[To Live Is To Die by Metallica]
(a/n: this chapter is kind of sad, but also kind of fluffy. it's not going to talk directly about his death, don't worry. I just always link him to "To Live is to Die" because he wrote it and it reminds me of him.)

Later that night, James and Kirk had decided to call it a night. They had done enough work on the album to know where to go next. Lars and I were sitting around a bonfire we had made. "Come on, join us." Lars said to Kirk and James. James's eyes widened at the sight. "You made a fire by yourself Riley?" I laughed. "No, Lars helped me." Lars looked at me and scoffed. "What she means is I did most of the work." James chuckled. "Alright then." Kirk thanked us and brought out the drinks. James grabbed a beer and passed one to Lars. I made my classic screwdriver. I wasn't into drinking before I met the guys, but now I had a "usual". Sort of funny how it works that way. Kirk looked up at the sky and so did I. Kirk pointed out the North Star to me and underneath it, Orion's belt. "Cliff would have loved this." James had a sad look on his face and Lars agreed that he would have loved a beautiful night like tonight.

This is where I was left out of the loop. I never met Metallica's late bassist. I had always heard the name "Cliff Burton" and I knew who he was. I had even reminded James when he told me about this tour, that Cliff had died on tour. I sat for a moment in thought, admiring the sky and then looked to James and said "Tell me about Cliff." James looked over at Kirk and Lars. Lars nodded his head, as if to grant permission. Kirk said "I think it's time." James took a second to think and then spoke. "Riley, it's time I tell you about Cliff." I took a sip of my drink and readied myself to listen. "We were best friends, brothers even, like the guys and I." James motioned to the two men beside him. "It was a hot summer day. With beads of sweat forming on our faces, the guys and I were in line at an amusement park..."

~flashback~ (a/n: yes this is necessary. I tried to make it as best I could. I definitely made it up. and no, adults aren't too young to be having fun at a park.)

"Cliff, this ride better be fun or I'm kicking your ass." Lars grumbled from the behind Kirk. We were about to go on a massive rollercoaster because it was what Cliff wanted. Cliff looked back from in front of me and stuck his tongue out at Lars. Lars flipped him off and I laughed. Kirk shook his head "Children...". I smirked at him. "Like you're any better." Kirk crossed his arms and gave me his famous "look". "Guys, the line is moving!" Cliff exclaimed happily. He was right. We were near the front now, which meant someone, Lars, had to face his fear of rollercoasters. I just hope he doesn't puke on me. "How you doing back there, Mr. Brave Man?" Cliff looked back at Lars and smirked. Lars was crossing his arms with almost a scowl on his face. "Oh just dandy. And yourself Fun Killer Burton?" Cliff rolled his eyes. I tapped him on the shoulder and pointed in front of us. We were at the front of the line. "Tickets please, sir." The lady at the front looked Cliff up and down. "Aren't you a little old for an amusement park?" Cliff just smiled at her. He wasn't about to let anything ruin his good time. "No ma'am. You see, unlike some people, I'm a kid at heart. Have more fun, like me!" He handed her his ticket, like a badass might I add, and walked into the gate. She rolled her eyes when she saw me, Kirk, and Lars. "Howdy." I grinned at her and handed her my ticket, as I entered the gate. My friends followed suit. I heard her say "What is with all the freaks today?" under her breath. It didn't phase me today. I was about to have fun. Lars headed to the back row of the coaster cart. "Don't bother me. I want to get this over with." He grumbled. I laughed. I sat next to Cliff, my fellow thrill seeker. Kirk sat behind us. The cart started to move as the end of the safety announcement blared on the speakers. Everyone in front of us were chattering and everyone behind us looked scared. The ride officially begun and I could feel the rush already. It kicked off with loud screams, of both fear and excitement. The rickety, wooden coaster made sounds as the carts raced over it.
The ride was over before we knew it. Lars got out of his seat actually looking kind of happy. His arms were still crossed but he wasn't frowning, flipping Cliff off, or scowling angrily. I smiled at Cliff "Enjoy yourself?" Cliff never looked happier. He smiled so widely at me and said "Fuck yeah." Kirk was smiling too. We all really enjoyed ourselves.

"Sounds like y'all had a fun time. Cliff seems like such a fun, wonderful person." I smiled at James. "He really was. He was my best friend. I miss him so much." Kirk looked at him with a knowing look. Lars smiled. "I remember that. I actually ended up having more fun than I would like to admit. I don't hate rollercoasters anymore." I chuckled. "Good. I'm glad y'all had great times together."

"I will always tell you about Cliff and about the history behind our band now. You deserve to be a part of this, Riley." Kirk and Lars nodded to agree with James. "Thank you guys. I really feel like I'm part of something bigger here." I smiled.

As the night came to a close, I laid beside Lars with the blanket covering us. I looked over at Kirk, who was already asleep. As I tried to fall asleep, I looked outside at the stars. I wonder what it's like to be up there...