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It was a strangely quiet morning — strange, because it was Saturday and usually there'd be plenty of people on the streets. But not today.
Katy supposed it had something to do with the 15th anniversary of Chunky Burger — they were offering burgers for a premium, so almost everyone in town was going there, leaving the streets almost empty. And even in this store, she was the only person there, apart from Lammy.
It was a guitar shop, one she'd never been to before, but apparently Lammy had been here a few times herself.
They were here for some guitar strings — well, Lammy was. She'd broken them during one of their practice sessions where she'd been shredding a little too hard. Katy couldn't help but smile at the memory — Lammy had been so into it, she hadn't even noticed she snapped her strings until a few seconds of shredding wood and not string.
She didn't need to be here, but any chance to spend time with Lammy was time worth spent in her eyes.
While Lammy was picking strings, she decided to have a look at the bass guitars — not that she intended to trade her old one in yet, but it would be interesting to see what they were like. As she was doing so, a new song started playing on the record player in the shop.
"Love together, love together, we're livin' on the floor!"
It sounded strangely nostalgic, like the kind of song she might have heard while she was younger. She couldn't help tapping her foot to it.
These bass guitars were pretty good as well, smooth to the touch. There were some real quality guitars here... come to think of it, Lammy got her new guitar here as well, didn't she?
Once Lammy had gotten her strings, she rung a bell on the counter, getting Katy's attention. As she turned, she saw a beaver emerge from the back of the shop. Must be the shopkeeper, she thought... this place was Chuck's Custom Guitars, so she guessed this must be Chuck.
He grinned upon seeing Lammy, giving a hearty laugh. "Hey, my best customer! What are you here for?"
"Just some st-strings. Unless you've got anything new?"
"Hmm... well, I've got some new Effectors in stock."
"Really?" she said, her eyes lighting up.
"Yeah, gimme a sec." he said, darting back into the storeroom.
A few seconds later, he came back, holding two things. "Yeah, so first I got the new Rewind." he said, holding up what looked to be a miniature record player set to run backwards.
Lammy grimaced, knowing what it was like. "Eh, I'll pass. I've heard the sound doesn't really mesh well with bass."
"Don't you play lead though?" he asked.
"Yeah, but Katy plays bass and... her part is just as important as mine."
Katy couldn't help but smile as she looked through some of the records — it was one of the many things she loved about Lammy. She was considerate, maybe even too considerate of people.
"Don't blame ya, these things are flimsy as well. I've broken five of these by accident... don't surprise me though, considering who made em."
"Joe Chin?"
"Uh huh. Like I say, never use anything of Joe Chin's."
Katy had never had the misfortune of trying out any of Joe Chin's products, though last week, she asked Ma-san about her thief proof laptop and the only response she got was her unintelligible squeaking — even more unintelligible than usual. Plus, she'd heard he was going through a bunch of lawsuits with one of his products — something about using bicycle chains as chainsaw chains?
"Alright, that one sucks but I also got this." he grinned, holding up a small shooting star and when Lammy saw it, her eyes started sparkling as well.
"The Supernova? The one that gives a guitar a stellar sound?"
"That's the one. And tell ya what, I'll sell it to you."
"Really?! But aren't these su-super rare?"
"Mhm. That's why I only wanna sell these to someone who really knows what it means to hold a guitar. And I ain't met anyone else who appreciates a good guitar like you."
And Katy completely agreed. Lammy's passion for guitars was unlike anything else she'd ever seen. And she hated whenever people said Lammy was dull, because when she was talking about something she was passionate about... that light in her eyes was something else.
Another thing she loved about Lammy... actually, come to think of it, there were a lot of those. Enough for her to fill a book... not that she'd done that, of course. Just... several pages of her diary.
When Lammy finished paying, she turned around whistling, seeing Katy with a grin on her face.
"W-what?" Immediately, she jumped back, clutching her Effector and strings in each hand, with a look of a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
"Nothing." she laughed. "Did I ever tell you how cute you are when you're freaking out over guitars though?"
"M-m-maybe?"
"Only maybe? Maybe I haven't said it enough then." she said as they left the store. "Alright! That was a pretty good morning!" Katy said, punching up in the air. "Hey, you wanna grab a bite to eat? Maybe at Chunky Burger, they got that celebration going on."
