Jenny meets me outside the exhibit and tugs me backstage. We navigate through a series of hallways to get to the rest of the group and the secret entrance to the stage.

Everyone else is already waiting, including Marty who's given a pep talk.

"Took you long enough," Jun says. They're standing in a circle and I fill the last remaining space. Lauren stands on his other side, with Seira to my left and Rami next to her.

"It's happening," Lauren gasps.

Though this party has been planned for months, arriving at this moment is surreal. For years, we've been building up to it, and after tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, it won't be our little secret anymore. Escape Velocity will exist in the real world, far away from the chasms of our hearts where we've protected, nurtured, and raised it.

Looking at these faces around me, I know there's no one else I rather have by my side through all of it. Ups, downs, and rollercoasters of emotions.

Marty excuses himself to check with the sound team and stage manager that everything is set, so we take this time to prepare ourselves for our big moment. Jenny steps to the side to give us privacy before the unstoppable is unleashed.

"This is it, guys," Rami says, ignoring my you mean besties comment and Seira's I think he meant to say girlies. "You don't need me to tell you how monumental this is for us. After all the long nights and millions of tears shed, we're here. And I'm so proud of all of us."

Wordlessly, we all step closer and clasp our hands. I take another look around, these faces I've grown up with and will continue to learn from, be inspired by, and love until the end.

The lights begin to dim, signaling the final countdown. After one last squeeze of our hands, we march to the front of the line.

Escape Velocity, baby, here we go. Long fucking live.

We settle into our places waiting for the art piece to rise. I've always known a person can drown on land, but this sensation reminds me of it once more. Lights flash like fireworks in the night sky, and slowly, the crowd comes into view.

I spot them as soon as the art piece lifts above our heads with shocking clarity. No matter how many faces I see in the crowd, theirs will always catch my eye, especially when he flashes me an encouraging smile.

MARS starts with Thousand Miles, a song that gets the crowd going. After transitioning to False Deities and Overnight Rush, both lighter but energy-filled tunes, we breeze through the bass-heavy High Voltage.

For our penultimate performance, we play Last Night in New York, a song Rami and I worked on together. I wasn't counting on Brendon being here, otherwise, I might have vetoed this song. It's riddled with references to our time together, particularly to its namesake.

For most of the song, I avoid eye contact. I don't know if I can handle seeing him watch me unravel myself on stage for him, only ever him. I hide behind Jun's mellow guitar, closing my eyes and reliving that night in my head. Replaying those moments like they're etched into the fabric of who I am and all I'll ever be.

But when I open them, I'm a goner. Our eyes meet, the rest of the world fades away, and I'm right back on the roof in New York.

Our final song is Escape Velocity's title track and there's no better note for us to end on. An anthem for the ages, declaring our places on top of the world. A rush passes through me, high-wired electricity and a thrumming bass that won't stop. By the time the song ends, my heart is ready to burst out of my chest. We take a few minutes to enjoy the applause echoing back, until, slowly, the band walks to the front of the stage and takes one big bow with our hands tied together.

"Thank you, everyone, for being here!" I call out. "In case you're somehow lost, we are MARS and this is our newest baby, Escape Velocity!"

The crowd cheers and my heart feels light.

"And before we get all sappy, the tri-bi's—" I point at Jun, Lauren, and myself, "—as well as the rest of MARS want to wish everyone a very happy pride!"

Rami holds up his mic. "It's been a long time coming but we're incredibly proud of all the work that went into this album. Most of you know us and how particular we are with our work and Escape Velocity is no exception. We will never put out music we aren't a hundred percent sure represents us, all that we stand for, and what we want to see more of in the world. While Nuclear Fusion will always be our pride and joy, this album represents what we truly think we're made of, and we hope everyone enjoys taking this journey alongside us. We would be nothing without the endless support we've been so lucky to receive over the years."

        Jun steps forward. "First, we'd like to thank our team, Marty and Jenny, for keeping us in line. We are forever in your debt and the impeccable job you two do. MARS is nothing without you."

Jenny excitedly wraps her arms around Marty.

