Collide With the Flair of Selfish Machines

XII

(Y/N)'S POV

I finally moved into my place in Palm Springs. I loved my old friends from high school. They knew my past and that I needed out. I can never repay them for bailing me out.

It was a warm summer day and I went out to get my mail. I flicked through the different envelopes. All of them were addressed to everyone but me. There was one...with sloppy handwriting. It was so familiar.

I ripped it open to find a small note card with tickets to Pierce the Veil's Florida show. 

I hope you'll come.

Vic wanted to see me. My heart stopped as I pulled out backstage passes. It's been nearly a year since I've seen him...physically. It's worth it to go. At least I could just say I went.

NIGHT OF THE SHOW

I wrapped the backstage pass around my neck and headed past the security guards to where their dressing room was. I knocked gently. The door swung open.

"What do you want?!" Mike shouted, rolling his eyes to the ceiling.

"Well with that attitude, nothing." I grinned slightly.

"(Y/N)!" Mike swooped me up in a tight embrace.

"Hey!" Jaime ran up toward the doorway, smiling wide. Tony walked up gently on Mike's other side.

"Can I come in?" I wondered.

"Duh!" Mike moved the others out of the way and I walked into the tiny room.

There he was. His hair was twice as long and he was tuning his guitar. Vic was so focused, so passionate about his work. It nearly turned me on.

"Hi." I mumbled, standing in front of him. The boys fell silent as Vic slowly looked up at me.

"(Y/N)?" Tears filled his eyes. 

"I made it." I smiled sweetly in my body con dress with my hair all done.

"Thank God." He sighed relief as he embraced me with his guitar separating us.

"We have like three minutes." Mike notified the group.

"You can stand on stage...like in the corner!" Vic smiled wide. 

"Sure." I shrugged.

They all began to walk to the stage's entrance. I followed behind to stay out of the way. Vic was first, followed by Jaime and Tony, and Mike held the back position, drumsticks in hand.They were jittery and preparing for the big crowd.

"Congratulations. Break a leg tonight." I grabbed tightly onto Mike's shoulders.

"Thanks, (Y/N). We're glad you could make it." Mike turned around quickly and pecked my cheek. I blushed, remembering the time Tony kissed me accidentally. They ran on stage quickly.

I stayed long after the show, just catching up with them. Tony and I kept a distance with him sitting by the table on the bus. Mike was drinking a beer and leaning against the kitchen counter. Jaime was more attentive to the television than us. Vic and I sat beside each other on the couch.

"I missed you." Vic placed a hand on my leg.

"I missed you, too." I laughed slightly, placing my hand on his.

"I'm sure you'd rather see me dead that face me. I was surprised you came." He looked at the ground and giggled.

"No, no. I wanted to see you. You were great!" I reassured him.

"Well then." He laughed. "Please understand me when I say I'd rather see you dead than live without me."

"Vic." I gave him a concerned look.

"Please. Join us for the rest of the tour." He begged, squeezing my hand. "I mean, I don't think you'll ever want to love me, but I've met the love of my life."

"Vic." I began. "I. Okay." I gave in. "You have to help me pack." I gave a crooked smile.

Vic grew excited. I drove him to my place and we quickly stuck clothes into my suitcases. I left a note for my friends and we bolted back to the bus.

It was the beginning of another wild ride. I could feel it.