The Mystic Hearts Series

Chapter 56- Briar

That night, I perform for the people again, at a concert hall in the Capital, glad that my family never goes to a place like this. I mean... most people wouldn't be able to recognize me that easily... But someone I was close to? They'd probably figure out who I was, which... I'm definitely not ready for...

This event is pretty professional, not like the events I normally host at clubs where the vibe is more casual, but I can handle this kind of thing too. I almost think I'm in the clear, cruising along having a good time, until afterward when... I see him. Elio.

He comes up after the show after a lot of other people get autographs & things, with 1 of those exclusive pass type things they hand out sometimes... Wait, is he a fan? Of Blue? & how much of a fan? God, I thought I had to compete for his affections before, but now I'll have to compete with myself too? Or... how does he feel about me? Either of me's?

He comes up to me slowly, timidly, his friend Salima (?) going 1st, a bit more courageously. She has a huge grin on her face, a kind of excited energy filling her & I put a polite smile on my face.

"Hello." I greet, waving politely & she squeals.

"Ohmygosh, it's so great to finally meet you! I've been a huge fan since- well, since your 1st major album, I mean, I've listened to a few of your 1st singles, but-"

I chuckle nervously, sweeping my hair over my shoulder self-consciously & playing with a strand nervously. "Yeah... I know those were a bit... Rough..." I cringe slightly, looking away, before looking over to Elio casually, trying not to seem like I'm brushing her off, but always aware of him.

She beams brightly, pushing Elio forward slightly, though he seems rather hesitant. "Oh, & this is my friend, Elio! He's a... more recent fan..."

I smile shyly, blushing slightly before remembering that Blue isn't the timid type. Maybe Briar, but this is my opportunity... Or maybe I should leave him alone? I don't even know if he likes me... Either of me's... & I don't want to make it awkward... "Hey... Elio... I'm Blue..." My face reddens & I clear my throat nervously. "But, um, you probably already knew that..." I chuckle nervously & he steps forward shyly, clearing his throat.

"Yeah, uh...I... was invited to 1 of your earlier- recent- concerts by Salima here, & well..." He beams nervously. "I've been a fan ever since!" He blushes & laughs nervously. Wow. I can't believe he likes my music.

I smile shyly. "So... which 1's do you like? You... haven't heard any of the early stuff, right...?" I cringe internally. I hadn't yet found my style then &... it really shows...

He smiles timidly. "Well... I've mostly just heard the stuff you performed at that club I was at the 1st time... But I did look up some of your earlier stuff! It wasn't as bad... as you say..."

I make a noncommittal noise in my throat, feeling my face heat. "You're just saying that..."

His eyes light up & he nods fervently. "No, really! I liked what you did with the piano..."

I beam, eyebrows slightly raised. "Really? I didn't think anyone noticed that... It's really a reference to my humble beginnings. Well... my beginnings weren't so much humble... I've been given a lot of privilege in my life that others haven't but... my music career began humbly... I... didn't entirely know what I was doing back then... I just had a feeling &..." I look at Elio slowly, smiling slightly. "A dream..."

He smiles shyly. "Wow, that's... sweet... A bit corny, but sweet..."

I chuckle heartily. "Thanks... I've been told I can be rather corny..." I wink at him, a sly grin on my face & he blushes. Salima eyes the 2 of us conspiratorially & my face reddens. Don't make a big deal out of it, don't make a big deal out of it-

She clears her throat, 1 eyebrow arched. "Well, maybe you guys should exchange numbers... Just so that you can keep talking about music or something..."

Elio's face reddens massively. "No, that- you don't have to do that, if you don't want to..."

I clear my throat nervously. "Well- I- I would, I really would..."

Salima looks at me a bit suspiciously. "So, why don't you?"

I open & close my mouth. "I- I can't... uh... It's a security issue, you know? I can't just give out my phone number to everyone-"

She raises an eyebrow. "Oh, yes, because Elio is 'everyone', right?"

My mouth gapes open. "No, I- I want to I just-"

Elio shakes his head, eyes apologetic. "No, it's ok... You don't have to if you don't want to, that's ok... I understand... You don't want... people figuring out where you live from your phone number or something..."

I nod. "Yeah! Exactly..."

He sighs. "& you don't know if you can trust me, so that's valid..."

I shake my head, frowning. "No... I trust you... I just... can't..."

Oof... That must be so awkward for Blue/Briar :/... He should really tell Elio what's going on... Communication is important, people B)