Lammy's hand instantly tensed up, nervous by the very thought. "Ah... do-do you mind if we go to Beard Burgers instead?"
"Yeah, sure. Any reason?"
Lammy started to sweat as she racked her brain for something. "Ah... ah... well, you know... we-we've gotta make sure that Noodles doesn't use his noodiliser to try and ta-take out the competition." she laughed nervously. "Besides, he's probably really bored today..."
Katy had to give Lammy credit where it was due — she'd gotten a lot better at lying in terms of the actual lie. Still, she got just as nervous as she always had when lying.
Despite that, she decided not to press it further, already having a good idea as to her real reason.
"Yeah, you got a point. I don't want my strings turning into noodles again." Katy joked.
"Oh God, you remember when we had to replace those?"
"We had to wait so long cause none of the music stores had strings... because they had been turned into noodles as well."
The whole noodle incident made for a funny story when they looked back at things, and at least everything had turned out alright.
When the two walked into Beard Burgers, they saw the place was almost dead — there were only two other customers and a very bored Noodles at the counter, using his phone. Upon hearing the door open, he raised his head, seeing the two.
"Hey Katy, Lammy! How are you both?" he said, both shocked and pleased to see anyone else here.
"We're pretty good! How 'bout you?" said Katy.
"Eh, I'm alright. It's pretty boring here though... not even got any of my employees here."
"Yeah, how come you're the only one here?"
"Gave em' all the day off, cause... ya know." he said, waving his hand. "At least they don't hate me now, cause I'm doing a better job."
"It was r-really smart to start selling burgers and noodles here." said Lammy.
"Thanks! Course, people come here for the burgers, but I can always fix up a good pot of noodles whenever someone wants. Gotta work on my burgers though. Got the family name to live up to." he said, looking at the poster of his father. "So how's the band going?"
"We're doing good, almost finished with our album!"
"Yeah, all we gotta do is a few more songs."
"Really? Man, I've been wanting to see one of your concerts."
"Well, I think we’re doing one in like two weeks' time at Club Fun. Why don't you come to that?"
"Two weeks..." he said, thinking carefully. "Wait a minute, that's great! I'll be done with my community service then!"
"Wait, already?"
"Yeah, I've only got 10 more hours left. Been doing it everyday for the past two months, so it's nice to have something to look forward to when I've finished. Hey, I got an idea! When you finish your album, send me a copy. I'll play it on the speakers here!"
Katy and Lammy both exchanged a look of surprise with each other — with the number of people that normally came to Beard Burgers, that would be a major boost in attention for them.
"Seriously?! You'd do that?" asked Katy.
"Yeah! Least I can do after all the crap I put you through. But anyway, what're you doing here?"
"Well, we were gonna grab a bite to eat and thought we'd stop by here." said Lammy.
"Here? Er... haven't you guys heard about the stuff going on at Chunky Burger?"
"Yeah, but...you can't beat Beard Burgers! Besides, we-we thought you might be lonely."
"Really? Aw guys, I... two Beard Burgers, right?" he said, his voice cracking a little.
"Yep! And some fries each, if you don't mind."
Noodles turned around, quickly putting together two Beard Burgers and reaching two packs of fries as Lammy reached into her pockets for some money.
"M-my treat." she said with a smile. "Least I can do for dragging you along."
"Dragging me? Hey, I'd never miss a chance to spend time with you."
Once they got their food, the two sat down at a table, munching on burgers and fries — as always, they were the best in town.
"Man, I didn't think Noodles would be that excited to see us play." said Lammy.
"Who wouldn't be? We're a great band!"
"Yeah, but... I dunno, I think people are getting tired of us. I mean, we haven't even finished all our songs for this album! Or come up with a name for it! An-and don't you think people will get bored of the other songs we've been playing?"
"That's true..." Katy conceded. "We've played the crap out of Got To Move and Keep Your Head Up... but still, we've done like what, 10 songs? A couple more and we're done!"
"I guess... I just hope we can finish them soon."
"Of course we will! Come on, we're Milkcan! We're the sexy, hot dynamite group!"
