A Photographers Love (Awsten Knight)

13

Once Awsten and I finish eating, we start heading back to the bus. Not before arguing over who was going to pay for breakfast. I said I should pay because it was my idea but Awsten said that he should pay because he kind of invited himself. We finally agree on each paying half.

On the way back, I get a text from Geoff.

Nerd🕹
Did Awsten kidnap you?

Remi☕
Yup

Nerd🕹
Well tell him to bring you back

Remi☕
We're just a couple of blocks away from the bus

Nerd🕹
Good

The rest of the day is spent sitting on the bus watching movies with Geoff and Otto, all of us squished together on one couch once again. I sit in between Awsten and Geoff, more like almost on top of Awsten, and Otto is next to Geoff. Several times I see Geoff and Otto glancing over at me or whispering something to each other.

Soon, it's time for sound check. We all head inside where the guys go straight to the stage to start sound check. I make my over to the stage after looking around for a second. Taking a few test pictures from the edge of the stage, I decide to get onto the stage before Awsten can drag me up onto it. I get in a few more pictures before the guys get done with sound check. We all decide to go out and get some food before the show.

We go to a sandwich place not too far from the venue to eat. We talk about random stuff and make plans to hang out with some of the others tonight after the show. After we get done eating, we head back so the guys can get ready to play.

I give Awsten, Geoff, and Otto all a hug for good luck before they run out on stage. Everyone starts screaming and they begin their set. I just smile to myself, happy that I was given this opportunity. Not just going on tour with Waterparks, but just being able to tour with so many different bands and getting to see them interact with their fans. Shaking my head, I start taking pictures of the guys and of the crowd.

While they play, I take several photos from backstage before moving onto the stage, being sure to stay back and out of the way. A few times, I see Awsten looking over at me and smiling. About halfway through the set, I move down off of the stage and to right in front of it. I'm careful to try and stay out of people's way so that they can see.

During the last song, I head back up on stage and stay near the side that the guys will run to when they are done. Awsten thanks everyone for coming out before they all run off stage, straight for me. Instantly, I hug Awsten. "You guys did so good." I say before pulling away from the hug and going over and hugging Otto and then Geoff. It doesn't really bug me that they are all sweaty. I guess that's just another thing I have gotten used to because of my job.

We then start walking to their dressing room. "Okay, so what are we doing again tonight?" Awsten asks, putting his arm around my shoulders as we walk.

I shake my head. "Well first, you guys are going to take a shower because you are all sweaty and stink."

Awsten looks down at me with mock hurt. "How dare you? I smell wonderful." I raise an eyebrow at him. He then sniffs himself and gags a little. This causes Geoff, Otto, and I to laugh. "Okay. You're right. We need to shower."

Soon, we arrive at their room and Awsten goes to take the first shower. With the tiny bathroom on the bus, you learn to take advantage of the showers at the venue. They usually have more room.

Geoff sets up his Nintendo Switch and we all start taking turns playing while the guys take turns in the shower. They all take fairly quick showers. Once the guys are done, we head back to the bus to wait for everyone else.

We planned on going out to eat with everyone from As It Is, Chapel, Sleep On It, and some of the crew. It doesn't take long for everyone to meet up and we all head out to go eat. I talk to Patty while we walk.

As we walk though, I can't help but to feel that something is missing. Just then, Awsten comes up from behind us and starts walking with us, putting his arm around my shoulders. The feeling I had disappears.