expectations.

“My shift to play co-pilot.” Hayden willingly obliges, quickly going to the back of the van while Presley slides into the passenger seat.

The van is silent except for the quiet hum of the engine and the tiny bits of music slipping from Bren’s earbuds as he sleeps.

“So,” Finley murmurs a half hour or so later, “you and Ashby, huh?” She sighs before running a hand through her hair.

“I don’t even fucking know. He flirts with me a lot and gives off this vibe that he genuinely cares about me, but he hasn’t made a move yet.”

“Do you want him to make a move?” This was one of the really great things about Fin: he would listen to your problems without judging.

“Honestly? I do. I mean who wouldn’t? It’s Alan Ashby. But on the other hand, I barely know the guy.”

“Then why don’t you get to know him better in Texas? I heard the crowds and parties there are sick and we’ll be there for a couple days. It’ll be good for you two.” She nods, processing it.

“Okay, I’ll do it.”

“And what about that Colten guy?” She adjusts in her seat, frowning.

“What about him?”

“You seriously don’t know?” He looks at her in disbelief.

“Know what, Hay?” Her voice gets sharper, her patience growing thin.

“He likes you.” She gives him an incredulous look. “You’re kidding me.”

“Nope. When we were at the club last night he spilled his guts. He thinks you’re so, and I quote, ‘beautiful and hot and sexy and gorgeous and adorable and little’. He seriously said ‘and’ that many times.” She laughs dryly.

“Wonderful.”

“Last To Leave is on in five!” A crew shouts. Fin and Pres look at each other, pumped as hell.

“Hey, cutie!” Sage yells, winding her way through the mass of stagehands. “I just wanted to wish you luck.” She reaches for a hug and Pres complies, all smiles with her new friend.

“Shouldn’t you be working on sound and everything?” Sage shrugs impishly. “Probably. They can deal without me for a few minutes.” A shout of, “Sage! We need you for a minute!” follows a second later and she groans.

“I guess I stand corrected.”

Exactly three and a half minutes later all four members of Last To Leave are standing side stage, bouncing on the balls of their feet.

The lineup had changed, something they were told frequently happened, so this time Asking Alexandria were going to be introducing them.

“Alright you fuckers,” Ben shoots Pres a crooked smile, “you may know this next band. Their guitar player is known for her purple hair and how fucking short she is.” The crowd cheers surprisingly loud and Pres shakes away all her nerves. The crews run behind the band to quickly remove the drums and everything and set up for LTL. Ben comments on all of the bands members.

“Their bassist is such a lady killer. Too bad I’m gonna win our bet. Girls, he has AIDS. Do not sleep with him.” Presley turns around, questions written on her face.

“We bet on who would sleep with the most girls by the end of tour. You have to either get pics or panties for proof.”

She whacks his chest. “You’re such a perv.” Shaking her head, she turns back to Ben.

“Their rhythm guitarist is such a douche. I’m talking Danny Worsnop level.” Danny clutches at his chest, feigning hurt.

“And their drummer? Oh, what can I say about Finley? He can’t handle alcohol for shit.” He glances over his shoulder to check that the crew is ready.

“Give it up for Last To Leave!” The crowd cheers astonishingly loud.

Presley winks at him as she greets the audience. “Thanks, Benny Boy. So Houston-” Hayden grabs the mic from her. “Let it be known that I do not have AIDS.” He winks as the girls (and a few guys, too) in the crowd squeal with delight. She smacks his arm playfully and points to his guitar, motioning for him to get ready.

“Anyway, how are you Houston?” The crowd cheers and Pres laughs. “I didn’t get a word of that, but I’m gonna pretend you said ‘Fucking amazing, Presley. We’re excited to see you play!’”

The crowd gets impossibly loud.

“So that’s what we’re gonna do. This is a song off our first EP. You might know it as ‘You Look Better When I’m Drunk.”

“It's the right night
To make the wrong moves gotta
Bad case and nothing to lose
When the
Lights out we have an excuse,
Is this romance
Or is it the juice?”

The band is swarmed as soon as they step off the stage.

“That was so amazing!” Austin shouts, bringing Pres into a hug.

“Thank you! I have got to see one of y’alls shows tomorrow.”

“Damn right you do!” Alan sings, picking her up and spinning in a circle several times, reminding Presley of their last show.

She puts her hand on his shoulder, trying to steady herself.

James (Asking Alexandria) strides in, all smiles as he wraps his arm around the smaller girl. She wasn’t quite sure what the deal was with everyone touching her, but was never one to reject a hug. “After Sleeping With Sirens plays we’re going to have the first bonfire over at Pierce’s.”

“Bonfire?” Presley chirps.

Everyone’s attention shifts to her. “Oh yeah,” a wicked grin slides onto Alan’s face, “you’ve never been to a Warped bonfire. Lemme tell you, babe - you are in for a treat.”

Alan couldn’t have been anymore right.

Notes

Sorry I didn't update yesterday. Does the longer-than-usual chapter make up for it? :))