"N-now you're just saying things off our website."
"Alright, maaybe. But it's truuue!" she sang. "And anyway, it's the quality that counts, right? Even if it takes us some time to finish, it doesn't matter so long as what we have is great. That's why people come to see us, cause we got quality... well, either that or to make boob jokes."
Lammy nearly choked on her burger at the sheer ridiculousness of her statement.
"I... w-w-what? Why would people d-do that?" she asked, not entirely sure if she wanted to know the answer.
"Because we're Milkcan?" said Katy in a matter of fact tone.
"I... I don't get it?"
"Milkcan? Milk. Can?" she repeated.
Lammy's eyes widened and bugged out as she weaved a hand through her red hair, contemplating this extraordinary revelation. "I get it now..."
"It's a good thing we didn't go with Milkcans..." mused Katy. "That would have been even worse. But you're telling me you've never realised that until now?"
"No!"
"Damn, Lammy, you've got a purer mind than I do!" laughed Katy. "Actually, on second thought, that's a good thing... probably should keep it that way."
"Now I'll never be able to look at our band the same way again..." Lammy groaned.
"Aw, I'm sorry!" pouted Katy. "How can I make it up to you?" she said, batting her eyelashes.
"You can't... you've ruined me... forever!" said Lammy dramatically, flicking a hand in the air.
Katy couldn't help but laugh at Lammy's theatrics. It was so unlike her, but this was the Lammy she lived for seeing — the Lammy who wasn't afraid to be playful and teasing, the Lammy who turned the tables on everyone when they least expected it, the Lammy who stood on that stage that evening and played her heart out.
"Are you surrre?"
"Well..." she started, pretending to think. "Because you're the one who did this and you're my girlfriend, you have to make things better." she smirked.
"Make things better? I like the sound of that." Katy said, raising her eyebrows.
"So... what're you gonna do then?"
"Let's see... how about a hundred kisses?"
Part of Katy wasn't sure if she should have said that... not that she had any problems with actually going through with it — quite the opposite really, but Lammy had always been sensitive when it came to physical affection.
Surprisingly, she didn't have to worry about that at all this time.
"I'm gonna hold you to that then." Lammy winked.
"Sure you're up to it? I'm like a romantic ninja — I strike when you least expect it!"
"So you're even more romantic that Master Onion then?"
"Of course! Chop Chop's got nothing on my honed talents!" Katy said proudly, though inside she couldn't help but feel like she was being set up.
"But didn't you give someone your mom's number when they asked you out?" said Lammy, barely able to restrain her laughter.
And that was the set up. "That was one time!" she said, the hairs on her fur all standing on end. "I-I was nervous and —"
"But I was nervous and lost my mind... I gave him my number, but it was my mom's..." Lammy finished, singing quietly. "Something like that?"
Katy felt herself go a few shades red, more flustered than she'd ever felt before and cursing herself for putting that part in the song and... wait, did Lammy just tease her?
Sure enough, the small smile on her lips said as much.
"Sorry." she started apologetically. "I-I hope that wasn't too far..." she said, nervously wringing her fingers together.
"Lammy, it's fine." And really, if it meant seeing Lammy like that, then she could tease Katy all she wanted. "Besides," she started with a smirk. "Now we're even." she finished, planting a kiss on Lammy's cheek before she could react... like a romantic ninja.
The effect was predictable enough — Lammy joined Katy in her redness, only accentuated by how red she was naturally.
"I think that's the first time I've heard you sing."
"Yeah, I-I mostly do it on my own."
"You know, you've got a pretty good singing voice."
"Thanks. I'm not as good as you though."
"Maybe, but you might show me up with some practice."
"How did you get so good at singing anyway?" Lammy asked.
"It's kinda embarrassing..." she said, scratching the back of her head. "I used to sing a lot in the shower."
"In the shower?" Lammy said amused.
"Yeah... my parents didn't really like me doing it."
"What, were you that bad?"
Katy rolled her eyes, amused. "Not like that, although who knows, maybe they did think I was bad. But they've never been too fond of me going into music. They never really thought the whole band thing would work out."
"Ma-san's father's the same way... he wants her to be a medic and take over the pharmacy."
