Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time

Chapter 14

It's a few days before tour, and Panic! At the Disco is set to go to their first location. Brendon rushes to get his necessities together. He checks and double checks, and he's already feeling the buzz and excitement of playing music in front of thousands of people. Right as he's zipping up his suitcase, Sarah walks in with a pair of black pants.

She says, "Our laundry got mixed up again. I don't think I've seen these pants before."

Brendon eyes them and he's oddly enough baffled as well, "Hm, yeah I don't remember these." He takes them from Sarah and looks at the fabric thoroughly.

"Yeah... no I can't recall buying these. I like them, though." He says, before slipping them into his suitcase.

Sarah ponders, "Maybe they were a gift from someone."

"Yeah that could be, course I'd feel bad if I forgot who they're from." Brendon replies.

His phone buzzes, it's Zack. He answers, "Yeah, man, I'll be out soon."

He grabs his suitcase and gives Sarah a quick kiss. He takes one second to let his mind slow and give her a genuine kiss. He looks down at the engagement ring on her finger, and brings up her hand to his lips. A ring that beautiful suited her well.

He presses his forehead against hers and whispers, "Can't wait to marry you."

They both smile, and finally Brendon heads out the door.

~~~

The first few weeks are electric. Brendon watches as fans scream back the new songs to him. He's so glad they love it, because he's always worried about the critics' reaction. Life feels good for the singer, getting out songs created from the heart, especially This Is Gospel. He thinks of Spencer with every lyric that falls from his lips. He hopes that his best friend will be well enough to come to his wedding. He even contemplates postponing it as long as it takes. As much as he'd marry Sarah in a second, there can't be a wedding without a best man, and he couldn't think of a better person.

The final week comes around, and there's one particular night in San Francisco after a show where the boys find themselves in a local bar. The alcohol falls down their throats as they reminisce about the tour. Brendon usually gets buzzed after three drinks, but he doesn't feel any different. He goes from shots, to large glasses, and back again. He wants to feel... something. Why doesn't he feel anything? It's a constant question.

After a while, he goes to the men's room to take a piss. Oddly it doesn't stay that simple. Such a quick stop and leave situation, but the atmosphere seems different. The other men there radiate something; an infectious glow. Brendon isn't sure if it's his eyes absorbing the visuals, or some sort of animal instinct in the pit of his stomach. He tries to ignore it, doing his business and then washing his hands. Another man stands next to him and the musician's hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He glances to the individual next to him, and there it is; that glow. Those pheromones so fucking strong he could taste them in the air.

The man makes eye contact with him. No, no, no, Brendon repeats in his mind. He shakes it off immediately, and heads out of the bathroom. Maybe there was something in his drinks... but he isn't dizzy. Whatever that was itches at his skin like an oncoming addiction. The concern melts off as he sits back with the guys. Even just sitting with them, he starts to pick up on the smallest things; the clank of a glass, and even a girl's whisper. He occasionally glances around the room and notices the different colors. The way people catch his eye, how fascinating. They all eventually feel like it's time to leave, so they start to head out of the bar. Brendon stops in his tracks however, as the glow of the full moon illuminates someone to the left of him. He turns and notices it's his old dealer from when weed wasn't easily accessible. As much as this guy wasn't a friend, he decides to approach him anyway.