Not that bad // Rhea Ripley

79- What I Like About You

 "That's what I like about you, you hold me tight"

5 Seconds of Summer

I was getting prepared in the bedroom, while Demi occupied the bathroom. I didn't really care if we changed in the same room, as I'm not really a modest person, and we often get changed in shared locker rooms anyways, but Demi insisted on using the bathroom. My outfit for tonight consisted in a handmade cropped 5SOS hoodie, heavily ripped skinny jeans, fishnet tights underneath, and my favorite comfy Dr Martens platform boots. I checked my bag a few times, making sure I didn't forget anything, while waiting to use the bathroom to put my makeup on, and try and style my very very short hair. She got out a few minutes after, and I rushed in. I kind of likes having heavy makeup on to go out, so I did. Once we were both ready, we got to my car, and to the venue, in like 30 minutes. During the ride, Demi asked me a lot of questions about the boys, and my relationship with them, questions I gladly answered. We made our way through the venue, and to the front rows. We couldn't see them before the concert, but had passes to get side-stage during the encore. Soon enough, the concert started, and I kept throwing glances at Demi, to see if she was enjoying herself. Most of the time, she'd catch my eyes, and answer me with one of her bright smiles, dancing to the music. She occasionally teased me a little when I belted out the lyrics to all those songs I still know by heart, even though I never sang some of them with the band. Everything went smoothly, until the last few songs before the encore, when a creep decided to bother me and Demi, well especially Demi. She didn't really say anything at first, probably hoping that ignoring the guy would make him leave, but that was not the case at all. He started getting closer, slurring words to her, trying to touch her, grab her waist. I watched for a few seconds, expecting Demi to do something, but I caught her gaze, and guessed that she was just as uncomfortable, but didn't know what to do.

"Hey fucking creep, get your hands of her." I confronted him, my 6ft allowing me to look at him in the eyes. "Do you hear me or are you that fucking dumb. I set let go of her" I yelled over the music.

"What are you gonna do huh? Fucking lesbians. Disgusting shit" He literally spat at my face, and I had to do my best to not lose all my calm. Getting in a fight outside could get me in some heavy trouble.

"I'm not gonna tell you one more time, get the fuck out of this venue." I wiped my face, and stepped in front of Demi, separating the man from her.

"Or what?"

His cunning smile was just the last straw, and I lost it. Judging by the eyes on us, Demi wasn't the first girl he had tried something on. I just shoved him, expecting him to bounce back at me due to the crowded place, but instead of that, everyone stepped aside, and it looked like he was swallowed whole by the crowd. I chuckled a bit, and turned my attention back to the concert. Instinctively, my arm wrapped around Demi's body, in a protective stance, just in case he came back, or someone else decided to be an asshole. I felt her shiver under the sudden touch, and I rapidly retrieved my arm from her.

"I'm sorry, I don't know why I did it!" I blushed as hard as ever, hopefully the dark venue would cover it.

"No no, it's not a problem!" She smiled. "I was startled that's all."

I nodded and smiled, and as the last song hit, I grabbed her hand to lead her to the side of the stage. As we got there, the boys were taking their small break before going back on. They excitedly waved at us, and Michael gave me a smirk, seeing my hand in Demi's. I just rolled my eyes, and they went back on stage. I watched them attentively, after all, I'm still a fan of their music. During the concert, I felt my friend moving her body closer to me, and in the moment, without thinking, I wrapped one arm around her body, moving her so she's pressed in front of me. I could feel her tense a little, and then relax, so I decided not to overthink that position. She was apparently comfortable, and I was too. So why the fuck not.

"Oh my god, I can't believe it's been so long since I hugged you." Michael said to me as we entered their green room after the concert. "I missed you so much love. I love your hair like that"

"Thanks, I still hope it grows back soon." I laughed. "Oh and guys, that's Demi Bennett, the one that you saw on the call a few weeks ago." I introduced her. "We've been working together for two months now." I smiled at the other Aussie, hoping that she wasn't too uncomfortable because of the load of people she didn't know.

"That's so cool!" Ashton chimed in, entering the room with drinks in his hands. "What's not cool is not leaving me any place to sit"

The boys started groaning, and shifting, but Demi got up quickly, to give her place to Ashton.

"I can stand, it's okay, you had a tiring concert." She laughed awkwardly.

"Well thank you, at least there's a nice person here." He stuck his tongue at the rest of us.

"You're seated all evening, since when are you tired Irwin." I teased him and he groaned. "You can sit on me Demi if you want, don't stay standing like that."

"Erm, You-you sure?" She gulped.

"Yeah, why not?" I asked, completely oblivious, and just grabbed her by the hips softly to make her sit on the edge of my knees myself. Friends do that all the time, don't they? "See, perfect."

Michael sent me the wildest glance and I just shook my head and rolled my eyes at him, a smirk persisting on his smug face.

"So when are you going to sing with us again?" Calum asked as he leaned back on his armchair.

"I don't know guys, schedules are pretty hectic, and I'm starting a road to Tag Team Champions with this awesome lady, so appearances on shows every week I guess." I chewed on my lip. "I'm sorry, I would love to, I promise."

"You know what?" Luke said, getting up to get his guitar. "Let's just do one right now, before going to eat out."

"What no, are you fucking serious?" I whined. "I haven't practiced in such a long time, my voice is going to be shit."

"Stop fucking around you're amazing." Michael groaned. "Hey, Demi, do you want her to sing."

"Shit, of course I do!" She said in an instant.

"What?? I'll remember your betrayal Bennett." I frowned at her.

"Oh come on, you never sing when I'm around, and I'm curious since you told me you used to be in a band." She smiled and left my knees. "I'm sure you're amazing Roxanne."

I blushed and looked away, as Ashton started drumming lightly on his drumpad. Luke and Michael started playing some chords that I know all too well. They chose my song, the one I wrote for them, right before I left, Long Way Home. I gave my all into the song, and I gotta admit that I got a little emotional singing it like that, just like we did in Calum's basement. The end of the song called for a group hug, and we left the venue soon after. As we walked to the place where the boys wanted to eat, Demi got close to me, and whispered in my ear.

"I was right, you really are amazing." She was so close that I could feel her breath on my neck. "I hope you sing more in the car now."