"What about your parents? You don't really talk about them much."
Lammy shrugged. "Eh, they've never really cared about what I did. They raised me and when I was 18, I was on my own. Never really cared about me playing guitar... think it's been a half a year since I spoke to them."
She tried to say it nonchalantly, but there was some sadness in her voice which Katy picked up on.
"That's... sad." she said despondently, her ears drooping slightly.
"A little, but... I'm alright." she said, starting to smile a little. "I got Parappa, PJ, Sunny, Matt and Paula, and you know... they're all good friends. I got Ma-san and she's a great friend and band mate. She always what to say, even if it's not in the nicest way. And... I've got you." she finished, smiling widely.
And though she didn't say anything else, that smile said everything Katy needed to know.
But it soon faded away as Lammy went silent, thinking heavily.
"Something on your mind?"
Lammy pursed her lips together, trying to think about how to say it. "Katy, do you... are you happy with... me?" Lammy said, fiddling with her hair.
"Of course! Why do you ask? Aren't you?" Katy replied, slightly worried.
"Nononono!" she said, spreading her hands. "But... I've never been in a relationship at all, so... am I doing anything wrong?" she sighed dejectedly. "I mean, I've never been in a relationship before, so.... just trying to make sure I don't screw up."
"Hey, it's new for me as well... I've never been with a girl before. And it's not like I have much relationship experience outside this one either."
"What... happened with your other relationships? If you don't mind me asking." she added quickly.
"It's alright. They just didn't really work out." she said, playing with a fry. "Wasn't really much to it, they just kinda... fizzled out. Don't worry, I haven't actually had my heart broken 36 times, or 37 or 38." she joked, making Lammy chuckle. "But seriously, I love being with you." she said earnestly. "There's not much I'd change, except I kinda wish you could be a little bit more confident in yourself."
"I get what you mean. I'm... still not good with that. Still get nervous 'round lots of people."
"That's why you wanted to come here, right? Cause it'd be empty."
"Ah... you saw through that." she said sheepishly.
"Pretty good lie, but... Lammy, let me be real with you — you suck at hiding secrets. But you're still a lot better than you think. Ever since our first concert, you've gotten a lot more confident."
"Well... a lot happened during all that."
"So, what about you?" asked Katy. "Is there something you think I could change?"
"Erm... there is one thing. I... it's cool that you're really active, but you can be like... a little too much at times, you know? I hope that makes sense."
Katy nodded in understanding. "Nah, I get what you mean, I can be a bit overbearing at times and I'm sorry for that."
"Thanks. Say, we should probably get going."
The two left their table — with a quick farewell to Noodles, and then it was back on the streets of Parappa Town.
"So what do you wanna do next today?" asked Katy, as they passed the fire department.
"I dunno... something small? I kinda just wanted to spend time with you."
"Huh... hey, you left your guitar back at mine, right?"
"Yeah?"
"Why don't we go back to mine? We can practice a little and then watch some junk on TV, maybe some crappy movies. Heck, we can even order some pizza and you can spend the night!"
"Sounds great!"
Suddenly, they both heard two trucks start up — next to the fire department. "Woah, what's happening over there?" said Lammy, glancing at the entrance, where all the dogs were climbing into the fire trucks with Chief Puddle surveying the equipment.
"Hey, Mr Puddle! Wh-what's going on?" shouted Lammy.
"Wha? Oh, Lammy. We got a call from a Joe Chin, apparently there's a fire at Chunky Burger! One of the grills burst into flames. We're heading there right now... say, fancy giving us a hand again?"
"Ah, s-s-sorry! I'm kinda busy today."
"Alright, you kids stay safe then and don't head near that place today." he said, also getting into the truck before it sped off with sirens blaring.
"... well, it's a good thing we didn't go to Chunky Burger then. Nice hunch there."
Katy's apartment wasn't too far off and when they both arrived, Lammy made a beeline for her bedroom where their guitars were, with Katy close behind.
Katy's bass guitar sat in a corner, with Lammy's yellow one beside it — Fussenpepper had been kind enough to return it to her after their first concert, and while her other one worked great, her old one just felt like a part of her.
