Imagine:
"I'm not happy about this."
You've been dragged by your family to Heinz Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to watch a football game: Steelers vs Packers. You hate football, but you weren't given a choice. You walk with your family up to your seats and you sit down with everyone. "Hey, honey. We're going to go get food. Would you like to join us?" You say no, and your family leaves you there to watch everybody's things. You exhale and roll your eyes as the game begins. Everyone around you begins waving yellow things in the air. You're not sure what they are, so you stay seated. Suddenly, you feel a tap on your shoulder. You look behind you to find Dana Vaughns. That's right, Dana Vaughns from IM5 was sitting RIGHT BEHIND YOU! You smile at him and he holds a yellow thing in your face. You flinch and he chuckles.
"It's called a Terrible Towel. It's what we Steelers fans wave around to support the team. I take it you don't go to football games very often?" You, embarrassed and shy, shake your head no. "Hey, I'm Dana." "I know," you say. Immediately, you cover your mouth, hoping he didn't hear you because you didn't want to scare him off by being an 'annoying' fan. He did hear you, however, and he stands up, signaling you to do the same. You do, and he hugs you.
"What's your name?"
"I'm Jess," you say bashfully. "I love your music." He grins and turns to his mom and dad who came with him.
"Hey, Mom! Dad, this is Jess! She's a 5er!" You blush brightly as his parents look at you. His mom says "Come here, Jess." You listen and, having an end-of-the-row seat, get up and walk up to her. She looks you over and hugs you. She then turns you around and you're faced with a large man...Dana's dad.
"So, you're a fan of my son, huh?" He puts his hands on his hips as you hear Dana scream "GO! GO! GO!"
"Um, yes. I love IM5," you respond, a little nervous because Big Dana is so...well, big. The next thing you know, Big Dana has you wrapped tightly in his arms. "It's always nice to meet my son's fans!" You look up at him and he gives you the biggest smile you've ever seen, giving you a feeling of calm.
"Dad, you're scaring her. You're a huge dude. Here, Jess. Let's go for a walk." Dana holds his hand out to you and you take it willingly. You don't notice your family walking back as Dana ties his personal Terrible Towel around your neck loosely.
"Jessica, where do you think you're going?"
"Mom, this is Dana Vaughns, from that IM5 band I told you about?"
"Oh, the one you're always talking about?" You feel your face flush an extreme tint of red and you give your mother a look that could kill.
"Hi, I'm Dana," he says, introducing himself to your family with a handshake. "My parents and I are sitting right behind you! Jess and I were going to go for a walk, if that's okay with you?" You mom smiles and nods while she introduces herself to Dana's mom who strikes up a conversation. You and Dana walk to the back where all the stores are and begin to walk around. You talk for a while and without even realizing, Dana takes your hand in his.
"So, Jess. I'm betting you're not a football fan, huh?"
"No, not really."
"That's okay. What are you into?"
You and Dana are walking around for about an hour just talking about life. You've gotten to know him pretty well, and he gets to know you, too. Finally, you come to a food booth. Dana asks you what you want and you say you're not too hungry. He decides to get a hotdog and tells you that you can have some if you want. You smile.
It's 2 hours into the game and you're bored again. Out of no where, you feel someone begin playing with your hair. You look up to see Dana, who winks at you. You giggle and look forward, trying to figure out the game and how it works. You feel his hands on the back of your neck as he carefully braids your hair. When he's done, you hand him a hair tie which he takes and ties your hair with. "Perfect! I DID IT!" You can't help but laugh at his adorableness.
The game is close to ending and the night has gotten pretty cold. You start rubbing your arms for warmth, but you stop when you feel something being draped over you. Dana's jacket is nice and warm from him wearing it this whole evening. It's black and yellow and it says "Steelers" on it. You pull it closer around you.
"Thank you, Dana."
"You're welcome. I couldn't let a beautiful girl freeze." You blush. The game is about to end when Dana pulls you aside behind the bleachers.
"Hey, Jess. I've really enjoyed our time tonight. I was wondering if you wanted to maybe...keep in touch, you know...so we could maybe...um...hang out again?" Your mind is blown. Is he asking you out?
"I'd like that a lot," you reply and bite your bottom lip. He steps closer to you.
"I really like you, Jess."
"I really like you, too, Dana."
"I know we just met, but...can I kiss you?" Your heart races as you nod yes and his plump, soft lips meet yours. As soon as he kisses you, the stadium goes crazy and Terrible Towels begin whipping around the air like crazy. He breaks the kiss, but he pulls you close. You both step to a place where you can see the scoreboard. The Steelers won.
"I guess this is a good sign, huh," you question to him. He kisses you quickly again and says "It's the start of a beautiful beginning."
Author's Note to Jess
I'm so sorry it's not better, sweetie. I know nothing about football, and my parents wouldn't stop swarming around me. I did the best I could for now. I really hope you like it!