"And we, of course, cannot forget our friend Maverick for his contributions," Lauren says. A soft spotlight finds him in the crowd and he waves at the applause. "Laughing with you comes easily, but being inspired by your magic is the easiest of all, and we're thankful to not only share your gift on this album but also call you our friend."

"Anything for a new album from you!"

"Also, please give him a round of applause because I heard he showed up on time today and that's the greatest miracle of all."

"She's being serious," I tell them. "If this isn't proof he loves us, I don't know what is."

After the clapping dies down, Seira steps forward with her mic poised. "And I would like to take the moment to thank these incredible people beside me. Navigating the crazy world we live in is a struggle on the best of days, and having my best friends alongside me for the ride is the only reason I've made it here today. We all come from different walks of life, vastly different cultures and an appreciation for a home most of us are grateful to experience and learn from, even though we do not have the ancestral rights to claim it, but we find a way to rise above it all together. I've never looked at another group of people before and thought wow, this is who I want to spend the rest of my life with. But here I am, lucky to be a part of this group of the most beautiful souls I've ever known."

"If you really want to know who MARS is," I look out at the crowd, catching the sparkle of my favorite people floating in the middle of the glassy sea, "listen to these songs and find us. 'Cause we're here in every word, every melody, and every breath before the plunge. And we hope you love your time with us. Mahalo a hui hou."

The band jumps from the stage and is hit by a wall of reporters itching for comments. I manage to sneak through the throngs of faces and find my way back to them, out of breath and wiping sweat from my forehead. Spotlights are never forgiving.

"So..." I look at them uneasily. "What did you think?"

Brendon is the first to answer; the other two wait and give him the floor. It takes a few seconds for the words to stumble past his lips, and each one feels like an hour in Stevie & Brendon time.

"You're magic, Stevie. That was amazing."

I force myself to not turn into a gelatinous puddle. "Thanks, Brendon."

"I—" He clears his throat. "Yeah. Really good. The album is going to be unbeatable."

"Album of the year for sure," Everleigh agrees.

Maverick chimes in, "You guys killed it. Seriously."

Excitement seizes my chest. "Think I'm going to faint but thank you, thank you."

"We'll catch you." Brendon looks down and shakes his head.

"My hero," I laugh. "Don't know if you checked yet but the album is in the goodie bags. You can cop a listen before it drops at midnight."

The question is directed at Everleigh, but whatever transpired earlier between her and Brendon is still sizzling beneath the surface, and before I finish my sentence, the two bolt away in search of said goodie bags.

"So..." I turn to Maverick, "want to grab another drink?"

"Probably a good idea."

"Who do we think is going to find it first?" I ask when we arrive at the bar.

"It's worse they probably don't realize they need a CD play—Jesus, place your bets on who's frisking me for my car keys first—"

He glances back and catches Everleigh's head peeking out above the crowd, realization flashing like a beacon in her eyes.

"Oh, God."

The pair make their way back to us and Maverick's face grows more horrified by the second.

"Before you get trampled, I should say Everleigh looks super cute with brown hair."

He swallows. "I almost like it better than the blonde." Maverick looks at me like he's seriously considering using me as a human shield.

"Stevie, when I die, I'm leaving you my record collection."

"I've been wanting to steal those Smiths vinyl."

"Please treat them well—"

Everleigh flies up with her hand out. "Keys, please."

He stares at it. "Did we find the CD or is this getting too ahead of yourself?"

"I am not above searching you myself."

"Please don't. They're in my pocket."

Brendon stares at me, eyes frantic. "Stev, do you have a CD player here?"

"Sorry to say that I do not."

"Why would you give us an album without something to play it in?"

"Most people wait until they get home to listen."

"Most people are not your number one fans," Everleigh states. Fair enough. She starts digging into his pocket with both hands and produces the golden ticket. "Ha!"

"Maverick," Brendon says ominously, "where did you park I need you to tell me right now."

"Um...That's..." He turns his hearing aids off.

"This is sabotage—"

"Why don't you just both go toge—" I start.

Everleigh darts away and Brendon quickly follows.

