Off Record

/Three/

A/N: Please excuse any errors. I edited this draft about 6 times. I'm getting back in the flow of storytelling so let me know how I'm doing 💜

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I tried sleeping on my back first, then my stomach and on both sides but it wasn't working. Even with the curtains drawn, my mind was still going around and around in circles. I finally had enough and decided to get my typewriter out of its case to start translating my notes into an actual format.

Lost in my work, I don't notice the time and was only snapped out of my trance when the phone started ringing. I quickly get up and grab it from the receiver. "Hello?"

"Ms. Pierce. I called to remind you I'll be taking you back to the arena in 30 minutes."

I finally look at my watch. "Thank you for reminding me. I'll be ready." I hang up and run to the bathroom to do something with my makeup and hair. I already have an outfit picked out so I'm not worried about that.

I take most of my time fixing myself in the mirror then carefully putting on my white button up and black sweater vest over it. Pulling the collar out and tucking it neatly. I comb through my hair again, making sure it was to my liking. Just as I finish applying my lipstick there is a knock at the door. "Shit."

I run to slip on my shoes and grab my bag that's carrying everything. As I open the door I'm expecting Casey but it's Prince. "Hey." He greets looking me over.

"Hi." Is all I can manage. He's dressed in a white romper this time, with a white and black patterned button up that's tied at his midsection. Around his neck a pendant necklace that carried the sign I'd come to learn was his creation and a gold waist chain to match.

"You kinda look disappointed it's me." He says in a playful tone. "No, no, no. I just was expecting your security is all." I self consciously start fixing the cuffs of my shirt even though they already are how I want to them to be.

"They're downstairs waiting for us." He backs up, signaling me to come out and close the door, which I do. "Oh, okay. Is the band already gone?"

"Yeah, they usually get most of the crowd gone before I go out the back. You look nice by the way. I guess it's cool you're wearing my colors, tryna match me."

There he goes again, being his charming self. "Thank you. I guess I just knew you'd be wearing black and white tonight." I tease playfully.

Prince presses the button to take us down stairs with a sly smile on his face. It's quiet as we ride the elevator down. He stars at the floor, taking slow breaths. I'm guessing he's a bundle of nerves before every show.

When the bell rings and the doors open, we're guarded all the way to the back with a frenzy of flashes going off as soon as we're outside. When we get inside the car I watch him shake his arms and hands like there's something on them. As we pull off he starts to tap his foot to a rhythm he can only hear.

"I always start feeling this vibrating sensation under my skin when I know I'm about to go on stage. It only stops when I'm finally performing."

"I think it's energy from excitement and anticipation. I've watched a few other performers do crazy stuff when it's close to the show."

His eyebrow raises in curiosity. "What's the craziest thing you've seen?"

"Umm..drugs and or fights. Then they'll go on like nothing ever happened and come off stage so calm and ready to talk about anything."

"Well I can't promise you anything crazy like that." He chuckles. "I can promise you a good time tonight though. I got you the best seat in the house, so I expect to see you having fun."