Cherry Bomb!

Friday morning had come up quite quickly. The girls had spent their Thursday practicing relentlessly for their big performance for the party. After much debate and a few minor disagreements, they'd finally made their setlist through lots and lots of compromise. Y/N had fought to add a few songs for Sirius, a little ode of appreciation for all of his help throughout the last few days. The girls all woke up around 7, Marlene taking a bit longer to get out of bed. They just had to get through their classes today, which were shortened due to the impending Quidditch finals. After doing her hair, makeup, and putting on her outfit for the day, Y/N was ready for her classes. But her mind was elsewhere- she kept thinking about a few nights ago, that moment she shared with Marlene on that cramped balcony.

She tried to rationalize, tried to consider that Marlene must have just been forced into her proximity because of how small the balcony was. But why would she lean in like she did? Maybe she felt something too, even if just a small part of what Y/N felt for her. She hadn't spoken to Marlene much at practice yesterday, she wasn't sure what to say. What do you say to your best friend when you've been thinking constantly about kissing her? 

'Hey Marls, I know we're best friends, but I want you to know that every night I go to bed dreaming about your lips on mine!' 

It seemed a bit forward. 

But fortunately, Y/N had other matters to think about this morning. She still had to get through her classes (potions was going to be the end of her), she had to work on her vocals for the more strenuous songs, and she had to meet up with that 7th year Hufflepuff to buy a few spliffs for the party. And then of course, she had to face her all-consuming fear of performing in front of a crowd. 

'That's only four things, it's fine. You'll deal.' She thought to herself. 

But the fifth, and arguably most terrifying thing of all was that tonight could be the night that she would make her move on Marlene. She had secretly hoped that Sirius had forgotten about his little muggle drinking game. Y/N knew she wanted to kiss Marlene, because, well fuck, it was the only thing she ever thought about, but she just did not have the nerve to actually do it. She hoped with some alcohol and maybe a bit of pot, she'd be able to work up the courage. 

At this point, it was about an hour before classes and the girls decided to make their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast. They left their room and started to make their way down to meet the boys. 

"Is anyone else, like, ridiculously nervous for tonight?" Lily murmured as they walked down the stairs.

"Very. I still can't believe we agreed to this." Y/N wailed.

Marlene laughed teasingly at the girls, "We'll be just fine. Even if we suck, they'll all be right plastered- no one will remember a thing!"

Lily and Y/N did not seem too comforted by this. It still felt way too vulnerable- performing in front of a crowd. Music was supposed to be something just for them, an escape, a way to express themselves that seemed much easier than using words. The idea of sharing it with other people was frightening, to say the least.

"Well," Mary began, "You lot might be nervous, but I think that Ravenclaw boy won't be able to keep his hands off of me after tonight. Who could resist a musician?" 

Y/N chuckled at Mary as they made their way into the Great Hall, sitting down at the table with the boys. Y/N sat next to Sirius, Marlene choosing the spot just across from her. 

"Mornin' love," Sirius mumbled around the toast in his mouth.

"Morning Siri," Y/N smiled, leaning into his shoulder and stealing some fruit from his plate. 

"Oi! Make your own plate N/N, you thief," he grumbled with feigned anger. 

Y/N smirked, beginning to fill up her own plate and pour a cup of coffee. The table went up in chatter about the impending match against the Slytherins- Marlene and James exclaiming animatedly about how they were going to absolutely demolish the opposing team.

"See, Knox is a right good beater, but he's a bit weak on the reaction time. And Malfoy, he's the one we ought to watch out for- he's got a killer throw." Marlene explained, James nodding in agreement. 

"They've got a few good guys, but we'll wipe the damn floor with them Marls. They won't know what hit 'em, especially with those new maneuvers you and Charlie have been trying out." James added.

Y/N looked up from her cup at the mention of Charlie. She knew Marlene had been spending quite a bit of time with him- she had assumed they were just teammates, but what if it was more than that? What if Marlene and Charlie had gotten closer over the past few months? Whenever Y/N had seen them together, they appeared joint at the hip, laughing, talking, quarreling about Quidditch techniques.. Fuck, it had never even occurred to her. Had Marlene been seeing someone this whole time? Marlene and James continued talking animatedly about Charlie and his talents, while Y/N just wanted to sink so deeply into her seat that she became one with the wood. 