Maverick and I watch them book it to the parking lot. I don't know what's possessed these two and I'm not sure I want to know.

"Imagine if you used the valet like everyone else? They would be harassing the attendant."

"I've never been happier to park a rental."

...

Everleigh and Brendon are at a stand-off—the former has the car keys in her hand while the latter has managed to get ahold of both CDs.

"I thought this would've been resolved already."

"I didn't."

Smacking Maverick's arm for his helpful comment doesn't tear their attention away from each other.

"I was trying to be optimistic. If you can show up on time, we can hope for other miracles."

Brendon waves his hand. "Hand over the keys, Leigh."

"Absolutely not."

"I can and will find someone else willing to let me borrow their car if I have to."

Maverick looks ready to smack them both upside their heads. "Why don't you two go sit in that piece of shit car together?"

"But then neither of us can say we won," Brendon replies.

"What if I called up Maver right now and gave him a copy so he can listen to it before both of you—" I cross my arms.

Maverick adds, "Doesn't Bash have a little sister who likes MARS too—"

At once, the two of them hop in the car. Great teamwork.

I hold my hand out for a high five. "And the disaster bi August Leos strike again."

"Are we still the disasters?"

"Disaster bi's are a special brand of disaster."

He looks at the two of them. Lights on, searching for the CD player, and....are they fighting to put the CD in first—

"I'm kind of glad I didn't tell them I've heard the deluxe edition songs. They would've tried brain surgery with the car keys."

"I would've been planning your funeral."

"At least The Smith's records will be in good hands."

"Will cherish them like they are my own children."

"Might still give you one for having to suffer through that."

"This is friendship."

"If you find yourself in Ontario, you can pick through them. I might be in London for a while, they deserve to be listened to."

I pull out my phone. "When can I stop by? I'll book the ticket right now."

Maverick pulls out his house keys and hands them to me. "Any time you want. I'm going straight to London from here."

"Perfect." I take the keys. "I can fly over before we start promo. We'll be in London mid-July, I can give them back then."

"Take whatever you want. Enjoy them. Return the keys whenever."

        I walk over to the car so we can sit in the back while the two upfront continue listening to the album.

Except the door doesn't open.

"Are you serious? They locked us out?"

"I really wish I was surprised."

I slam my palms against the window. "Let us in, you doofuses. My feet are killing me, I need to sit down."

The little shits don't even look at me.

"You could sit on the hood if you wanted," Maverick suggests. "I don't think they're emotionally ready to open the doors."

"Fine." I stalk to the front and plant myself on the hood of the car. At least I don't have to worry about bugs.

"Better?"

"Better." Only marginally. I pat the space next to me. "Can I offer you their Capri Sun because they don't deserve it?"

Laughing, Maverick pulls up next to me. "I'm honored you think I deserve it."

"Keeping me company while I'm locked out of the car and they listen to my album? You deserve a whole container." I look up and tap the windshield. "Don't make me wait forever! Skip the songs we played already!"

"You're aware they're going to ignore you, right?"

Without looking up, Everleigh flips me off.

"At least she responded."

"Lovingly, too. That was pretty romantic for her, I hope you know that."

"More intimate than a kiss. I'm flushed."

"Practically a proposal."

"You can be part of my bridal party."

Maverick's laugh is a warm breeze on a cool night. "I have intel that Brendon's part of hers, so I'm honored."

"Glad we got this all worked out."

"If she'd unlock the door, we could have you on the way to the chapel already."

"Honestly too bad."

...

When the two of them emerge, I'm asleep. The doors slamming startles me awake. "Are you finally done?"

Everleigh looks like she's been through the wringer. "You say finally as if you didn't just fucking take both of our hearts and stomp on them."

Hopping off the vehicle, I rub at my butt as inconspicuously as possible. "Don't I do that just by being my usual charming self?"

Brendon mutters under his breath and I don't quite catch it.

"So, I guess this is your stamp of approval?" I tell them.

"Obviously," Everleigh scoffs. "It's album of the year. We already knew that."

"Relax." Maverick yawns into his fist, curls disheveled. Probably could've gotten robbed in our sleep and the two in the car wouldn't have noticed.

