Tethered (Book Two of The Invisible String Series)

Here's To Us

Y/N POV

Charlie's opening set starts off without a hitch, and I find myself actually enjoying the few moments leading up to the show. The rest of the band and I managed to squeeze ourselves into a small section that's been roped off per our request to watch as much of the opening as we can before we have to get ready to go on. It's nice to have these little moments just to ourselves, enjoying the music and the excitement together. It's only the first show and I can see the thousands of people that are here. It looks like the entire arena is sold out and that blows my mind still. Sometimes I tend to forget that the band is as popular as it is, and it's moments like this that reminds me.

Leon's taking thousands of pictures and videos of us laughing, dancing, and singing along with the lyrics, which I'm totally thankful for. I know I'm going to end up asking for those later as I want to always remember these moments with these people.

Eventually, though, one of the stagehands comes to retrieve us and we have to start actually getting ready to perform. We're all whisked away to gather what little things we need before the first number before we're all lining up and waiting backstage for our que.

Charlie, like the absolute angel she is, gives a little mini speech after receiving her many rounds of cheers and applause from the crowd, thanking them and us for the opportunity to be here. I take my guitar from one of the roadies (because we actually have those!) and slide the strap over my head, my fingers tapping against the strings as I roll my shoulders to try and loosen up a bit. The feeling of the metal under my fingers brings me just a bit of comfort and I smile to myself as I hear the crow begin to chant the band's name.

Charlie gives us all a nod and a round of quick hugs as she exits the stage, which has now gone completely dark. The production crew's done a great job of setting everything up exactly where it needs to go, and we get started with the introductions. Each member gets their own few seconds on the stage, as we see each other as equals when it comes to our music and performances like this.

First up is Leon, who jogs out onto stage while waving his drumsticks in the air. He pauses by his drums to blow a few kisses out into the crowd, which causes me to roll my eyes good naturedly. He's such a goof, but he's got a great following and I can understand why everyone loves him.

Noah follows after, his entrance a bit more dramatic as she slides a few feet out on stage on his knees. Skylar and I both are chuckling at his antics before the prior makes her way out onto the stage as well. Sky's a bit more laid back, and chooses to just walk out with just a wave to everyone.

Then it's my turn, and with my heart racing, I let my feet carry me out to my designated spot on stage in auto-pilot mode. Thankfully we've rehearsed this a thousand and one times, so I know where to stand automatically. There's a microphone waiting for me, and after adjusting my guitar strap I lean forward to speak into it.

"I would like to formally welcome everyone to the first night of the Killer Instincts tour!"

Thankfully my inner-ear monitors protect my hearing from the amount of screaming and yelling that responds to my words, and I find myself smiling like the idiot I am as my eyes dance out along the crowd. I can pick out thousands of small lights, probably all phones that are recording this, and even a few signs that have some really interesting things written on them. My body is buzzing with my own excitement at this point and most of my pre-show jitters have disappeared, thankfully.

"As this is our very first show, we just want to take a moment and say that we are so thankful that each and everyone of you are here tonight. We definitely would not be standing here on this stage tonight if it wasn't for you all and I speak for all of us when I say that we love you all. But that's enough talking, let's get this bitch started!"