Not Warriors- Awsten Knight

Chapter 4

June 21st, 2018: Pamona, California (afternoon)

"What the fuck is a Sonic Hero?" Awsten mumbles to himself looking at the band whose merch tent was set up directly next to theirs. 

Sitting at the tent was a guy who looked like he belonged in a band more than stuck peddling halfway decent band merch, the weird part to Awsten was that this guy had his hand wrapped up with an ice pack sitting on top. 

They were halfway through Waterparks daily meet and greet, they met what felt like hundreds of fans a day. Today was still fresh and exciting because it was the first day of tour, and he could feel himself feeding off of the happiness of all of the fans that were so happy to be there. 

Awsten was talking to a fan when out of the corner of his eye he noticed three other guys join the one sitting at the tent. 

He knew that it was wrong to listen into their conversation, but he wanted to know who they were and what was going on with this man with the broken hand. 

"I mean she seems fine? Maybe she'll be fine" he overhears someone who looks like they have pink hair say in a quiet tone. 

"Tyler you have got to be kidding, she's not fine. Yeah we told her that she should bring her guitar just in case but she didn't actually think this was going to happen. None of us did" another one, presumably their front man say harshly back. 

Awsten is starting to piece somethings together here, whoever is sitting in this tent is in fact a member of the band but he must of hurt himself at some point today and now she has to fill in. Whoever she is. 

In a lapse of better judgement Awsten decides to go over to them, "Hey, I-uh wasn't listening or anything. But um, last year we had our guitarist break his hand too and we just had to play as a two piece" he says to them, as he points off to Otto and Geoff who offer a small wave. 

"Anyway all I'm saying is that, y'all will be fine. And good luck to whoever is filling in for him" he finishes. 

All four boys just look at Awsten confused for a moment before Awsten speaks up again, "Oh, I'm Awsten. Waterparks. We'll probably see each other a lot since our merch tents are next to each other and we have back to back slot times" he scratches at the back of his arm slightly, hoping that he didn't make himself seem like a douche bag for listening in on their conversations. 

After a moment the tall man in glasses speaks up for them "Oh right, nice to meet you man. I'm Collin, that's Tyler, Chris, and Derek" he says pointing them all out one by one. 

"Thanks for the kind words" Derek says to him giving him a small nod. 

Awsten nods his head eagerly, thankful that these guys are genuinely cool and kind people. 

"Absolutely no problem, and I'd love to meet whoever your stand in guitarist is if you guys get the chance" he says with a sweet smile, genuinely meaning it. 

Collin smiles back, "Yeah I bet she'd really like that, she's the best. Literally all of our best friend in the entire world. I think we would be disasters without her to be honest" he says as the rest of the boys hum in agreement. 

Awsten raises an eyebrow without even realizing it when Chris speaks up "Not like that, she threatens to castrate us on a daily basis. Truly just our best friend" he says laughing.