My eyes had to wander up a good distance on his frame until I met his eyes. Big brown eyes that made my insides warm. He was tall, and had many tattoos visible from under his Slipknot tank top. He looked familiar. And he was attractive, I'll give you that, but as we looked at each other, I completely forgot what I was going to yell at him for.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

Oh, that's right. I was going to yell at him for nearly knocking me on my ass and making me scratch up my sunglasses. "Yeah, fine." I said and dusted off.

"I'm really sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone to come out," he said, chuckling a little. His warm smile was almost contagious. "It's fine, I guess I was moving a little too fast anyways." I slid my sunglasses onto the top of my head.
I found that after a little while he was still looking down at me, and I didn't even realize I was looking up at him until a smile flashed across his face. "Uh, well, I better get going, the taco truck is calling my name." I signaled to the money in my hand and he chuckled a little.

"Okay. Oh, I'm Austin by the way," he stuck his arm out that was covered in a sleeve of exquisite tattoos that my eyes trailed over before I remembered how to be polite and shake his hand. Austin... fuck! I know him. He's from Of Mice and Men!

I nodded, "Starr... But, er- you can call me Hazel."

"Hazel." He repeated, cutting me off from correcting myself with a smirk. Ugh. What the hell? When have I ever introduced myself as Hazel? Most of the time I introduced my self as Starr when I was working with music since that had become my stage-name almost. Hazel was more formal, more important.. Why was my mind all boggled up?
"It was nice running into you, Hazel... literally," he laughed at himself and small laughter escaped my own lips. It was weird him calling me Hazel, his voice made chills want to crawl around my skin when he spoke it, but it seemed kind of right.

"Yeah.." I mumbled. "Well, I'll see you around," I released my hand from his grip and waved at him as I started to walk away.

What the fuck was that?

*

"Jesus, what took you so long, girl?" Kush asked, as I ran over to them while they waited in line.

"Ran into somebody," I shrugged, but was laughing at my self inside my head at the pun. I joined them in the line and noticed it was almost our turn, the smell of greasy mexican food filling my nose.

We ordered our tacos and sat down at one of the picnic tables nearby. "What times set?" I asked, looking up from my taco.

"Five," Kush mumbled with a bunch of food hanging out of his mouth.

"Ew, Kush, chew before you speak," I teased at him and he stuck his tongue out at me. "Are you guys up for a party tonight?" I changed the subject and watched as their eyes lit up, barely even able to swallow their food before they cheered out a yes. "Where's it at?" Kush asked, thankfully chewing his food first this time.

"Not sure, but Oli's gona stop by the bus at 8 to bring us over."

"Oli? You're going with him?" Sammy asked, his head turning to face me and his eyes narrowing. Izzy and Kush's eyes were on me as well, but they had smirks on their face. "Haze is gona get some in TOnight!" Kush called out, giggling along with Izzy.

"Shut up! I am not! He's a good friend!" They kept on laughing, but Sammy was still not amused. He had an intendancy to be a little over-protective of me. He was basically my brother at times, and after all the shit he's seen me been through, he's grown more and more protective over the years. I loved him and appreciated it, of course, but sometimes it's hard to convince him it's okay.

"Friends with benefits?" Izzy wiggled her eyebrows at me.

"That was once! One fucking time when we were drunk, okay?! Geeze," I sighed, slumping back on the bench. I don't know why it's a big deal, I'm pretty sure that same thing is happening with Izzy and Kush. My sex life has never been an uncomfortable topic for me, sex is fun and I didn't mind talking about it. It lets me feel something in the moments when I feel nothing, and Oli agreed. We both got wasted at a party once and decided we would make the party a little funner, to relieve stress, ya know? It never happened again and it's not like I plan on it happening again anyways. It was awesome sex, but he's a good friend now and neither of us want to risk fucking that up again.

"I thought once he almost knocked you up and left, you were done with him," Sam mumbled harshly to himself and turned back to his taco.

"Hazey, what did I tell you about safe sex!" Izzy said in her baby voice, making me roll my eyes at her.

"Hey, we were safe!" I put my hands up in the air. "Not my fault the condom broke."

"That sounds familiar." Sammy hissed, looking up at me, knowing that was the same thing Oli said to me. Damn you, Sammy, for being such an observant and protective brother figure.

