Best of Friends

Alexia Stevenson sat on the front porch of her grandmother's house and read her book. Across the street a group of boys kicked around a ball on a soccer pitch. She tried to concentrate on her book but one boy in particular had caught her attention. He lived a couple of houses down and he had a mass of curly hair and the bluest eyes she'd ever seen. He was nice to her when his mother would come over and visit with her grandmother. He'd smile a sweet smile and blush most of the time when she chatted him up. She thought it was cute and her eight-year-old heart skipped a beat when she saw him. Giving up on her book, she turned to watch the boys play. They were just finishing up and walking their separate ways. As usual the boy walked by her house and smiled up at her.
"Aye." She smiled back.
He blushed furiously and stopped. "Aye."
"Did you 'ave fun?"
"Of course." He finally smiled.
She'd learned that if you talked to him about sports that he'd open up a bit and actually say words more than one syllable long.
"Cool. Who won today?"
"My team. Kicked their ars...back sides, we did."
"You must be thirsty. Want to come up and tell me about it?"
He looked down the street toward his house then back at her. "Me Mum is probably waitin'."
"I can 'ave my Gran call 'er."
He looked toward his house again then back at her with a smile. "Ok." He ran up on the porch and followed her into the house.
"Gran!" She ran through the living room.
"Yes, dear." Olivia Stevenson regarded her granddaughter as she wiped her hands on a dishtowel.
"Rick's been playin' football and needs somethin' cold to drink." She stopped when she reached her.
"Come on in the kitchen."

They walked in and sat at the table as Olivia poured them two glasses of lemonade. Rick drank from his glass thirstily as Alexia stared at him over the rim of hers.
"Can you call his Mum? Let 'er know he's 'ere."
"Sure, love." She picked up the phone and ringed Rick's house.
"'Ello?"
"Sally, its Olivia. Just wanted to let you know that Rick stopped by to visit."
"Oh, thank you. Just make sure he's 'ome by dinner."
"I'll let 'im know. Talk to ya later, Sally." She hung up.

"So, you gonna tell me about the game?"
"Do you watch us everyday?" He sipped his drink.
Now it was her turn to blush. "Maybe. I usually read my book about the same time."
"There's cookies on the counter if ya want some. I'm goin' to finish the wash."
"Thanks, Gran." Alexia smiled.
"So, do you live with your Gran or are ya just visitin'?" He changed the subject.
"Visitin'. I spend every summer with 'er. I live in Huttersfield."
"That's not far." He finished off his glass.
"My dad works for a company that has an office there."
"Cool." He again grew quiet.
"Wanna go out back and you can teach me some of that fancy footwork of yours?"
A smile broke out across his face. "Sure!"

Over the next several weeks Alexia continued to watch the boys play and Rick would stop by for something cold to drink after every practice and to teach her how to play football. The two were actually becoming close friends. Finally, at the end of September it was time for Alexia to return home.
"Do you 'ave everythin'?" Her father looked at her.
"Yeah." She sighed as she looked around. She thought for sure that Rick would come by to say goodbye.
"Run inside and tell your Gran goodbye then. Your Mum plans on havin' dinner waitin' on us."
"Ok." She ran back up to the house where her grandmother stood on the porch. "Bye, Gran." She flung her arms around her waist and hugged her.
"Bye, dear. Be good and I'll see ya again real soon."
"Love you."
"Love you, too." She kissed the top of her head. Alexia ran off for the car, wiping away her tears. She loved being with her grandmother. They were so close. Her grandmother was the only person in her life that didn't mind listening to all her dreams. Her father had told her that most of them were foolish and that she shouldn't waste her time thinking of such things. She looked out the back window and waived as the car pulled away and down the street. Just as they were about to turn the corner she thought she saw a small figure running down the sidewalk toward her grandmother's house.

Huttersfield - December 1976

Alexia sat at the kitchen table doing her homework but she could hardly contain her excitement long enough to concentrate. In the morning they were leaving for her grandmother's for Christmas and would be there till after the New Year. She was looking forward to spending time with her grandmother. She also smiled at the thought of seeing Rick again. He was now sixteen as of earlier this month and he was getting handsome with time. She giggled to herself as she thought about him. They'd seen each other every time she'd went to her Gran's house. Only this last summer he'd been very busy with football but now it was Christmas and he'd promised that they'd get a chance to spend some more time together.
"Alexia?" Grace, her mother, walked in to see her staring out the window. "Dear?"
"Yes, Mum?" She snapped from her thoughts.
"Are you finished with your homework?"
She looked down at her book. "Yeah." She closed it.
"Run on upstairs then and get into bed. We'll be leavin' early."
"Yes, Mum." She gathered her books and ran off to her room as the phone rang.
"'Ello?" Robert, her father, answered.
"Robert, its Bruce." His brother spoke on the other end.
"Bruce, how are you?" Robert settled back in his chair for a nice conversation with his brother. He was probably calling to check on their arrival time tomorrow.
"I 'ave some bad news." He sniffed. "Mum was rushed to the hospital with chest pains. She….she…..didn't make it."

Grace peeked in her daughter's room to see her pulling down the sheets to her bed before climbing in.
"Goodnight, sweetie. I'll see ya in the mornin'."
"Night, Mum." She turned out the light and snuggled under the covers. Grace pulled the door shut and walked across the hall to her own bedroom and began getting ready for bed. Just as she was about to crawl in her husband walked in the room.
"Robert?" She noticed his wet cheeks.
"That was Bruce."
"Is everythin' ok?" She ran to his side.
"Me Mum had a heartattack earlier. She didn't make it." He cried.
"Oh no!" She wrapped her arms around him and tried to comfort him. She held him awhile as he sobbed before her mind drifted to her daughter asleep in the other room.
"Alexia…."
"Oh, God." He wiped his face. "She's gonna be devastated."