"What did Everleigh say when she heard Revive? Hope that review was as glowing as this is."

Maverick glares. "We've established she likes your songs better and that's fine."

"Is it, though?" I poke his arm. "Is it really?"

"I'd actually just like to ask Brendon to hit me with his race car but that's fine."

"Might mess up my front wing but it can be arranged."

"I'll leave you money to fix it in my will. Consider it paying you for your work."

"Much appreciated."

I look cautiously. "Are we emotionally stable enough to head back inside now?"

Everleigh stares at me. "N—"

Maverick slaps a hand over her mouth. "Yes."

"Okay, great, 'cause I think I have a bruise from falling asleep on that car."

"At least you guys had heated seats in there," Maverick throws at them.

"I didn't notice over all of our sobbing," Brendon responds.

"You didn't even notice Stevie banging on the window—"

Everleigh holds up a finger. "Um, I specifically responded, actually."

"Lovingly, of course."

"Naturally."

With a chilly breeze creeping up on us, the four of us trek back to the warehouse and settle back into the chaos. Brendon stands close, and at this point, I can't even pretend like he's only doing it to help keep us warm. Where I go, he follows, and vice versa.

He points across the room. "Think that's Jenny over there frantically looking for you—"

I yank his arm down. "Slouch. Don't let her see you. She'll find me immediately."

"I'll actually feel bad about dumping a beer on her but I'll do it if you want me to," Maverick offers.

"Tempting but she's got seven inches on me...without heels on. I'm kind of scared of her." Like clockwork, my phone starts ringing and I let it go to voicemail. "Oh no. She's texting me. Angrily texting me."

"Should we hide—" Brendon asks.

I look around. The closest hiding spot is the photo booth. "Yeah, yeah, go in there."

While we scurry out of sight, Maverick suggests, "If you give me your phone and she calls, I'll answer and tell her I'm looking for you, too. She might stop texting you."

"You think Jenny wouldn't be able to see right through you?"

"I've been told I should be an Oscar winner."

Brendon scoffs. "Might have to reconsider after your performance right before they started playing."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't know there was a performance. I just like art."

"Believable."

My phone rings again. "Shit."

Without thinking, I throw it at Maverick.

Theater kid, absolutely, but an athlete Maverick certainly is not. He almost drops it.

"Um...hello? Jenny, hi!... I'm looking for Stevie, too. She left her phone with me before she went on stage...Mhmm. Yeah...Yes. I am. Absolutely full of it. You're totally right...I'm turning the tracking off. I love you, Jenny, bye!"

After ending the call and severing Jenny's tracking abilities, he hands it back to me.

"See? Nailed it."

Everleigh winces. "No one forward that to the Academy, Jesus Christ. They'll ban you for life."

"At least he appreciates art," Brendon muses.

"I'm definitely getting yelled at later."

"I'm glad we debuted number one 'cause she's never inviting me back anywhere near you."

I point at the booth. "Can we at least get some cute pics before she disembowels me? Leave something for my friends to remember me by."

"Do you think they'll let our gravesites be near each other?" Maverick ponders.

"I think they won't risk our ghosts wreaking havoc on them. We're getting buried on different continents."

He stares at me with a smile. "I'll take Europe. Do you want Australia?"

"Brendon, can you keep my headstone clean?"

He looks ten shades of horrified at the suggestion. "Sometimes I think you two need a babysitter."

I shoot a pointed look at Everleigh. "May I remind you of the last hour and a half?"

"At the very least, you can leave bottles of apple juice there for her, right?"

Brendon pinches the bridge of his nose. "I would leave an entire shipping container for her but that's not the point—"

"At least we're being realistic," Maverick replies. "Jenny's terrifying. You two were fighting over juice."

"It was more than just juice—" Brendon corrects.

"Right. The thing that Jun definitely didn't start."

"The thing I'm going to win."

Maverick looks ready to leave us to fend for ourselves. "So, how about that photo booth?"

Deciding an intervention is needed, I push Brendon ahead of me. "In you go before we put you in time out."