I frowned angrily at him. I understand where he was coming from, I had spent a whole day in his arms crying because of the pregnancy scare and Oli being a dick, but Sammy didn't have to be an asshole about it. Oli eventually came back, owning up to the mistake and saying he would be here, but then we found out it was a false alarm. That ended up in another fight, but we worked it out. No more friends with benefits between us two. We didn't want to test our friendship like that. Also since then I made sure I was on birth control because, well, a girls gotta have fun. "Damn you, Sam."

Why did he have to be such a buzz kill sometimes? I sighed and stood up from the bench, grabbing my trash and walking over to the trash can, throwing it inside. I stopped for a moment and took a deep breath. None of this drama. This was about music. Our career. We were gona have a fun ass time and live our dream, not worry about stupid drama shit. I smiled to myself, trying to push myself into the mood I needed to be and walked back, plopping back down onto the bench. "30 minutes til set, hurry up and stuff your faces already!" I said and watched as Kush flipped me off.

They thankfully did as I said and quickened their pace so in only a few minutes we were trying to find our way to our next set. Kush had a map out on his phone of the whole place and we ended up getting a little lost, until we finally figured it out. "5 minutes until set!" Our manager yelled at us as soon as we got there. Well, shit.

"Haze!" Sammy called over to me as I grabbed my guitar, throwing the strap over my shoulder. I looked over to him and saw him run up, drumsticks in hand. "I'm sorry, bout Oli," he sighed. "I just don't want him hurting you again, ya know?"

I wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug, it was nearly impossible for us to ever be mad at each other. "I know, Sammy. But, that was a while ago, we're past that, okay?"

He nodded and I smiled at him, then grabbed his wrist and we ran up the stairs, downing as much monster as we could manage and then getting in our group huddle. We said our normal thanks and prayers, even though none of us were really religious, then went into our little chant, which ended in "WE. ARE. ELECTRIC." That phrase was the name of our first album and just stuck with us, kind of fueling our band.

We all then took our stance at the side of the stage, letting the roar of the crowd fill up our bones.

*

"I'd like everyone here to take a moment and look up, seeing the beautiful sun set San Francisco has provided us with tonight." I said into the microphone, my breathing heavy from our performance and letting the few cheers ring out after. "Then, I would like you took look around at the people around you. All the BEAUTIFUL people." The crowd up roared in more cheers, knowing where this was going. "This last song goes out to all of you who have been strong and amazing enough to push through every piece of bullshit life has thrown at you!" I took a few deep breaths before continuing. "This is called BEAUTIFUL SCARS!!" And with that more and more cheers sounded out right along with the intense music. This was one of our more popular and emotional songs that the fans seemed to connect with the most. That made me so warm and fuzzy on the inside because this song was dedicated to my sister, who would have loved it.

The song struck a cord on my heart strings and when I sang, I sang with my heart and soul so the emotion was coming out clear in my voice. I held the microphone out for the crowd to finish the next line and saw as the sang along, slowly waving their hands in the air, acting as lighters. It made a smile come to my face to see them so into it, but the smile was triggering happy and sad tears to build up in my eyes. This is for my sister.

I brought the microphone back up to my mouth and shut my eyes, letting my head fall back as I sang the last line, letting my vocals reach their horizon. When the song finished, I didn't open my eyes right away, I just breathed in the warm California air, the experience, the emotion, and the crowds cheers. I took one more breath then regained my composure, only to look out and notice a familiar pair of brown eyes. Austin was standing side stage, next to the fence that separated him from the crowd. He was watching me with interest, but when our eyes met, he gave me a toothy grin, which I couldn't help but return.

"God, I love you all so fucking much!" My voice rang out in the microphone. Sammy, Kush, and Izzy all came over to the center of the stage and we put our arms around each others waists, bowing.

"A lot of you guys say we've saved you lives, and I want you to know that you guys saved our lives, as well," I tried to keep my voice as steady as I could manage, all of us tightening our arms around each other. "From the bottom of our hearts, I fucking mean it... We love you!" The cheers of the crowd made my ears ring and Kush grabbed the microphone from my hand. "Thank you so much San Francisco!!" Kush yelled out. "You're all beautiful!"

We then bowed, and Sammy took off his shirt, throwing it out into the mosh pit below us before we ran off the stage and down the stairs. We were all laughing and smiling so big as we hug tackled each other. Day one of Warped Tour was the fucking best. "This is unbelievable!" Kush cheered and picked both Izzy and I up with one arm, spinning us around. "Did you see all of them out there?! They love us!" He said as he sat us down.