Three days later, Alexia stood next to her parents at the gravesite. The priest was delivering the service but she barely heard what he was saying. Her mind was completely in a different place and time.

"I want to see the world, Gran." She spilled out her biggest dream to her grandmother as they sat on her porch and watched the sun set.
"Why?"
"I think it would be awesome to see other countries. The way other people live." She smiled brightly. Olivia smiled. She held such enthusiasm.
"Do you think I'll actually get a chance to do that some day, Gran? Visit other countries, I mean?"
"I think….you can do whatever you put your mind to."
Alexia sighed heavily as she watched the sun disappear below the horizon.

"My deepest sympathy to you and your family." Ken Savage spoke as he shook Robert's hand.
"Thank you." Robert replied.
"I'm sorry, Lex." Rick whispered to her bringing her back to the present.
"Thank you." She smiled weakly. Her eyes met his and he could see the mountain of tears she was pushing back.
"Would you like to take a walk? Just get away from 'ere for bit?"
She nodded her head, unable to speak.
"Mum, I'm goin' to walk Lex back to the house. Is that ok?" He looked to her parents.
"Thank you, Richard. That would be lovely." Grace touched his shoulder. She knew Alexia was extremely heartbroken over the situation and that this young lad maybe just be the one to help her with her grief.

He grabbed her hand and slowly began walking toward the house. They were both silent for a while as he let her just absorb the day's events.
"I'm so sorry, Lex. I know you were real close to your Gran." He whispered gently.
"I miss 'er so much already. How will I make it without 'er?"
"You will. You're a strong person." He pulled her in for a hug. "You 'ave a big heart as well and I know it's breakin' but, it will get better."
"How?" She cried into his shoulder. How could he possible know?
"God never gives us more than we can handle." He rubbed his hand up and down her back.
"She always told me I could be whatever I wanted. No one else listens to me the way she did."
"I'll always listen to you. Tell me anythin' you want." He tried his best.
"I just hurts. I've never lost anyone this close to me before." She took a deep breath. "I mean, I was preparin' myself not to see 'er as much but I didn't know that it would be forever."
"What are ya talkin' about?" He looked into her eyes. He loved her eyes. They were blue as well but a much darker shade and her tears only made them sparkle more.
She looked up at him and realized that she'd never gotten the chance to tell him. She had planned on doing it over the holiday but in light of what had happened she'd never got the chance.
"My father was transferred to the company's corporate office. We'll be movin' to America next month."
"America?" Sav's mouth dropped open.
"Some town called Columbus. Dad says it's in Indiana. Not a very big place at all."
"Wow, America." He looked down. "I want to make it there one day."
"Gran always told me that you could do anythin' you put your mind to."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Maybe if the band I'm in makes it big one day I'll get to see America and lots of other places."
"It's your dream. You are the only one that can make it come true."

It finally came down to the day before they were to leave for the States. They'd come back to Sheffield to finalize a few things of her grandmother's and Alexia was thrilled to have the opportunity to see Rick again one more time before they left. They walked around Sheffield most of the evening and night before Alexia felt like returning to the house.
"Thanks, Rick. It was nice just to get out." She turned to him when they stepped up on the porch.
"I'll always be 'ere for you to lean on. I promise." He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"And I'll always be 'ere for you. I promise." She stared into blue eyes that made her heart skip a beat with just a simple look. Last month her heart broke with the death of her beloved grandmother and now her teenage heart was breaking at having to leave a young man that captured it when she was only eight years old.
"What?" He chuckled and blushed every so lightly.
That's what she loved. The tough teenage boy exterior only masked a sweet and gentle lad underneath.
"Just thinkin' of how much I'm goin' to miss you."
He looked off to the side and gathered his courage. "I want you to 'ave this." He held out a single white rose. It wasn't one that was fully bloomed or even a sprouting bud. It was one that looked like it had been put in a book and kept as a reminder of something. She raised her eyebrows in question.
"It was one from the bouquet at your Gran's funeral." He hoped he didn't upset her.
"Rick…" Tears instantly sprang to her eyes. It was a reminder of what she'd lost but it was also the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for her.
"It's to remind you of your Gran and what she gave you." He smiled and leaned in a little closer. "Your dream is about to begin, Lex. Grab onto it and don't let go."

It was no secret that he'd never been aggressive when it came to girls and never had he thought of Alexia as anything but a friend. But, standing here with her in the moonlight, her tears shining in her eyes, he'd never wanted to kiss a girl so much before in his life. Acting on instinct he lowered his head down to hers and softly brushed his lips against hers. She was startled at first, then nervous, then excited by what he'd done. Her head began to spin as he nipped at her bottom lip until she parted them for him. Nervously, he slipped his tongue inside her mouth and let it tangle with hers. Her lips were so soft and her mouth so hot against his. His hand moved up to cup her cheek as he pulled away to gaze into her eyes. The look he got reflected his own. Confusion, nerves, and lust. Teenage lust yet something more.
"Take care, Lex, and remember my promise."
"And mine." She watched as he walked away.

Sheffield - June 1978

Rick met up with his bandmates in the old Spoon factory that they'd been rehearsing in. As he walked in he could hear Joe Elliott, the lead singer, and Steve Clark, one of the guitarists, arguing back and forth.
"All I'm sayin' is that we could still be 'ere in ten years practicin' these bloody songs! When are we goin' to play a live gig?" Steve commented.
"We need to practice." Joe huffed.
"Fine! But if we don't play a bloody gig soon….I'm outta 'ere!" Steve huffed in return.
Rick rolled his eyes and walked on in.
"Rick!" Joe pounced on him right away.
"We could keep practicin' whilst we search for a gig. Sound fair enough?" He looked between the two.
"Fine." They agreed in unison.

