The Arachnoids [A Starker Rock Band AU]

6: Headstart Hero

Peter knows exactly what it feels like to be standing in the crowd, anticipating the start of a show. The strange connection you feel with all these people that you've never met, the laughter, the chatter, the excitement coursing through your veins as you wait for the lights to finally dim.
Standing backstage holds the same kind of elation; yet it's completely different. He too, is waiting for the lights to dim. Every time the lights flicker, every time the crowd makes a little more noise, he feels his heart skip a beat. It can't be healthy to be so tense. His ribcage feels tight and he swallows. Peter tries to shift his guitar strap a little in the hopes of gaining some breathing space. Not that it helps of course, 'cause it's not the strap that restrains him.

Next to him, MJ and Ned are fighting equal battles with themselves. Playing for the New Year's Eve show had been challenging enough, but somehow, this feels different. Like they're gonna have to prove their worth. This is their chance to get their name out. To connect with potential fans. It's overwhelming. Very, very much so.

It shouldn't be long now, please, please don't keep him waiting any longer. He-

The lights dim at last, and Peter is hit with the screams emerging from the crowd. Astonished, he knows he should jump to action right now. It's almost as if someone else takes over his body when a broad smile plasters itself on his face and he runs into the stage lights.
"Welcome!" MJ laughs into her microphone. She looks absolutely stunning. Her aquamarine dress swirls around her loosely as she walks. Venus, for sure. "We are the inner concentric, the outer radial lineament, the spider-like volcano-tectonic structures from Venus. We have come to Earth to give you a hint of the whirling desire that is found on our planet. We are... The Arachnoids!"

Ned kicks off with a fast-paced rhythm, the deep vibrations of the bass drum tingling on Peter's skin. Everything about this makes him feel so utterly hyped up. He lets his pick rain down on the strings, earlier nerves forgotten. His fingers glide over the notes so easily. The stage lights are blinding, but he knows how big the arena is. He knows exactly how many people are out there- watching him, cheering for him.

He walks forward, dancing to MJ's sweet harmony, and slides to his knees to get a break from the lights for a quick second. The group of young adults pressed against the front barrier raise their hands to him and scream. Peter's eyes widen when he sees one of the girls is wearing a bright-pink tee with 'The Arachnoids' written on it with a black marker. He grins widely at her and winks. The girl instantly tears up and brings her hands together in a heart-shaped symbol. "I love you, Peter!" She mouths excitedly.

Peter can't help the stunned chuckle that rises from his chest and he stands up again, walking over to MJ while quickly waving to the girl in the crowd once.
Then, he turns around and leans against MJ, his head dropping backwards onto her shoulder. MJ plays along. She moves her hand up to ruffle through Peter's hair as she keeps on singing through the high notes of the chorus. "And now we're hoooo-hoooooome!"
Peter jumps away from her and bounces on the balls of his feet and moves his head along to the music. He runs towards the other side of the stage, giving the crowd a good show as he keeps playing with his instrument raised high in the air.

Somehow, his glance is pulled towards the small backstage area he can see from there. Tony's seated on top of the transport cases again, watching the show intently. Peter can't help feeling surprised at the fact that Tony's here watching them play.

Peter swallows when he realizes that his solo is coming up, the exact one Tony had given him the unsolicited advice about earlier today. He presses his lips together and makes the split-second decision to play it Tony's way. He may not have practiced it yet, but he knows he can do it. He wants to. Why he wants to please Tony so badly is a mystery to him, but he doesn't have time to think about it. That's how he takes a few steps closer towards the edge of the stage and takes a deep breath. His fingers find their usual pattern, his pick hitting each snare perfectly- D-string, he reminds himself. Play the F on the D-string.