We all let out more blissful laughter and hugged each other once more. I grabbed a water bottle and my phone, taking a big drink and removing my guitar from my shoulder by its strap. I held onto its neck while we walked away from the set and heading towards the buses, but then I remembered something as we walked past side stage. "Hey! Are you stalking me, or something?" I teased, walking up to Austin who had a smirk on his face.

He pretended to grab at his chest and be playfully offended making me chuckle a little. "You were great. You have an amazing voice." He said, making me blush a little. Wait, blush? When the fuck do I ever blush?

"Thank you, really." I couldn't control the flirt that was coming out of me. Why was I being such a flirt? I wasn't looking for a crush and I had barely even said anything to him. Jesus, I am going soft.

"Haze! Hurry your ass up unless you want to be late for the party!" Sammy called over and I turned to wave him off real quickly.

"You're going to the party tonight?" Austin asked. I guess this was a pretty big party..? sweet.

"Hell yeah, I am. I'll see you there?" I asked, a odd wave of confidence lingering over me. He nodded and smiled, making me smile before I nodded and then ran off toward the rest of my band. We had to hurry back to our busses since Oli was coming by at 8 and we had about 15 minutes until then.

I don't think I've ever taken a faster shower in my life, though. I didn't even have time to sing before I already was wrapped up in a towel and getting changed. I put on my Nirvana smiley face crop top which didn't even cover my belly button, then my high-low Chiffon skirt with a yellow pair of vans. I smiled at how I matched and saw most of my tattoos peaking out along with a few piercings. (outfit)

A yawn escaped my lips, I had been going at it all day and I was getting worn out, but the day could not end with out a good party, marking the beginning of Warped. I threw my hair up into a pony tail and barely even had enough time to put on a little make up before I was being dragged out of the bus by Kush, not wanting to be late.

"Damn," Kush said to himself as I stepped out of the bathroom. "You look hot!" Izzy said, stepping out of the back room, not looking so bad herself. She always looked good, besides the face that she has no tattoos or anything, but I guess that was just my personal preference. "As do you my sexy cheetah," I teased, seeing she was in a cheetah print skirt. She playfully wiggled her eyebrows at me and I could feel Kush's eyes hard on us.

"Is Oli hear yet?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Someone call me?" No one noticed the bus door was open until now and I saw a scrawny body covered in tattoos with a beanie hat on, leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed. "Oli!" I called and hurried over to him, embracing him in a tight hug when I did. "Starr!" He swirled me around a little and I laughed when he set me down. "So how was your first day of Warped?"

"It was so fucking awesome!" I smiled. "This is so amazing," I used my hands to signal everything around me. Oli smiled at me and then looked up, going over to Izzy and giving her a brief hug, then giving Kush and Sammy one of those 'manly' hugs that really was a hand shake and a pat on the back. The band had met him a few times, but I was really surprised when Sammy played completely cool. There wasn't really a reason to not be.

We followed Oli off the bus and he led us to the party, all of us giggling from excitement. He led us back to where the other buses were and I saw that there was a small hill area to the side with many people and a bonfire. But, if people weren't there, they were on the nearest bus that had music pumping loud out of it and people around it. I didn't really catch who's bus it was, but as we walked inside, passing a bunch of people smoking and making out outside, I noticed many non-familiar and familiar faces.

When we walked in Oli threw his arm around my shoulder and got everyones attention. "This is Starr, Kush, Sam, and Izzy, they're from Darkened Moon and just happen to be Warped virgins!" Some people raised up their cups and let out a cheer, but others couldn't even hear anything he was saying over the music that was playing. "Now someone get them a drink!"

I laughed as Oli dragged me over to some counter that was filled with booze while Sammy gravitated to some girl he spotted and probably wanted to get in her pants, and Kush went with Izzy to find some weed. Oli handed me a cup and raised his up, other people around him doing the same, "to starting off Warped with a fucking bang!" He called out and people whistled, then taking a drink. This was going to be fun.
---
"Hey!" Someone said loudly to me over the music. I turned and saw a familiar face, "I'm Vic," he yelled into my ear so I could actually hear him. "You're Starr, right?

"The one and only," I exclaimed and he smiled at me. Pieces of his long, straight, hair stuck to his forehead and I instantly knew where he was from. "Pierce the Veil?" I asked.

"The one and only," he imitated me and we both laughed lightly, but it was only lost in the sound of the music.

Through out the night I had met and talked to a bunch of new people, most of them being familiar guys from bands that were touring with us. I had already met Vic, then I met the rest of his band, Kellin from Sleeping with Sirens, the guys from All Time Low, and Alan from Of Mice. I had partied with most of them all night, and we immediately hit it off like we had known each other for years. They were all great, and I had to admit, also pretty attractive, but their was one person I was really hoping to run into again.