After the practice, Rick returned home. Grabbing a bite to eat and chatting with his Mum he waited on his weekly call from Lex. As if like clockwork the phone rang. Sally smiled as he jumped up and snatched the receiver from its holder.
"'Ello."
"Aye, Rick. How are you?" Alexia sprawled across her bed as she stared at a picture of her and Rick.
"Fine. Just got in from practice. How are you, love?"
"Knackered. I just walked in from a grad party."
"Party?" He raised his eyebrows. "Litt'l Lex went to a party?"
"Yes! If you were 'ere I'd 'ave taken you with me."
"I miss you more each day, Lex."
"What do you miss? My intellect...my sharp whit..."
"The whole package, love. My best friend." He poured himself some more tea.

One month later.....

Alexia sat in her bedroom and looked at the brochures scattered out before her. She'd just graduated from high school two months ago and had yet to accept a college. So many choices in so many different locations. There were schools locally that had accepted her along with others around the country and back in England. She sighed heavily as she picked up another folder, trying to make a decision.
"Alexia?" Her mother knocked on the door. "Telephone."
"Thanks, Mum." She picked up the receiver in her room. "'Ello?"
"Aye, love."
"Rick!" She smiled. "How are you?"
"Fine, and you?"
"I could be better." She sighed.
"Wanna talk about it?" He sat down on his bed and waited.
"I still haven't decided on a college."
"Kinda pushin' the limits there, aren't ya?"
"I know! I just can't seem to find one that fits everythin' I'm lookin' for."
"Maybe you should narrow down the list to start. How many are you still thinkin' of? And don't tell me more than a dozen." He chuckled. He already knew there was a least that many.
"Five." She lied. There had to be at least twenty she was looking at presently.
"Not a bad number."
"How about you? How are things with your band?"
"Playin' our first gig in a couple of weeks. I wish you could be 'ere to see it."
"Well, I'm flyin' out day after tomorrow to look at a school in London next week. My cousin moved into Gran's house so maybe……"
"Please say you'll come?" He nearly jumped off his bed with excitement.
"I'll 'ave to call my cousin first but I don't think she'll mind." She giggled.
"Oh, love, that would be mega!"
"I'll call and let you know tomorrow. Will you be 'ome?"
"What time?" He thought about his date he had set up with some girl that Joe knew.
"What time will you be available?" She raised her eyebrows.
"Um…say around 10:00?"
"And what will your Mum say if I call at that hour?"
"I'll let 'er know. I just…I won't be 'ome till then."
"I'll talk to ya then, ok?"
"I hope you can make it. I'd love to see ya again."
"G'night, Rick."
"G'night, Lex."

Alexia hopped out of the car at her Gran's old house and looked around. Little had changed in the last year and a half. She grabbed her bag from the backseat and proceeded to walk up to the house.
"I suppose you'll want your old room, eh?" Liz smiled.
"Of course." She opened the door and walked in. A comforting feeling swept over her as she crossed the threshold.
"Are you 'ungry?"
"A litt'l. I'm gonna put my stuff in my room and I'll be back down."
"I'll make some sandwiches." Liz walked off to the kitchen as Alexia headed upstairs.

Rick and Joe walked down the street talking.
"I can't wait till this weekend." Joe grinned. "It's gonna be mega."
"I know." Rick smiled. "Did I tell ya Lex is goin' to make it?"
"So I actually get to meet this girl you claim to only be friends with?" Joe wiggled his eyebrows.
Rick frowned at the look upon his friend's face. "She's a sweet lass and I don't want ya scarin' 'er away."
"So, if you're only friends then maybe you could set me up with 'er." Joe ignored Rick's previous statement.

Liz and Alexia finished up their sandwiches and strolled out to the porch to relax.
"When are you goin' to call Rick?"
"After bit." Alexia smiled. She was so anxious to see him. "He's probably out right now."
"Maybe not." Liz pointed to him and Joe walking down the sidewalk.
Alexia ran off the porch and across the lawn. "Rick!"
"Lex!" He left Joe and ran toward her. Scooping her up in his arms, he pulled her in for a tight hug.

Joe stood back and watched the two hug. Rick had left out many details of this young lass. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back in a golden mass. Her blue eyes sparkled in the sun and her skin was porcelain smooth with a touch of golden color as well. He cleared his throat and waited.
"Oh, yeah." Rick stepped back. "This is me mate, Joe Elliott. Joe, this is Alexia Stevenson."
"Nice to meet ya." Joe held out his hand.
"You too." She shook his hand then looked back at Rick. "Nice hair." She ran her hand through his now long, curly hair.
True to his form, Rick blushed at her comment. She giggled softly at how easily he still did that.
"I like it."
"Thanks."
"We were just headin' to my house to listen to some music. Wanna join us?" Joe interrupted.
"I'd love to."
"Cool." Both men smiled.
"Liz, I'm headin' with them. I'll see ya later."
"'Ave fun!" Liz waived.

"Oh! Put this one on!" Alexia held up a Queen record. Joe's smile covered half his face as he took the record from her.
"You're his new best mate." Rick chuckled.
"A lass that knows 'er music. I like 'er already."
"So, tell me....is this band of yours ready for this weekend?" She looked at the two.
"I think we need a bit more practice." Joe answered.
Rick rolled his eyes. "Pay no attention to 'im. He's drivin' everyone nuts by sayin' that."
"Well it bloody well couldn't hurt and you know it!"
"Yeah..yeah...yeah.." Rick waived his hand. "I hear ya!"

