Drown (Doomed sequel) - Oli Sykes fanfiction

15. I'm not okay

A/N: Speeding through the first part of the tour to get the story moving along properly, but it's worth it, I promise!

CW: Some anxieties around the tour schedule/artists for Mia, a bit of smut to finish up the chapter nicely including outdoor sex, sex in a place some would find inappropriate/disrespectful - but this is Oli and Mia we're talking about - the limit does not exist ;)

As planned, Mia arrived in the foyer at just before midday and Max exited the lift shortly after. He was chatting with a group and waved Mia over to them. Mia swallowed as she recognised the group as the members of Falling In Reverse, but she took a deep breath and put on a friendly smile.

"Guys, this is Mia Thompson from Metal Focus in the UK," Max introduced her and she held her hand out politely to shake the band's hands in turn. "Mia, this is Max, Christian, Tyler, and Ronnie."

Mia had heard some things about the band that she wasn't keen on, so she was pleasantly surprised by how warm and receptive they all seemed to be, especially Ronnie. But her guard was still up and she was still going to tread carefully.

"So what's the plan today?" Mia turned back to Max.

"Well, I think these guys are heading off for their rehearsal shortly, so it's up to you. Tour officially starts tomorrow, so it's your last real day of freedom until we break back in the UK in a couple of weeks!"

Mia laughed at Max and turned as another voice came from behind her.

"If you're going to be writing about all of us, why don't you come out to our rehearsal with us?" Ronnie was a lot more laid back than Mia was expecting. "I'll be real with you, Mia. We've had some bad press and with publications like PowerSound trying to turn us into hot gossip, I appreciate when the realities are shown like they are in Metal Focus."

Mia's gaze softened as she listened to Ronnie. He seemed to have some beef with PowerSound, but that didn't seem to be unusual in this business. They were only ever interested in making a story and they'd go out of their way to get it. Ronnie wanted to set the record straight and although Mia was surprised to hear it, she was proud of the fact that he had decided she was the right person to ask for help with doing so, despite feeling a little guilty for her hesitancy to work with them.

"Sure," she smiled warmly back at Ronnie. "Let me just go and grab my equipment."

Within a few minutes, Mia was bundled into a waiting car with Ronnie and the rest of his band and headed to the venue for their rehearsal slot. Mia gazed around the huge stadium in awe as they arrived and made her way to the stage while she waited for them to set up, familiarising herself with the photography pit and other parts of the venue.

A familiar voice made her turn and she was greeted by Hayley who had appeared next to her.

"He's not as bad as people think he is," Hayley inclined her head towards the stage where Ronnie was fiddling with the mic stand. Mia followed her gaze and sighed.

"Yeah, I kinda figured," she replied. "I got a totally different vibe than I'd expected, but I can't say I'm mad about it."

Hayley nodded and pulled up a chair. Ronnie raised his head at the noise and flashed them both a grin as Mia nestled behind her tripod, snapping a few candid shots before they started the rehearsal officially with "The Drug In Me Is You."

Hayley stuck around for another couple of songs before Taylor appeared, kissing her sweetly and letting her know they had to get back. Mia waved them both off and captured a few more snaps of Ronnie. Even when she had a different opinion of him, there was no denying what an incredible performer and artist he was. His jocular personality shone through even in rehearsal and Mia couldn't help bouncing off his energy.