She continued sipping her coffee, attempting to maintain her composure, which was quickly given away by the bobbing of her leg. Sirius noticed, of course he did, and quickly made an excuse for them to take their leave. 

"Moony, N/N and I were going to head to potions early to check on the Amortentia we've been brewing. Fancy walking us there?" 

" 'Course," he spoke around the biscuit in his mouth. 

"Off we go then loves," Sirius exclaimed, pulling Y/N from her seat and out of her thoughts, "Ta now, see you lot at the game!"

Goodbyes were said, and Sirius swiftly pulled Y/N out of the Great Hall with Remus in tow. They made their way to the courtyard to take their seat on a small bench outside of the school. Remus whipped out his cigarettes, placing one in his mouth and lighting it with a tap of his wand, doing the same for Sirius. 

"Well?" Sirius questioned. 

"Thank you." Y/N mumbled. 

"N/N you know that's not what I mean- what happened in there? It was like one moment you were with us, and the next you were in your own world. What happened?"

"I just feel like this is stupid Sirius," he raised an eyebrow, encouraging her to continue, "I mean this whole plan for me and Marlene," she didn't bother to hold back, she knew that as soon as Sirius had found out about her crush, Remus would be told shortly after. Remus himself had a great respect for the sanctity of secrets, so there were no concerns in that regard. "I mean, I don't even know if she likes girls, you heard how she was talking about Charlie. Like he was the greatest Quidditch player since Edgar Cloggs."

Sirius rolled his eyes, "N/N of course she's speaking highly about Charlie. He's gotten us a good deal of wins since the start of the season. Doesn't mean she wants to shag h-"

"Sirius!" Y/N exclaimed. Remus sent him a pointed glare. 

"All I'm saying," Sirius continued, holding his hands up in defense, "Is that you shouldn't let something as small as her speaking highly about a teammate discourage you from making your move. Besides, Marlene is far from straight." 

"It's true," Remus chimed in, stamping out the butt of his cigarette, "I should know, it was one of the reasons we broke up in fifth year."

"I always forget you dated." Y/N groaned, "But whatever, still, I don't know if I can do this. What if she doesn't like me back, I'd ruin our friendship!" 

Sirius tsk-ed, "Hmm, she seemed a bit too cozy on that balcony with you for someone who doesn't like you back." 

"How the fuck did you find out about the balcony?!" Y/N exclaimed. 

"Simple," Sirius shrugged, "I was watching you."

"Why were you watching me you weirdo?" 

"Full moon love, was out and about with the lads." Remus nodded to confirm, "But anyways, she looked quite comfy up there with you. What with lighting your cig like that even though she had her wand right there? And when she leaned in and-"

"And Lily interrupted you," Remus chimed in, once more.

"You were watching too?!" Y/N groaned, appalled and embarrassed. 

 "The point is, Y/N," Sirius pushed, "She was going to kiss you. If you think she doesn't like you after that, I hate to tell you, but you are both blind and stupid. So unfortunately, our little muggle kissing game plan is still on." 

"Sirius Black, you will be the death of me." Y/N sighed, leaning into his shoulder. 

"You love me N/N." He sighed, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and kissing the top of her head.

"Don't mind me, just standing here-" Remus started, stopping when Sirius stood up abruptly to kiss his head as well. 

"There. Love you Moons. But onto more pressing matters-" Y/N looked up at him, "What does the set list look like for tonight?" 

Y/N was grateful for the change of topic, though she suspected that Sirius had some form of ulterior motive with his question. 

"We're opening with 'We are the Champions'," 

"Oh Remus, they're playing Queen!" Sirius gasped dramatically, falling onto Remus who rolled his eyes and caught him.

"Shush Siri, then in no particular order we're doing 'Stairway to Heaven', 'The Ballroom Blitz'-" Sirius groaned at this, "I know, I know, it was Lily's pick. We're debating between 'One of the Boys' and 'All the Young Dudes'."

She paused, briefly, trying to decide if she should reveal her surprise. "And then, my pick was a song for you. Y'know, just 'cause I know its your favorite."

"Don't get all sappy on me now N/N,"

"We're playing Lady Stardust." 

Sirius' eyes were practically starry at this. He looked on the verge of tears as he grasped Y/N's shoulders and tackled her to the ground in a hug. 

"Bugger off Siri, you said not to get sappy!"

"Oh my dear N/N, you just know me so well, I can't help it!"

"Remus get him off!" Y/N shouted, laughing in that full body way. 