They listened to music for a few hours and talked. Alexia filled them in on the last year and a half and they told her about the band. They really hoped to make it big. It seemed to be one of the only ways to make it out of Sheffield short of robbing a bank. As it drew closer to the evening Rick and Alexia decided to leave and let Joe get ready for his "hot" date he'd bragged about earlier in the afternoon.
"It's so good to see you again." Rick smiled as they walked.
"I've missed you."
"Me, too."
"Can we stop off somewhere?" She asked timidly.
"Sure. Anywhere."
"I want to stop and visit Gran. Just for a few minutes."
"Sure." He laced his fingers through hers as they headed for the small cemetery.

When they reached her Gran's gravesite he held back and let her have a few minutes alone.
"Aye, Gran." She dusted off her headstone. "I'm back visitin' and just wanted to stop in and say 'ello." She sat quietly for a few minutes before she stood and walked over to Rick.
"You ok?" He used his thumb to wipe a tear from her cheek.
"I will be. It's just I still miss 'er so much."
"I know." They walked back towards her Gran's house. As they were nearing he pulled her down to a bench in the park. He wasn't ready to call it a night just yet. He studied her features. Tears still shimmering in her bright blue eyes and her cheeks had just a touch of rosy color to them. She was turning into a stunning young lass. Or was it that she'd always been beautiful and he never really looked past their friendship to notice her that way? She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Home. She'd determined that no matter where she went in life, England would always be her home. Sheffield especially. She'd lived here when she was very little, before her dad took his job in Huttersfield. And she'd spent as much time as she could with her grandmother here.
"Penny for your thoughts."
"I was just thinkin' how this will always feel like 'ome." She looked at him.
"What's America like?"
"Different." She giggled as she remembered her father teaching her to drive.
"What?"
"I was just thinkin' of when dad taught me to drive. I kept drivin' on the wrong side."
He laughed as he pictured a nervous Lex in a car with her father. The shock that was undoubtedly on his face as he watched traffic coming toward them head on.
"Hey!" She slapped his arm. "I remember watchin' your dad try with you up and down the road. Even remember one day he got so frustrated he made your brother John get in with ya!"
"I thought he was never goin' to let me drive after that day!"

They laughed a bit longer before they got quiet again.
"So, are you any further on the hunt for a university?"
"No. There's so many choices I can't decide." She sighed.
"You don't 'ave much time, Lex. What do your parents think?"
"They're afraid that I'll come back 'ere. I really do miss bein' 'ere." She again met his eyes. Those eyes. How many nights had she lain awake and thought of those eyes. He was maturing into a rather handsome man. More so than he was when she left and his new hairstyle only added to his looks.
"Lex?" He waived his hand in front of her face.
"Hmm?"
He caught the look in her eyes. The same look she had in them when he'd kissed her the night before she'd left England. His hand came up and caressed her cheek. He traced her jawline up to her ear. He followed the curve of her ear and back down her jawline using it to tilt her chin up. As his lips lowered onto hers, he watched her eyes flutter shut. She was just as he remembered.
Oh, yes! This is what she'd wanted to feel again. Her hands came up and rested on his chest curling her fingers into his shirt pulling him closer.
"Lex..." He pulled away. "What are we doin'?" His breathing was heavy as he tried to fight the growing arousal he felt in his jeans.
"I thought we were kissin'." She purred. Acting on instinct she moved a hand to his mass of hair and pulled his mouth back to hers. Their tongues met in a sensual dance and he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Sensations she'd never felt before moved throughout her body. Never had she felt like this and she reviled in the feeling.
He pulled away again. "We need to stop."
"But..."
"Not 'ere. Not like this." He dropped a light kiss on her lips. She felt her face flush as she pulled away.
"Um...right." She quickly stood. "I'll give ya a call tomorrow." She took off across the road.
"Lex..." He called out after her as he stepped into the street. His voice only made her run faster.

She reached the house and quickly ran inside, locking the door behind her. The lights were out so that meant Liz was in bed. Good thing. She wasn't in the mood to see anyone right now. She flung herself on her bed and sobbed into her pillow. She'd been such a fool to act like that. She'd read more into a simple kiss than what was really there. They were just friends. Best friends. She had dreamt so many times of them being together like that. Him touching her, whispering tender words in her ear, and loving her the way she loved him. What she wouldn't give to have her Gran here right now. She'd talk to her about how she felt and her Gran would make her feel less a fool for what she'd done. Finally, her body exhausted, she fell asleep.

The weekend finally came and the band known as Def Leppard gathered in a room inside Westfield School and prepared for the gig. It wasn't anything big but it was a gig. And they were getting paid.
"I'm so bloody nervous." Steve stood in front of a mirror and brushed his hair.
"'Ere!" Joe handed him a bottle. "Take a shot."
Steve took a drink and passed it around to the next member, Pete Willis.
"Is Lex comin'?" Joe turned to Rick.
"Yeah." He didn't sound so enthused. He and Joe had become good friends in the time he'd been in the band. Rick wondered if maybe he should talk to him about her.
"Ya like 'er." Joe blurted. "Don't ya?"
"We've known each other since we were eight. Of course I like 'er."
Joe shook his head in amusement. "I mean you like 'er."
"We 'ave a show to do!" Tony Kenning, the drummer, interrupted them. "Let's go!"