Quickly, Lammy got to work on measuring the string she'd need, winding it through the guitar and tightening it around the nut. She played each of the strings a few times, tuning each of them as needed — it was practically second nature to her by now. Finally, she fitted the Effector onto the guitar.
"Alright, let's do this!" said Lammy with a sudden burst of energy once she was done. Katy grinned, knowing the magic she was about to see.
Lammy struck a chord on her guitar, the sound morphed by the Effector. As the notes came out, they seemed to almost twinkle, giving it the stellar quality so heavily advertised.
"That sounds great!" It was somewhat tinny and scratchy without an amp, but the core sound was what mattered most, and Katy could already imagine what it would sound like with one.
"It really does. Come on, let's play something, I've gotta hear how it sounds with a song!"
They spent about an hour practicing some songs — without Ma-san, it wasn't complete, but between them they could at least get the core melody down.
"Woo! We're on fire!" Katy said when they were done.
"Yeah, we sound really good. It's a shame Ma-san's busy today... it's not complete without her."
"Yeah... still, it's nice she helps her dad out. And with her, this album's definitely gonna be a hit — we've just been cracking songs and they sound great, so imagine what they're gonna be like with her. And we've been doing that for the past... actually, how long were we practising for?" she said, glancing at her watch. "Jeez, it's almost half four. Let's go and take a break."
So they left their equipment for some TV. As soon as Lammy sat down on the couch with Katy, she saw her look at her, as if restraining herself — rare for her, but a look Lammy was familiar with. She quickly nodded and gave a small smile.
Katy immediately wrapped her arms around Lammy, almost pouncing as she lay down in her lap, her tail waving in the air. She rubbed her face against Lammy's chest, giving butterfly kisses that sent jolts through her body.
It was maybe the strangest thing about Katy, how super affectionate she could be. Actually, Lammy was surprised that she'd waited this long — usually it came out of nowhere. One moment they'd be practising, then Katy'd suddenly pounce on her and stare at her with those eyes... those irresistible eyes of hers.
And before she knew it, they'd be snuggling. Maybe it had something to do with her being a cat, Lammy thought.
Katy quickly looked up at her, briefly concerned this might have been what Lammy had meant when she said she could be too much at times.
But Lammy smiled a little wider, running her fingers through Katy's fur. She didn't mind, even if it could be a bit too much, but... Katy had made her feel more comfortable about that. She'd made her feel more comfortable about everything really... including herself.
And Katy was always her guardian angel, so she loved being able to return the favour like this. For once, she was the one holding and protecting someone else. She couldn't help but feel a sudden burst of warmth in herself that made her squeeze Katy tightly and kiss her, much to her joy.
"Mmm..." she sighed. "It's a good thing you're so good at snuggles, or else I don't think things could work out." she said.
"Really? This is what you look for in a relationship?" Lammy smirked.
"Absolutely." she said, her voice equal parts joking and serious. "I consider one's snuggling ability to be of the highest priority in a relationship. Now I think about it, that's probably why my other relationships didn't work out."
"So do I pass then?" she said, gently rubbing Katy's back and eliciting more sounds from the cat.
"Do I even need to say?" she said with a contented purr. "God, you're good at this... when did you get so good as cuddling?"
"Well, you know..." Lammy said offhandedly, waving her free hand about.
"You're being vague again."
"It's embarrassing!"
"Come on, I told you how I got good at singing!"
"Alright, I... practiced a lot with my panda..." Lammy mumbled.
"So that's why it looks really worn out?" Katy teased.
"D-don't judge me!" said Lammy pitifully. 'Besides, your-you're one to talk!"
"Alright, you got me there." she said unashamedly. "But I know you love this as well. You know, you were in a awful hurry to my bedroom back there. That eager to get in bed with me?"
"I mean, you're really, really pretty and kind so... yeah?" Lammy admitted.
That threw Katy for a loop. "... really?"
"We've talked about it before, and we've been dating for a few months... I don't know, it makes me nervous — really nervous, but... I can't think of anyone else but you I'd feel that comfortable around."
"... oh wow. I... wasn't expecting that." Katy said, stunned.
"Neither was I, but... I... I wanna experience everything in a relationship with you and... I know I can't do that if I keep running away from everything forever. So... yeah, I do wanna do that someday... just maybe not today."