"I think this deserves a hug Y/N, that was quite sweet of you really." Remus said, smiling while he pulled out another cigarette. 

"Yes, I am sweet, incredible, and possibly the best friend in the world. Now get off!" Y/N exclaimed, still laughing, as she shoved Sirius off of her and into the dirt. "There's a problem though," Remus and Sirius both quirked a brow, "We still need one more song. James ended up making us agree to play 5 songs and we can't agree on a fifth." 

"Oh Remus, dear," Sirius drawled, turning to face his boyfriend with that devilish smile that Y/N knew meant trouble, "Weren't we discussing earlier, a certain song that we would just love to hear our dear Y/N sing?"

"Why Sirius, my darling," Remus spoke, returning his smirk, "I believe we were."

"And what, my dear Remus, was that song?" Sirius flicked his gaze over to a nervous Y/N. 

"You guys will be the death of me. What's the damn song?" Y/N shouted, smacking Sirius' arm playfully. 

"Cherry bomb." Sirius grinned. 

Y/N shook her head, "You know I love that song, but don't you think it's a bit too... risqué for tonight?"

"Au contraire ma chere N/N, this is the perfect song for tonight. Imagine, you lock eyes with Marlene while you're singing that song, how clearer could you be about how you feel?"

"She could always just, I don't know, tell Marlene how she felt?" Remus chided. 

"Oh my dear, sweet, but entirely blind love of my life." Sirius sighed, lacing his fingers with Remus', "This whole idea of mine is to make Marlene realize just how much she wants our dear N/N here, and what better way to entice Marlene but with a teenage girl rock anthem about sex!"

"Okay enough Sirius." Y/N interrupted, "I can't do this. Nope. Can't." She said decidedly. 

"We'll see if you feel that way after a few firewhiskies N/N." Sirius chuckled dismissively, "Anyways, Moons and I ought to head off now, but think about it! It's a good idea! Ta now," He said, kissing Y/N on the head once more before taking his leave with Remus. 

"I mean, it is a good song..." Y/N mumbled to herself.

**********

"I mean, don't you think it's a bit much for our first performance?" Lily asked, eying the sheet music in front of her.

"Oh come on now Lils, its a great song, plus we'll be hot as fuck up there rocking out!" Mary exclaimed. 

"Well, we need another song, and unless anyone else has a better idea, I think we ought to just do it." Y/N defended, shifting her gaze to Marlene who sat on the edge of Y/N's bed, chin in palm. 

"I think its perfect Y/N, its sexy, its fun, and its a big fuck you to the patriarchy," Marlene smirked. 

Y/N smiled back at her, hoping the flush she felt rising on her features wasn't too visible. She thought Marlene would like the idea, it was one of her favorite songs after all.

"And," Y/N continued, "We already know how to play it. We can run down to the music room now, run through it quickly before the match, then we're set." 

Lily seemed to be still debating the song choice, but after a few minutes she sighed, smiling, "Alright then, I'm in!"

The other girls cheered, Mary slinging an arm around Lily and bringing them both toppling down onto her bed. Marlene and Y/N shared a smile before joining into the dog pile and cuddling up with their friends. Soon after, the girls went down to the music room to practice a few more times before Marlene had to head off to get ready for the game. 

Lily was on her drums, Mary had her bass. Marlene was on her guitar, and had a mic set up for backup vocals, while Y/N took her spot at the main mic. The drums and base line came in steadily, before quickly amping up as Y/N began to sing and Marlene came in on guitar. 

Can't stay at home, can't stay at school
Old folks say, "Ya poor little fool"
Down the streets I'm the girl next door
I'm the fox you've been waiting for

The drums and guitar kicked up swiftly as Marlene joined in for the chorus- 

Hello Daddy, hello Mom
I'm your ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb
Hello world, I'm your wild girl
I'm your ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb

She locked eyes with Marlene from across the stage.

Stone age love and strange sounds too
Come on baby, let me get to you
Bad nights causin' teenage blues
Get down ladies, you've got nothing to lose

Marlene's voice joined her own on the last line. 

Hello Daddy, hello Mom
I'm your ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb
Hello world, I'm your wild girl
I'm your ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb

In the lyric break, Marlene started absolutely shredding the solo, while Y/N awkwardly spat out the moans that Cherie Currie was so perfect at singing. She avoided eye contact with Marlene for that part, it seemed too forward, but she could feel her eyes boring into the side of her head.