Alexia watched as the group played the crowd. It was the first time she'd ever heard them play and she was amazed. Joe's voice was heavenly. Almost like a sexy growl. And Rick, he just looked perfect standing up there. They all did. They played a few songs and tried to leave but the crowd kept yelling for more so, they continued to play. After a few more songs, the teachers were able to get them off the stage. After it was over the guys gathered in another part of the school with their families. Alexia made her way through the crowd looking for Rick.
"Aye, love." Joe put his arm around her shoulders.
"Aye, Joe." She smiled.
"This is me Mum and dad." He pointed to the couple standing next to him. "Joe Sr. and Cindy Elliott."
"Nice to meet you."
"Lex is a friend of Rick's. I met 'er the other day."
"Nice to meet ya, lass." Joe Sr. smiled.
"What did ya think?" Joe raised his eyebrows.
"I think you lot were brilliant!"
"That makes me 'appy to 'ear that."
They turned around to see Rick standing behind them. Noticing Joe's arm around her shoulders, he felt jealousy rise in him and held out his arms to her.
"How 'bout a hug?" He flashed her that boyish smile the he knew she loved.
"You were great." She whispered in his ear.
"Thanks. How about we get outta 'ere? I want to spend as much time with you as I can before you leave."

They walked for awhile and then he led her back to her house.
"When are you leavin'?" He asked as they stopped in front of the door.
"After lunch tomorrow. That'll get me to London around early evenin'."
"Do you think you'll like any of the universities there?"
"I hope so. I want to come 'ome."
"What about seein' the world?" He reminded her of her dream.
"I'll see it. But, even though I want to see the world I always want to be able to come back to a place I call 'ome. To me that will always be 'ere." She looked up at the old house.
"We still 'aven't talked about the other night, Lex."
"I know."
"What made you run off like that?"
"We were gettin' carried away. We both knew it."
Rick studied her eyes. Carried away? Maybe they were but it felt right. And he knew that she had felt the same way. He'd been able to read her since they were about ten years old. He was certain she'd wanted it too.
"Would you run if I kissed you again?" He pressed his body up against hers. Alexia couldn't move. His body felt so good. She felt the warmth of his hand as he moved up her back and pulled her closer still as his mouth came down on hers. She didn't hesitate to open up to him and meet his tongue with hers. He'd been with girls before. Only a few that Joe had set him up with but none felt like Lex did in his arms. She was more than just a girl. She was a girl that knew him better than anyone. Her touch was soft as her hands began to explore his chest. He groaned deep in his throat as her hands slipped under his shirt. She rubbed her thumbs over his nipples and he groaned again.
"Lex..."
"Shh." She put her finger over his lips. "Don't say anythin' this time." She grabbed his hand and led him in the house and up to her room. After closing and locking the door she led him to the bed. In the soft moonlight that poured in through her window she could see that he was blushing again.
"'Ave you been with girls before, Rick?" She questioned as she unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders.
"Y...ye...yes. 'Ave you, Lex? I mean done this before?"
"No." She concentrated on running her hands up his smooth chest. His own came up, pulling her shirt over her head as they did. His eyes landed on the simple lace that covered her breasts and his breath caught in his throat. "Please touch me, Rick." He couldn't deny her. He'd do anything for her and even if he wouldn't he'd be a fool not to do what she was asking. As if something in him took over, he gently laid her back on the bed. His lips began a trail that started at her neck and ended with her ankles. Removing every stitch of clothing in the process and leaving no inch of skin untouched. He was determined to make this night wonderful for her. A night she'd never forget. Her skin was on fire and his hands and lips only seemed to fan the flames. His long hair grazed her skin as he kissed her chest and stomach. That hair! She ran her hands through his hair and pulled him closer as their mouths met again. His body covered hers and she could feel every inch of his glorious body. His long, shapely legs from years of playing soccer to his shapely arms, and his wonderfully sculpted torso and chest. He pulled away to awkwardly slip on his protection and then returned to covering her body.
"Tell me if it hurts." He whispered as he gently pushed his way into her. He held still and gave her time to adjust. He noticed her eyes close and a tiny tear escape and roll down her cheek. "Lex.."
"I'm ok." She opened her eyes and stared into his. With that he pushed the rest of the way in. Beginning a slow and agonizing pace as the passion increased between them. She began to tighten around him bringing his release closer to the edge.
"Oh, Rick!" She arched her back pulling him deeper in her.
"Lex...you feel so good. You're so tight." He dropped tiny kisses all over her face.
"Oh...Rick....I'm....oh..."
"C'mon, Lex. Cum for me." He increased their pace and pushed her over the edge. "Oh, yeah!" He pushed as far as could inside her as his own release took him over. After catching their breaths, he rolled over and pulled her with him. Wrapping his arms around her as he dropped a kiss on her shoulder.

London - 1983

Alexia walked off the plane in Heathrow Airport. She was finished with college, having graduated from UCLA the year before, and had detoured from her degree already. Having been discovered by a talent scout while in college, she decided to embark on a temporary modeling career. She and Rick still talked every chance they got. She'd only seen him once in the last five years when he attended her college graduation last year. His band, with a few changes in the line up since their first gig, had just released their third album and was taking the rock world by storm. She couldn't be happier for him. For both of them.
"Alexia Stevenson?" A tall, well-tanned man walked up to her.
"Yes."
"David Abshire. I'll be your agent so to speak." He shook her hand.
"Nice to meet you."
"Here." He handed her luggage to the gentleman with him. "We may want to hurry. There's wind that a new rock group will be heading through here soon and we don't want caught up in the middle of the mayhem."
He ushered her out to their awaiting car as the driver placed her luggage in the trunk.
"Our hotel isn't far." David spoke as the car took off away from the airport.

