Dial Drunk - Post Malone

16

Austin feels like death warmed up. It's always like this after his father invades his dreams. So he stands at the door to the tour bus sucking on a cigarette to kill his nausea while watching what seems like a million people mill around. His team, along with Dre, Cecelia and Satan had arrived earlier that morning all refreshed from their break and ready to dive into the final part of the tour. They will be travelling around the country in four tour buses. Dre, Cecelia, Austin, Grassy, and Levi will be in bus 1 and the rest of the team will be spread across the other three. "Hey, make sure Satan is not on a bus with any woman," Austin says to Jack, his newly appointed assistant, while he watches Satan sniff around the busses. "May I suggest we tie him to the back of one rather?" Jack asks. "You may suggest that. I would support that," Austin says taking a final drag of his cigarette.

"Also, bus 1 is off limits to any...visitors..." Austin says looking over at Levi who is saying a long-winded goodbye to Colter. They had grown close in the time she had spent on his ranch, but that doesn't surprise Austin. Colton is not an idiot - women like Levi are one in a million. "Does that include the apple pickers?" Jack asks. Austin's eyebrow raises and he turns to look at Jack in confusion.

"The what?"

"You know. The apple pickers - groupies, the women who show up and follow us around."

"Yeah, I get that. Why are you calling them apple pickers?"

"Grassy says the only thing they offer is forbidden fruit...apple pickers."

"Oh...well yes them especially," Austin says turning back to watch Grassy insist everyone on the team take a moment to look at the huge bruise on his back as he goes into an elaborate story of heroically wrestling a bull. Those apple pickers frequented the bus during the first part of the tour, but he doesn't want them to make Levi feel uncomfortable. He doesn't want anyone making Levi feel uncomfortable, if shit on tour gets a little overwhelming for her he wants her to feel she can take a break on the bus without the fear of Satan or apple pickers crowding her space.

"You know, the devil wears a suit and tie," Colter says as he walks up to Austin with Levi at his side. Austin knows. He has to find a way of getting rid of Satan, he does not trust him. "I know," Austin says. "It was good meeting you, Austin. I see big things for your future, you have so many talents...look after her," Colter says putting out his hand. "Thanks, Colter, and...yeah, I will be careful with her," he says smiling softly at Levi. How could he not be careful with her? He loves her today a little more than he did yesterday - as it has been since he met her. Levi hugs Colter one more time then climbs on the bus behind Austin.

"Oh, this is very fancy. It's like a house on wheels," she signs. "The trips between cities are long and we will be on the road for three months. This is our home now," he signs. "kitchenette, seating slash eating area, bathroom and bunk passage," Austin signs as he walks her through the bus. "Back here there are two rooms. One is Cece and Dre's, and the other is yours," Austin signs and then opens the door to the tiny cupboard-like room that literally holds a bed. "My room?" Levi signs confused. "Well it was mine, but you take it unless you want a bunk in the bunk passage with Grassy. I suggest you don't sleep in the bunk under him, trust me," Austin signs. Levi scrunches her nose and laughs.

"Where will you sleep?"

"On the bunk opposite Grassy. I have lived with him close to ten years - I am immune to whatever gasses his body gives off while he sleeps."

Levi pulls a disgusted face and shudders, then fall into him as the bus jumps forward. "Sorry," she signs righting herself. "If you wanted a hug all you had to do was ask," Austin signs watching a soft pink blush spread across her cheeks.

"Don't you have work to do?"

"I do," Austin signs, grinning as he leans down, his nose just brushing hers. She bites her bottom lip in an attempt to control her grin but it gets away from her and so she tilts her head up and gives him easy access to her lips. He takes the opportunity, of course he does, and kisses her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her in. He wants to stay here. Can he stay here? "Go work," she signs stepping back far too soon for Austin's liking but it still doesn't stop him from grinning. "Yes, ma'am," he signs then laughs softly when she rolls her eyes and slips into her room.