I was currently in the middle of the bus, surrounded by a group of people a letting my hips sway back and forth, raising my drink in the air. The music was pumping through my body, leaving a tingling sensation along with all of the alcohol I consumed. My body was on fire and I loved every second of it. I loved to party. I loved today. This is what we were hear for, to make memories. To live the dream we had all dreamed of and celebrate our music.

Izzy came up to me and we started to dance together. I let the music pump through my intoxicated veins and slip out of me, having fun dancing with Izzy. We were giggling and being our drunk selves, which ended up in most of the guys around us staring at us with googly eyes and basically drooling when we turned the dance up to a little sexier. It was always fun to dance with Izzy drunk like this. She was my best girl and neither of us gave a shit when we danced. Plus, it was funny to see the guys around us get a little horny when we did. We knew how to be sexy.

Kush came over and stole Izzy away from me. I was upset that he stole my dancing partner but I ended up laughing hysterically when he started basically dry humping her. We were all drunk messes, but who the hell cares? We were having a fucking good time.

I was letting everything slip my mind besides the beat of the music and... and the body pressed up against me?

I turned my head back and giggled, seeing Kellin behind me. He seemed like the more shy type at first, but as we started to dance, basically grinding our bodies together, he was just smiling and enjoying himself.

I danced a little while with everyone, having a good time until I decided that it felt like a fucking furnace in here and went to get some air. I was visibly intoxicated as I found my way out of the bus, being greeted by the warm and dark night. California was beautiful.
There were multiple people smoking out here and it was definitely more calm from inside, but there was still a lot of party. I leaned against the side of the bus with my drink in my hand, just taking in the sky. It was like the stars sobered me up. It was like I could be a complete party animal and the best time you've ever had in one moment, but then become serious because of these stars. "Hazel?" Chills ran down my spine at the voice and I instantly stood up straight, seeing who was approaching me. "Hey!" He waved and grin spread over my face when I saw Austin coming over. He looked like he wanted to greet me with a hug, but shied away from that idea. He had on black skinny jeans and a new shirt that was a bright red, paid button up, but only had a few of the bottom buttons connected. His tattoos washed over his body like waves and my eyes wandered over him, taking in his appearance for a moment longer as he did with me. He was like a mixture of attractiveness and cuteness.

"I thought you'd never show!" He said, leaning against the bus, facing me and crossing his arms over his chest while his big brown eyes twinkled.

I giggled, "I've been here since 8, Austin." Comfortableness was brought on when talking to Austin, like I could fall into conversation with him as easy as I could Sammy. And I felt myself inching closer and closer to him.

"Oh," he laughed. "Really? Dang.. Well, what are you doing out here?"

"I swear it's like 100 degrees in there," I pointed my thumb back at the bus. "And after having my leg dry humped I needed some air," I let out another drunken giggle and saw Austin raise an eyebrow and he couldn't help but laugh with me... or at me. Whatever works.

"So this is your first Warped Tour?" He changed the subject.

"Yeah. Our band is finally getting out there. And this place is fucking awesome, just the music and the vibe of everything is like a dream. I wouldn't want to be doing anything else," I sighed and he smiled, nodding like he completely understood. His big brown eyes held me in like there was some force drawing me to them. My eyes darted down to his lips, and I bit my own. "What about you?" My voice was hushed and what ever magnetic force was in between us was pulling us closer together. I didn't know what I was asking, and I don't think he did either, but I just wanted to know... everything? I wanted to know him better and my drunken mind wanted to get to know his lips better. But, this was weird. Normally I don't want to get to know the guys I hook up with at parties. Normally their eyes don't twinkle at me either..

I gasped when our lips crashed together, but then couldn't help that to turn into a soft moan when I felt tingles go down my body. His lips were soft on mine and I could taste the alcohol on him. It felt so good... so weird... but so right.

This was all just fun right? Fun and music.

Little did I know, I was so wrong.

Notes

chapter twooo!

I know the name thing can be kind of confusing, but just know her name is Hazel and her nick name is Starr!

I wanted to give her this wild side that loved to party and have fun, not giving a shit what people think. It's who she has always been and used that animal to hide behind so she didn't have to deal with the more serious and tragic things in her life, which you will get to know soon enough!
Also, more Austin is coming!

I really hope you guys like this story! I'm definitely excited about it!!