"Of course!" she said, not wanting to push Lammy any further — it was a big step for her to even say all that. "We came here to watch crappy shows, and that's what we're gonna do! Here, why don't you pick something?" she said, handing Lammy the remote.
As Lammy started flicking through a few channels looking for something simple, Katy gently kissed her cheek. "Oh, and Lammy? Thanks for saying that. I know that was a lot for you, but... it really means a lot that you said it."
"Sure..." she said, her voice trailing off, but inside she couldn't be happier. "I dunno, I guess we could watch cooking? Cheap Cheap's supposed to be good."
"Actually, I've never watched her show." said Katy
"Really?" said Lammy.
"Nope. I remember PJ and I were at Parappa's house once, and we were gonna watch it... but then Parappa stopped us."
"W-why?"
"No idea. When we asked, he just... froze."
"What?"
"Yeah, like... he just froze and shivered and muttered 'I gotta believe...' so... dunno what's up with that.
"Um... are you s-sure this is safe to watch?" said Lammy, a little scared now.
"It'll be fine! It's just Parappa being Parappa." she said, pulling Lammy closer.
"Al-alright..." she said, switching to the channel.
However, Lammy's fears proved to be somewhat founded as both of them were immediately surprised by what they saw.
"Woah, what's this?!"
"Erm... is this supposed to be what happens?" said Lammy, looking at the screen.
On screen was none other than Cheap Cheap on her cooking set, arguing with Chop Chop while his assistant was watching the argument along with a penguin, the announcer for Cheap Cheap's show.
"I told you for the last time, my show's on now!" shouted Cheap Cheap.
"No, no, no! It's my show that's on now, and you are stopping me from teaching my Romantic Karate!" said Chop Chop, assuming a fighting stance.
"Half past four! HALF PAST FOUR! My show is always on at that time!"
"Maybe, but not today! Look! 4:30, it says right here!" he said, brandishing a schedule in the chicken's face.
"What? Lemme see that..." she said, snatching it with one of her wings and reading it. "Well, that can't be right!"
"Ha! Now, you are just making excuses. There is honour, in knowing when to quit."
"No, I'm not. Because my schedule also says 4:30! Right here!" she said, taking her own schedule out and jabbing at a time with a feather.
Sure enough, she was right. "H... how can this be?" said the onion, fiddling with his stem.
"Choppy, it must have just been a scheduling error. I thought it was strange... we never have the show on at this time." said his assistant.
"No! I refuse to leave, until we have gotten to the bottom of this!"
"What's there to explain?! You got the wrong schedule!" shouted the chicken, her body now turning red with anger.
"Miss Cheap, we really should be getting on with the show... and it wouldn't kill you to be nicer..." said the announcer.
"Nicer?!" she squawked. "Romantic Karate... whatta bunch of nonsense! My cooking is a far more important skill for young people to learn!"
"You... you dare mock the art of Romantic Karate?!"
"I spit on it!" she said, actually doing so. "I feel sorry for the young people of our town who think your shit will work!"
Lammy put a hand to her mouth in shock. "D-did she just swear... on TV?! I thought her show was supposed to be kid friendly..."
"Hold on, Lammy, we've gotta see the rest of this." said Katy, bouncing up and down on the couch, having the time of her life.
"Says the chicken that is still single..." muttered Chop Chop under his breath.
"Oh yeah? Like you're much better!" she retorted.
"Actually... Choppy and I started dating recently." added the assistant meekly.
"Really?" said the penguin. "Oh, my congratulations to the both of you."
"Thank you!"
"Dear, I feel so sorry for you..." sighed the chicken.
There was a silence in the studio, as the words sunk in for Chop Chop.
"You insult me... you insult Romantic Karate... and now, you insult her? You... you little turkey... I will show you the true power of Romantic Karate, honed with love!"
"T-t-turkey?! Why does everyone call me that?! I'm a chicken, damn it, ya beef jerky!"
As Chop Chop gave his familiar battle cry and Cheap Cheap gave a squawk of war, the two immediately started brawling throughout the entire kitchen, their respective assistants staying far away.