A large crowd of women waited as the five members of Def Leppard walked down the ramp and onto the concourse. With a mad dash the group of women surrounded them and slowed their decent.
"Joe!"
"Oh my God, its Sav!" Another female yelled.
The guys took time to sign a few autographs and have their pictures taken before being ushered past the crowd and through the airport.
"Did you see all those bloody women?" Rick Allen, the new drummer, smiled.
"Yeah." Joe craned his neck around to look back at the mob of women now behind them.
"I say we hit the pub at the 'otel and relax a bit." Rick "Sav" suggested.
"Bloody good ideer, mate!" Joe grinned as he ducked inside the van that was taking them to their hotel.

Alexia walked into the hotel late that night after a long photoshoot.
"I'll walk you to your room." David put a hand on the small of her back.
"That's ok." She smiled and looked toward the lounge. "I think I'll just grab a drink before I head up."
"Would you like for me to join you?" He felt a little uneasy about leaving her alone.
She giggled lightly. "I'm a native. I'll be fine." She turned and headed for the lounge. "I'll see ya in the mornin'."
"Goodnight, Alexia."

The Leps sat around a large table and drank and talked with the women that had joined them.
"You guys are so hot." A cute little blonde with big hair and dark make-up ran her hand up Sav's thigh.
"Are we?" He flashed her a wicked smile.
"Well hell yeah!" The brunette cuddled up to Steve quipped.
"Excuse me." Joe stood. "I see a lass I 'ave to meet." He headed for the blonde making a beeline for the bar.

"Tequila Sunrise, please." Alexia ordered as she grabbed a seat.
"Is this seat taken?" Joe turned on the charm.
"No." She took a sip of her drink as it was placed in front of her.
"What's a pretty lass like yourself doin' in a place like this alone?" He continued to chat her up.
"Relaxin'." She finally looked up to see who was invading her space when he put his arm across the back of her chair. It took her a minute to replace the brown curly hair with the sandy blonde locks before her. The green eyes and self-assuring grin were still all Joe.
His grin broadened as a smile finally broke out across her face. "Name's Joe Elliott."
"I know. How are ya, Joe? It's been a long time."
Joe quickly frowned as he tried to place her face. Did he know her? "'Ave we met?"
"Lex, Joe. I'm a friend of Rick's."
"No shit!" He pulled her from her seat to get a better look at her. The last time he'd seen her she was only eighteen. He let out a low whistle of appraisal and turned her around.

"Looks like Joe found 'im a winner!" Steve pointed.
"Good on 'im." Sav didn't take his eyes of the woman next to him.
"With a body like 'ers I wonder if he'd mind sharin'." Phil Collen, the newest guitar player, tilted his head to the side.
Sav laughed. "I doubt that one."

"Stunnin'. Absolutely stunnin'." Joe kissed her cheek.
"Thanks." She couldn't help but let her mind drift to Rick. "Is he with you?"
"Rick?" Joe chuckled. He should've known.
"Yeah."
"Why don't ya grab your drink and join us?"
"Thought you'd never ask." She followed him to their table. Along the way, her heart began to pound inside her chest. Her breathing became more labored and she could feel butterflies in her stomach.
"Look who I 'appen to find." Joe announced as they reached the table. All eyes looked up and landed on Alexia.
Her smile was brilliant. And her body. She was dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a cropped and low cut red sweater.
"Lex?" Sav jumped out of his seat and ran around the table.
"Aye, Rick." She eagerly wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Um..Sav?" The blonde that was sitting beside him raised her eyebrows.
Lex seemed to be the only one to notice the blush rise in his cheeks and she raised her eyebrows.
"Sorry..um..." He searched for her name. "Kim, this is an old friend of mine and well...I 'aven't seen 'er in a while."
"She can wait 'er bloody turn then!"
"I think not." Joe moved in beside her. The blonde looked from Joe to Sav and back again.
"Yeah, ok." She turned her attention on Joe.
"What are ya doin' 'ere, love?" Sav pulled out a chair for her.
"Workin'." She took a drink.
"Workin'?" He chuckled. "So what kinda work are ya doin' with that fancy degree you got last year?"
She looked up as the table erupted in laughter. As much as she enjoyed being around these guys, she really wanted to be someplace a little quieter with Rick. Her body was already humming with remembrance of what this man could do to it.
"Is there someplace we can go that's a litt'l more quiet?" She whispered in his ear. It made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.
"C'mon." He grabbed her hand and led her out of the lounge.

They made their way to the elevator.
"Are you stayin' 'ere?" He pushed the button to call the lift.
"Fifth floor."
They climbed into the lift and he called for the fifth floor. When the doors opened again, they walked out and down the hall to her room. Taking her key, he opened her door and let her in. He followed her in and locked the deadbolt on the door.
"So where did they come up with Sav?" She smiled at him as she kicked off her shoes.
"Short for Savage. The new drummer's name was Rick too so,....it cuts down on the confusion."
"Sav....That'll take some gettin' use to."
"So..." He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to the bed with him. "What type of work are you doin'?"
"Promise not to laugh?"
"'Ave I ever laughed at you, Lex?"
"No." She sighed and met his eyes. "Modelin'."
"Modelin'? You 'ave a bloody degree in business and you're modelin'?" He chuckled.
"I know. It's not permanent."
"Then why are ya doin' it?" He ran his fingers through her silky hair.
"I'm seein' the world. From 'ere I'm flyin' to Spain and then I'm off to Italy."
He smiled. It seemed they were both destined to achieve their dreams.

