Hozier Imagines - V

Backstage

The concert had just ended and you waved goodbye to your friend as she walked to her car. The parking lot was packed so you decided to wait it out by standing in line for the lavatory. Standing behind a group of women dressed as fae and very drunk you starred. They looked beautiful, messy, and alive. The shortest girl was smearing the glitter on her face as she wiped old tears from the effects of the music. The tallest rubbed her arm as they both smiled and discussed the show. They all had wisps of hair now sticking out that reflected under the light from the stall entrance and smelled of sweat, and vanilla perfume. You looked down at your simple brown dress and lightly touched your straight hair. Your own makeup faded. Ping.

"Hey lady we finally made it out of the lot get home safe!"

"YAY! You too :)"

You smiled at your phone when a rough hand grabbed your shoulder.

"Excuse me miss, but can you talk for a moment?" An older security guard stood behind you. He looked nervous, and your stomach clenched.

"Yes of course," you said.

Confused you followed him to a clearing where there weren't many people. You gripped your phone and keys in case you had to attack.

He took a step back to try to assure you he just wanted to talk.

"Ma'am, someone requested you come backstage."

"Backstage? Who?"

He sighed, "I can't legally say, but their security will escort you if you're able," he nodded his head towards a man and woman in all black talking closely together, glancing at you occasionally.

"Um," you hesitated, "Sure."

"Follow me," he motioned and led you to the two.

"Dan," the woman smiled, "thank you."

"Sure Miss Laura," the old man grinned and started to walk away.

The woman smiled at you and stretched out a hand then surveyed the area.

"Hello, I'm Laura, Hozier's tour manager."

You gapped. Hozier's tour manager. What the fuck, am I about to go backstage to meet Hozier? There were no VIP packages?!

You smiled and introduced yourself with a firm handshake.

"Apologies for the discretion, Hozier asked if you would want to meet him backstage, he saw you in the crowd and was very intrigued," she looked at the man who said nothing.

"I mean, that would be wonderful, but I don't want to be any inconvenience," you blurted.

She smiled again, "Not at all, we stay here for the night so there's no rush, Simon," she nodded towards the man, "will take you back."

She started to walk in another direction before turning, "And please, no pictures unless given permission, and do not tell anyone you were invited backstage. Should I pull up an NDA?" A glowing tablet illuminated her face, she looked tired, but not mean. Straight business.
"Oh," your face turned flushed, "No I understand."

"Good," She left.

You turned towards Simon who smiled and motioned his head in the direction you were to follow. Each step felt heavy, your breath was shaky in your lungs, and you found your senses heightened at the sight of the door to the green room.

Simon opened the door and on the couch across a fairly large room, chugging water, was Hozier.

He looked up at you and immediately stood and nervously smiled.

You gaped. But forced another smile and began to pick at your nails. A bad habit.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi," was all you could mutter back.

Simon grunted and Hozier's eyes caught his and nodded.

"Thank you, Simon, you can step out if you want."

You felt your ears get hot and cursed yourself because they were probably red as cherries.

Simon closed the door with a click. You turned back and said nothing. Neither did Hozier until he cleared his throat.

"Ehm, sorry would you like to sit?"

He motioned towards the couch, and you nodded then sat, he joined you at a healthy distance.

After a moment, and little eye contact Hozier began, "So sorry to pull you back here but I had to meet you."

Hozier, a globally famous Irish musician had to meet me??

"I'm sorry?" was all you could reply.

He smiled, "I ehm saw you in the crowd a few times and you were magnificent. I don't think I've seen anyone cry harder at Nina Cried Power."

You looked down and picked your nails more, "It's a beautiful message," you said softly and extremely embarrassed.

His face softened, "I'm glad you liked it."

"I loved it," you replied, "I myself have never faced hardships the song references but I think in a way, as individuals, we are all oppressed either by the society we live in, the government we follow, or simple things such as relationships, or matters of the mind. Each person's life is an entirely different experience that not one could relate to 100%, but these matters should be used to unify humanity, not sever it."

He looked down for a moment and chuckled, "I knew I needed to meet you."

You smiled, "Because I'm an ugly crier."

He laughed, "Completely, I have never seen such a beautiful mess than the tears and smile across your face."

You laughed and forgot you were speaking to someone who could only be perceived by fame.

You both began to talk for hours as if two lost souls finally reunited. Until a knock came at the door.

Laura peeked her head in, "Andrew, it's time to head to the bus." She closed the door with a click.

Andrew sighed and looked at you, "I'm sorry, I have to leave."

"Let me come with you."

His eyebrows raised and with a wicked smile he said, "I'll take the company."