my body's burning for you

I feel like dancin

I was drenched in sweat as I walked off the stage behind Gabe, small beads of the salty liquid dripping down from my hairline. I grabbed the towel that hung over my shoulder and wiped it across my face, dishelveling my hair in the process.

I needed a shower.

"First day of tour really busting your balls?"

Vic snickered, running his fingers along the strings of his guitar while the other held the pick meticulously.

"Least I've got some."

I muttered as I passed him. It was a lame comeback, but I was too tired to think of any others.

"Remember you're coming out for King For A Day, don't get too cozy!"

He called after me, my only answer being a groan. It wasn't as if I hated being part of the song, it was my favorite to perform and the most popular amongst the fans. I'd get used to it in a couple of days.

I thanked those who complimented our performance with a smile as I entered the rec room for the third time today, going straight to the fridge; but for water instead of beer. I crouched down to reach the lower shelf and grabbed one of the plastic bottles, feeling it crinkle under my grasp while my fingers worked to twist off the cap.

"Hey we're having a little party after the show, to celebrate the first night of tour. You in?"

I didn't even hear Caleb behind me until he spoke, and it was hard to hide the fact that it startled me. I looked up at him from my position near the ground. He had one arm slung over the door of the fridge, his other hand busy holding his second beer.

"What time?"

I inquired, standing back up and downing half my water in a few gulps.

"Is 10:30 okay?"

I nodded, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand and licking my lips. They tasted salty.

"Sweet. Meet us at our bus then. Good job tonight too, dude."

He smiled and walked away, leaving me standing next to the open fridge.

~

I barely had time to shower and change my clothes before the clock struck 10:30, attempting to quickly towel dry my hair while everyone else made their way to Beartooth's bus a couple spots down. I huffed and tossed the towel into our makeshift hamper.

It'd have to do. Who was I trying to impress, anyways?

It seemed as if I was always the last one off the bus, and I walked by myself in the cool night air to the party. The shades were closed but I could still see the multicolored lights flashing behind them, indicating everyone was already well into what seemed to be a long night.

It was sweltering inside, making me wish I had chosen shorts instead of jeans. But there was no going back now. I looked around at everyone talking, laughing, dancing to the loud music, and of course, drinking.

"Kellin!"

Vic slung an arm over my shoulders, and I could tell he'd already had something to drink.

"Hey bud, is everyone already here?"

"Pretty much. Oh, Caleb wanted to talk to you. He was wondering where you were."

Vic informed me before wandering off, trying to coax Tony into having  another drink.

I set off to find Caleb, who ended up being in the back of the bus along with Gabe and Jack, who had their eyes glued to the tv in front of them. It was then that I noticed the Xbox controllers in their hands, and I cracked a small smile.

"Hey I was looking for you!"

Caleb said as I sat down next to him on the tan faux leather couch, handing me a drink in a red solo cup.

"Vic said."

I answered, watching the brown liquid swish around in the cup before I took a small sip.

"You playing with them?"

I nodded towards Jack and Gabe, thinking maybe Caleb had been playing and they just kicked him out. I knew the feeling well.

"Nah, Halo's not really my cup of tea."

Caleb corrected, crossing on leg over the other. I nodded understandingly.

"You wanted to talk to me?"

A sudden look of realization spread across Caleb's face.

"Right! I just wanted to have a conversation with my best buddy, is all."

He patted my knee, and I must've looked confused. Best buddy? We rarely hung out outside of tour.

"Listen, I know we've never been super close."

Caleb added on, leaning closer to me. His tone softened.

"But I really like you, Kellin, you're a great guy."

I knew he didn't mean that how I thought he did, and I smiled at the compliment.

"You ain't bad yourself, Caleb."

~

(This is super short and sweet but I wanted to get something else up today, there will be longer chapters tomorrow!!)