𝔅𝔞𝔟𝔶, 𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔢 𝔱𝔦𝔪𝔢 || 𝔨. 𝔥𝔞𝔪𝔪𝔢𝔱𝔱

.19.

It was almost time. Just ten more minutes and the boys would hold their first gig of the tour. You could see how nervous they were. But they were also happy.

I sat down next to Kirk who was sipping a beer. He didn't drink it, apparently he was too nervous for that. It looked kinda cute how focused he was staring straight ahead and making some hand movements on the side.

Stacy wasn't here for whatever reason. But I don't think it mattered to anyone here.

"You okay?", I asked him because he was getting fidgety.

As if Kirk had only now realized that I was sitting next to him, he looked at me in surprise. I couldn't help but grin. This man just looked too funny for me to resist.

"I guess so. I'm just wondering where Stacy is. She had said she would follow.", he said.

I just rolled my eyes. It was clear that she would turn him down at an important moment in his life. Were she fucking serious?! And then she seriously asked herself why no relationship lasted longer than a few months. But then I would ask myself that too.

Without spoiling his evening, I considered as I told him that Stacy probably wouldn't show up. I didn't want him to feel bad about it or blame himself for it. Kirk wasn't the one to blame. It was Stacy.

"Concentrate on yourself and the concert. Who cares that she's missing when thousands are cheering you on?"

He looked surprised again.

It was true, wasn't it? Thousands of people came to see him and the band. A single woman shouldn't be able to ruin his evening. Stacy here or not, I knew he was gonna rock it. Along with James, Lars and Cliff. As Metallica. A metal band just climbing the mountain of fame.

"I'm watching too."

"I know. I know you're waiting for us. That you won't go."

"Good. Than there's nothing to worry about Curly.", I said and smiled at him.

Kirk's pov.
"Good. Than there's nothing to worry about Curly.", she said to me and smiled.

My heart skipped a beat. Her smile was so beautiful. I knew we'd rock it. I knew that there was nothing standing in the way. I knew she was right. We all knew. James, Lars, Cliff and I will put on a show. And Olivia will be watching.

God, how much I love her.

Maybe a bit early to talk about love but what else should it be? I always get weak in the knees when she looks at me. I love her smile. I love her honest and sincere way. I love how gentle and careful she can be. She's pretty, loyal, honest, helpful, funny, everything I can dream of.

She is the perfect woman.

"I give my best."

"That's what we all do, so say "we", okay?", Lars now interfered loudly in our conversation.

We all couldn't help but laugh at this comment. Lars was really a bit weird but that made him all the more lovable.

The room was filled with good vibes and everyone was looking forward to what was about to come. A good atmosphere. No quarreling and no doubts.

"Of course Lars. You all do your best. It goes without saying.", then Olivia reassured him.

He in turn grinned and checked if his bandages were still on. He bandaged his fingers when he played the drums on stage. It looked kinda funny. I saw Olivia bandage his fingers. Luckily Lars was still wearing his shirt. Not like now.

You could hear people start shouting the name of our band which was our signal to slowly go on stage. We all took another deep breath.

James gave Olivia a "goodbye" hug and seemed to say something to her that made her grin. I could feel the jealousy inside me even though I knew James would never date his best friend. At least he had told me. Next up was Lars who was more in the mood for a high-five. Cliff gave her one of his "everything will be alright" smiles. I mean it's true. Everything will be fine. And then I came.

Like James, I wrapped my arms around her body and rested my hands on her back. She was just a bit smaller but that didn't matter. I could still smell the perfume that belonged to James. Or the vanilla smell in her hair. She rested her head in the crook of my neck.

"Have fun."

"I only play for you."

I let her go.

It's now or never, Kirk. I took a deep breath and planted a quick kiss on her cheek. My lips only touched her cheek for a second, but that was enough to throw me completely off balance. That was just further proof of my feelings. Even though I hardly felt anything, her cheek felt so soft. It was a pleasant feeling.

She looked at me in astonishment. I just hope I didn't break anything with it. I didn't want to ruin my new friendship with her.

I smiled at her again and said:

"Cheer us on, yes?"

With that, I left Olivia backstage and joined the others on stage. Now it started.