The set was turned completely on its feet, as saucepans and ingredients started flying, the walls and ceiling becoming stained with flour and eggs.
"I... I do apologise for this. Master Onion can be rather... easy to provoke." said his assistant.
"No, it's quite alright. Miss Cheap can be rather easy to provoke as well..." he said, placing a flipper his forehead.
As the chicken and onion continued their battle on the set, the penguin came to a sudden realisation.
"Wait, are we airing right now?" he suddenly said. "AHHHHHHHH!" he screamed, quickly waddling over to the cameras and knocking them over before the whole screen went dark.
A silence passed between the lamb and cat as they pondered what they'd just seen.
"Wha... what was that?" said Lammy.
"I have no idea... but that was the funniest thing I've ever seen."
"Let's see if there's something else..." said Lammy, still somewhat shocked.
Thankfully, there was plenty of other shows, so the two found a romantic comedy to binge watch, during which Katy ordered some pizza. They'd both seen it before, so it was mostly fun to laugh at, except for one serious part where the main characters — a lion and a crocodile, started discussing relationships issues.
"I... I like this part." said Lammy wistfully.
"Hm? How come?"
"I don't know, I guess maybe cause they're just talking about what worries them. It's nice, you know? Cause... everyone's got their own issues and things they worry about."
"Talking really helps with that."
"Yeah! An-and, when I'm talking with you, I feel like all my issues aren't... so bad anymore. What about you... don't you have any... like anything you worry about?"
Katy tapped a claw to her chin, thinking about it for a second. "Well to be honest, a few things."
"R-really? But you're always so confident!"
"Aw, thank you." she said, smiling at the compliment. "But yeah, I've always worried that one day we'd have... drama." she finished ominously.
"Drama?"
"You know, you hear about these bands which get like a sudden boost in popularity? And then stuff starts happening between the band members? I dunno, I've just always been afraid of that happening to us. Cause this just started with the three of us putting some beats together and making some tunes. I don't want us to be torn apart cause of fame. But... at the same time, I don't want either of you to feel like I'm holding you back. Especially you, Lammy."
"Huh?"
"You could play for anybody! No band worth their salt would ever reject you. And if they did... pfft, then they're idiots."
"M-m-me?" she stuttered, pointing a finger at herself. "But I'm —"
"Lammy, you're amazing." Katy said bluntly. "No buts!" she said, noticing Lammy open her mouth to interject. "When you're on that stage with that guitar in your hand... it's like... it's like magic." she finished breathlessly, spreading her arms out.
"I mean, I- I'm not that good..."
"Are you kidding me?! You played for Teriyaki Yoko! People would literally die for a chance to play for them... sorry, bad choice of words there."
"It's fine!" Really, that entire experience was just weird for Lammy, but... something good came out of it. "But I think you're really good as well! No one sings as well as you! And... I don't think you'd ever need to worry about holding Ma-san and me back."
"What makes you say that?"
"Because... we're a team." Lammy replied, more confident in what she was saying now. "We're Milkcan! And sure, we're both good at what we do alone, but it's having all three of us there that makes us great. We're great cause of each other. So if you ever feel like that, don't, cause you're why we're great... I'm really bad at this, aren't I?" she groaned.
Katy shook her head. "No... you're right. And the same goes for me. I wouldn't be any good without you two either. We're like a tricycle, you need all three wheels for it to work. But when we're together, whatever we play, with my almighty bass and distinguished vocals, with Ma-san's excellent drumming and your killer rifts, we'll make it sweet... hey, now there's an idea for a album name!" Katy said thoughtfully.
"Make It Sweet?"
"Yeah! Doesn't sound too bad, does it?"
"I... I like it! And I'm sure Ma-san will as well."
"See? We'll be fine. Let's just enjoy ourselves." she said, as the show came to an end.
"So what now then?"
"Well... the pizza will be here soon. But, until then... I still owe you 98 more kisses, don't I? she said, winking flirtatiously. "Better get started then!"
And as Katy started to trail kisses down her face and neck, despite how intense it'd normally be for her, Lammy couldn't help but feel more relaxed than ever. Life was messy and complicated for her, full of uncertainties and worries.
But with Katy by her side, it wasn't so bad after all.