The next morning Lex woke up wrapped in Rick's arms.
"Mornin'." He felt her stir.
"Mornin'." She giggled. "I need to get up and get ready."
"So early?" He frowned. He wasn't ready to part ways with her again just yet.
"I 'ave an early mornin' shoot and then another one this afternoon." She kissed him.
"How long are you in town?"
"Three days." She kissed his chest. "You?"
"We head out for Strasbourg tomorrow. To bad you're not goin there."
"I know." She kissed him.
"But, how about we meet back up 'ere t'night and spend it together?"
"I'd love for you to stay with me." She moaned as he pushed his way inside her.
"Fabulous."

Alexia walked onto the set and threw down her bag.
"Good morning, Alexia." David handed her a cup of coffee.
"G'mornin'." She smiled brightly.
"They're ready for you in makeup."
"Thanks." She headed that way. She spent an hour in makeup and getting her hair done then she changed into the attire that had been picked out for her.

"Well look who decided to show us 'is pretty face this mornin'!" Joe bellowed as Sav joined the group for breakfast.
"Buggar off." Sav smiled.
"And in a good mood."
"So, Sav, who's the litt'l hottie?" Phil rubbed his hands together.
"Her name's Lex."
Steve and Phil exchanged a look. "Are ya bringin' 'er out on the town with us t'night, mate?" Steve raised an eyebrow.
"She'd 'ave a blast, man, you know she would." Joe whispered to him.
"I don't know."
"Is she like a girlfriend?" Phil continued the questioning.
"No, we're friends."
"Un huh."
"We are. I've known 'er since we were about eight."
"So, you wouldn't mind introducing 'er to the "Terror Twins"?" Steve grinned.
"The what?" Sav chuckled.
"Appropriately named."
"True." He laughed again. "I'm not introducin' ya and you'd better stay away from 'er."
"Sav thinks she's a hottie, too." Joe filled them in. "I think she's one lass we better not try anythin' with."
"Whatever!" Everyone huffed.

The Leps, Alexia, and David all happened to end up returning to the hotel at the same time that afternoon.
"Aye, Lex!" Joe put his arm around her shoulders.
"Yeah, leave 'er alone. I think Joe wants to put the moves on 'er all by 'imself." Phil pointed.
"Yeah." Steve watched as well.
"Joe."
"We're all headin' out after the show t'night and thought you'd like to come with us."
Alexia looked over to Sav.
"They ran it by me earlier."
"You are comin' to the show, aren't ya?" Joe looked between Sav and Alexia.
"Sure she is." Rick smiled his boyish grin at her.
She looked to Sav once more before smiling at the group. "I'd love to. It's been a long time since I've seen you perform."
"I'll show 'er how I perform." Phil snickered. Sav's hand landed across his chest as he shot him a look of death.

The guys waited in the hall an hour later for Alexia.
"Is she free to travel with ya, mate?" Joe inquired as they waited.
"No. She's headin' for Madrid tomorrow."
They both looked up as her door opened. Jaws all around nearly hit the floor as they stared at her long shapely legs revealed under a black leather mini skirt. She completed the outfit with a red halter-top and matching black leather jacket.
"I take it you all like?" She turned to give them a complete view of her outfit.
"Wow, Lex." Sav's eyes were nearly popping from their sockets.
"Shall we?" Joe held his arm out.
"By all means." She laced her arm through his and Sav's as they led her down the hall.

Lex stood on the side of the stage as they performed. It was amazing how much their show had changed since their first gig at Westfield School. Phil seemed to inject a new life in them and they all moved around the stage like puppies let loose to play. The energy that radiated off the stage was amazing. Just as the final encore began Lex noticed a group of women being led backstage. She stared at them, not completely clueless, as she noticed the girl that had been with Sav the night before. The girl spotted Lex and made her way over to her just as the guys were finishing the last song.
"Sorry, honey." She gave Lex a little push. "He's mine t'night."
"Excuse me?"
"Sav! Joe was good but, Sav's the one I want." She smirked.
Lex just stepped back with her mouth hanging open in shock.

The guys exited the stage with smiles as they spotted all the girls. Sav's eyes immediately searched for Alexia.
"What's wrong?" He frowned.
"Um…I think that I should head back and let you….um…socialize with your fans." She tried to walk away.
"Not so fast, Lex. What happened?"
"What makes you think somethin' 'appened?" She swallowed.
"I know you, remember?"
She sighed and then met his eyes. "They want you're attention."
"And you don't?" He sounded hurt.
"I'll always want your attention." She smiled. "And I know just how to get it and where to find you. They don't."
Kim sauntered up and draped her arms around Sav's neck.
"C'mon, baby." She whispered something in his ear. The blush that quickly spread across his face let Alexia know just what the girl was offering.
"G'night, Rick." Alexia kissed his cheek and walked out.

Joe stood off and watched the whole scene play out. Seeing his opportunity, he followed Alexia out the door.
"Where ya goin', love?"
"Back to the 'otel. I 'ave a flight to catch tomorrow."
"I thought you were joinin' us for the evenin' though?" He tilted her head up to meet his eyes. "You don't think we'd let you show up for the concert, tease us with that litt'l outfit, and then go back to the 'otel, did you?"
"Joe…"
"C'mon! Sav may want to be with the groupies t'night but I want to spend a litt'l time with a lady." He drug her backstage and toward the dressing rooms.