The photo booth is small so there's only room for two to sit on the bench. After shoving Brendon inside, we move in sync, helping me to sit on his lap and wait for the other two to follow behind. His hands against my hips burn a hole in my clothes.

It takes them a minute to pull the curtain back, and they both stare at the space.

"Never seen a photo booth before?" I ask.

Everleigh continues to stare. "We only have phone booths—"

Maverick shoves her forward. "Stop."

"Was that you asking to sit on my lap—"

"Just go."

"If you wanted to sit on Brendon's lap, Maverick, you could've just asked."

Brendon's chest vibrates. "Might have to check with Roman if he's okay with it first."

"Roman didn't write you a love song—" Everleigh points out.

"Named a child after me."

Maverick's eyes bug out. "He what?"

Likely deciding that getting into the booth is much easier than having to explain that, Everleigh slides onto the bench and Maverick settles onto her lap.

"I don't have my glasses so someone else is going to have to work this thing for me." I smack Maverick's arms. "That means you, bozo."

"I think you should wear my glasses and do it yourself."

"Think you should shut up."

Maverick rolls his eyes. "Exhausting."

What proceeds to happen can only be explained in two scenes.

Using the countdown to get ready, I sling my arm around Brendon's shoulders. Our smiles are bright, heads together, looking cuter than I thought possible. Or maybe I'm biased. Aside from paparazzi pictures, these are our first together. Before the last, Brendon turns my face toward his and we rest our foreheads together. The world stops spinning for that second in time, and I replay it a hundred times over in my head.

The other half of the booth is a mess.

While Brendon and I look straight off a Hallmark card, Maverick and Everleigh look like they've been pulled from a WWE advert. The latter isn't even in the first frame, hiding behind her boyfriend. The snapshots progress with Maverick having to hold Everleigh in a headlock so she appears in the pictures, with the last one being the nicest of the bunch. Everleigh's rolling her eyes while Maverick kisses her cheek, but that's what we call romance where those two are involved.

"Can't take you two anywhere."

Before either of them defend themselves, the curtains pull back and Jenny's face appears above us.

"I knew it. Security said it looked like there was a wrestling match going on in the photo booth and I said yeah, ten bucks Maverick is involved."

"Jenny, I'm always on my best behavior for you," Maverick responds. Still holding Everleigh in a chokehold.

She sedates him with a stare. "Remember what I said earlier?"

"You mean when you said I'm full of it?"

"Yeah. Pack it up, bud. I need Stevie to pretend like she knows how to promote her new album."

I'm not above using Kingston Maverick as a human shield on any day of the week. He stumbles out of the booth when I push him away, and before he has time to look back, I pull the curtains closed. "Give me a sec, I need to take these pics."

I use my last minutes of freedom to take a set of pictures lying across the two of them, and, dare I say, they're cuter than the first set.

"Okay I'm all yours," I say once we exit.

Everleigh and Brendon flank either side of me looking protective, as is the nature of being a Toad next to these Luigis. But staring down Jenny might as well be facing Bowser in the ninth circle of hell, and as valiant as my defenders might be, they're no match for her. After a few seconds, they step away.

"Strong effort, guys."

"But you saw there was effort," Everleigh says.

"Barely."

Brendon stares at Jenny's feet. "Those heels look...painful."

"In case I don't survive this, have fun." I look between Maverick and Everleigh. "Try not to fight every time your arms accidentally brush up against each other. Alright?"

"I make no promises."

Maverick scoffs. "Of course you don't."

"I will keep an eye on them—" Brendon starts.

"Don't fight Everleigh either. Whatever you're trying to beat her at, I'll find a way to get it to you both."

It isn't until Brendon smiles at me, soft and sweet like the light morning sun in the middle of spring, that I realize he's still holding my fingertips, clinging to me as he pretends to dodge Jenny's ire.

"Don't leave without me, okay?" I instruct. "Even if you're about to miss your flight. I'm serious."

"We have time. Go."

Before I'm whisked away, I catch Maverick's eye. Brendon is right; I'm really the only one who never noticed it. Maybe the magic in that moment all those nights ago is never because of Monaco after all.