." he said, stretching out his arms for me to get into a hug.

I quickly cut the distance of maybe 4 steps between us, and threw my hands around his neck with such force he had to take a step back.

His hands both found their way to my back and around my waist. It so bizarre that I'm not that much shorter, yet his body was way larger and he could pull me into a bear hug easily.

I felt the rough material of his jacket and smelled his heavenly scent of Sauvage and oh my god! I felt like I could explode with this happiness of finally being able to do it.

I hugged him tighter and just kept hiding my head in the crook of his neck-

"You know, I really used to enjoy breathing." he said, literally breathlessly. I loosened my grip and he let out a sigh of relief. Everyone else chuckled, making me grin.

He swung me lightly from side to side.

"I thought you didn't miss me." he said lowly into my ear. Hello, goosebumps.

"I lied." I mumbled back, eyes still closed and just enjoying his soft presence. Y'all get ready because I'm not even letting him go away anymore. "I thought you were going back Friday?"

"Yeaah, I kinda lied." he replied, making me laugh slightly. I loved how his hands felt on my body.

Woah, I didn't mean it like that, just, you know, as I the hug.

After a while we pulled away, looking into each other's eyes.

How romantic.