Sav walked into the club two hours later and looked around. He ordered a drink from the bar and then spotted the rowdy group in a corner booth.
"Cheers!" They all tipped their heads back and slammed their shots.
"Aye!" Sav slid in next to Phil. He then noticed that Joe's arm was laced around Alexia's shoulders.
"Glad ya could join us, mate." Steve placed a shot in front of him. "Lex over there is in the lead."
"Lead?"
"Quarters." Rick answered. Sav then noticed that most of them were pretty well lit except for Alexia. Joe wasn't as bad as the others but he was well on the way.
"How was she?" Joe grinned. Sav's face immediately turned crimson red.
Alexia leaned over and whispered in his ear. "You always were an easily blushin' lad."
"Lex…" He reached for her arm. "We need to talk."
"Not now!" Joe waived a hand. "We're busy."
Alexia studied Sav's face. His cheeks were still a bit red but the look in his eyes made her think it was more from Joe's presence next to her than it was the comment that made him blush a moment ago.
"Dance with me?" She held out her hand to Sav.
"Dance?" He swallowed.
She rolled her eyes and tried to hide a smile. "Please?"
"Fine."

She waited till they were on the dance floor and a safe distance away from the group.
"Are you mad?" He blurted.
"What?" She laughed. "Mad? Why would I be mad?"
"The girl….earlier…."
"Oh." She turned away. She'd almost been able to forget about that. At least for the time being.
"Lex…she didn't mean anythin' to me. It's just…."
"Fringe benefits of the job." She finished for him. "I know, Rick. There's no need for you to explain either. I mean, we're just friends."
"Yeah, friends."
They were silent for a while.
"Are you attracted to Joe?"
"Joe?" She met blue eyes that still looked a bit uneasy. "Would that bother you?"
"Joe….Joe's only after one thing, love. Once he gets it the thrill is over."
"What makes you think that I'm not after the same thing?"
"I know you better than that, Lex. You're not the type to want meanin'less sex."
"So what do you call what we do?" She held her breath. That came out before she had time to think about it. To her, it wasn't meaningless sex. It was much more but, was it that way for him?
"You're me best friend."
"Friends doesn't imply that we 'ave to sleep t'gether." She pointed out.
"I know that!"
"So what do you call it?"
His face began to blush and she knew she'd struck a nerve. She just didn't know which one.
"Can I cut in?" Joe put his hand on Sav's shoulder.
"No!" He grabbed Alexia's hand and pulled her out of the club.

Neither said anything as Sav raced back to the hotel. Once there he grasped her hand and led her straight to her room. She looked at him questioningly as he held out his hand out for her key and she reluctantly placed it in his hand before he ushered her inside and slammed the door.
"Now, where were we?" He ran a hand through his hair.
"I don't remember where we were before you barbarically yanked me from the club!" She snipped.
Sav took a few steps back at her temper. He'd never thought that little action might make her mad.
"I told you...."
"You don't own me, Richard! You never 'ave!"
"But he's...."
"That's my decision to make!" She shook her head. "Maybe I want to date Joe."
He let out an arrogant laugh. This only made her madder. "Joe doesn't date."
"Ok! Maybe I just wanted to sleep with 'im!"
"Lex!"
"What? I am a grown woman, ya know. And he obviously noticed."
"What the 'ell is that suppose to mean?"
"Oh, nothin' you'd understand." She huffed. Her head was beginning to ache and the tension was thick. They'd never fought like this before. The reasons to her were obvious on her end but his reasons were as clear as mud. Was it because he loved her or was it just her friend warning her of a relationship that would inevitably hurt her?
"Just....just stay away from Joe. He'll just treat you like a cheap whore and toss ya aside when he's done."
"Richard Savage!" She slapped him across the cheek.
Sav stood stunned and holding his cheek as Alexia stood with a similar look upon her own face. Then he saw the tears. They were beginning to pool up in her eyes and she tried to hold them back.
"Get out." She choked.
"Lex.."
"Now." She turned away and waited to hear the door close.

Around noon the next day, Lex stepped out of the lift with her luggage in hand. She stepped to the counter and checked out.
"Ready?" David walked up behind her.
"Just finished up." She smiled.
"I'll get the car." He walked out the doors.

The Leps were walking out of the restaurant when Sav stopped.
"Sav?" Rick ran into him. He didn't answer. He only stared at Alexia standing by the doors.
As if she sensed eyes on her, she slowly turned her head. Their eyes locked but neither of them moved.
"Aren't ya goin' to tell 'er bye?" Joe inquired.
"No." He stated simply and headed for the lift.

Alexia watched as he moved across the lobby. So that's how it was going to be. After one fight, he was letting her leave with them still mad at each other. Her eyes then slowly moved back to Joe. What was it about him that had her so intrigued? She had been in love with Rick Savage most of her life and that hadn't changed yet she felt an undeniable pull towards this man.
"So, you're headin' out, eh?" Joe stopped in front of her.
"Yeah. My flight leaves in a couple of 'ours."
"I'd be 'appy to take you to the airport." He grasped her hand.
"That's not necessary. David's pullin' the car around as we speak." She glanced toward the doors and saw the car pulling up. Joe looked out as well.
"It was good to see you again, Lex."
"You too, Joe." She let out a heavy sigh as she reached for her bag.
"Let me." Joe snatched it up and led her to the car. Placing the luggage in the trunk he turned and looked down into her incredible blue eyes. "Don't be a stranger."
"I think it may be awhile before we see each other again." She looked up and saw Sav watching them from his balcony.
"He'll cool off then probably kick 'imself in the arse for not bein' the one standin' 'ere with you." He brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. "Besides, he's not the only reason you 'ave to stop in and see us." His lips came down with more gentleness than he knew himself capable of. When he felt her sway forward, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against his body. His tongue slipped inside her hot mouth and began its exploration of its depths.
Alexia's head was spinning from the effect his kiss was having on her as she pulled herself away.
"Um....g'bye, Joe."
"G'bye, love. Don't be a stranger." He waived as she stepped into the car and watched as she pulled away. Once the car was down the road he looked back up to see Sav glaring down at him. He just shook his head and walked back in.

Best of Friends Part 2
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