Fallingforyou // Matty Healy

Gigs

The boys had another gig tonight, they are currently running in and out of the cabin packing Hann's car with their equipment whilst I'm propped on the wall smoking a cigarette.

I watch George literally throw Matty's guitar into the car without a care in the world, a loud clattering noise sounding throughout the street. Adam shouts from the garden "What was that? Was that my car?" as George turns around to me before shouting back "Nah just hit a bin, don't worry mate." as he shrugs at me making me chuckle.

I could hear Matty say to Adam "That boy and bins honestly." which made me laugh even harder causing George to roll his eyes and laugh along. Ross, Matty and Hann are soon walking out to the front, Matty stealing my cigarette off me on the way to the car.

"Atticus is coming tonight, he's bringing some of his friends along." I tell the boys.

"Atticus is coming?" Ross says in an almost panicked tone. I look at him confused and he stares at me before walking back into the garden.

It had been a few years now since Atticus had got his own place in the city. I'd take the train sometimes on weekends when I wasn't working to see him, Matty or Ross would usually tag along. He rang me the other night for our weekly gossip and I'd told him the boys were doing a gig in Manchester to which he promised he'd be there supporting his "favourite dickheads."

I got in the car, sat between Matty and Ross as George was usually shotgun for being so tall. Kanye West sounding through the radio, Matty demanding it be turn up louder whilst Hann complained that this was his car.

We danced, well as best as we could in a car filled with instruments sticking in our backs all the way to Manchester. Arriving at the venue in no time, we got out and Adam told us he'd go let the owner know we'd arrived.

Atticus arrived shortly after 7, coming straight over to us and introducing his mates before going to the bar to buy our drinks. He came back to the table with a tray, handing them over to each of the boys before handing me a cider. We thanked him in unison and talked among the group for an hour, everyone getting to know each other and bantering back and forth before it was time for the lads to play.

Even though Matty puts on this "I'm invincible" persona, he wasn't and I could tell he was nervous seeing as this was a bigger gig than usual. I pull the 5 of us into a group hug, kissing each of their cheeks and wishing them good luck.

Once they'd took their places on stage, Matty spoke into the microphone "We're Drive Like I Do" and the music started. Atticus, his friends and I moved to the 'dancefloor' of the venue along with everyone else in the venue. I danced until I decided I needed water, letting Atticus know where I was going.

Moving out the crowd I make my way over to the bar, waiting for the barman's attention. I notice a girl next to me, sat on a barstool and tapping her foot to the rhythm. Finally getting the man's attention I shout over the music "Can I have a water please." As he handed it over to me I noticed the girl smiling at me.

I smile back and she takes this a cue to speak "They're pretty good, huh?" She loudly spoke so she could be heard over the music.

"They're really good, they're my best friends." I nod at her in agreement.

"I'm Suki." She says introducing herself.

"Bea." I tell her. "How did you hear about the gig if you don't mind me asking, you don't sound like you're from round 'ere?" I had been trying to ask people this at gigs to see what's most effective in getting them known.

"Bea, I like that! My boyfriend brought me here with his friend, I'm from London but I'm visiting. He's over there." She says pointing in the direction of a blond haired boy who was jumping around in time with Ross's bass-line with his friend.

"D'ya wanna dance?" I ask her, she looks pretty lonely by herself and I wouldn't want her to feel left out.

"Yeah go on then." She says, I take her hand and lead her back to my spot next to Atticus. We dance together (very badly may I add) and stopped to take a breath when Matty spoke out announcing that it was the last song and thanked everyone.

I cheered, everyone else cheered. Matty's gaze meets mine in the crowd and he winked cheekily at me before walking off stage.

They made their way off of stage and over to us where Atticus had bought them drinks again to celebrate. They all dived at me, pulling me into a sweaty embrace as I was struggling to breathe from being squeezed so hard.

They finally released me and I introduced them to Suki and her now named boyfriend that was Jordie. Jordie congratulated the boys, telling them how good they were.

Jamie had rang to tell the boys they had a meeting with another record label in the morning so instead of going out drinking we decided to head home. I got Suki's phone number so we could hang out if I was ever in London or she in Manchester.

Atticus and his friends parted ways with us outside the bar, he made the boys promise to ring him about the record meeting. We finally had everything packed up in the car and we all collapsed into our seats.

Matty turns to me half way through the drive and kisses me quickly on the cheek when no one was looking. I smile at him as he grins sheepishly at me.

"Thank you for coming to all our shows Muse, I think I'd freak out 10x more if you weren't there." he says quietly.

"Yeah, best groupie ever!" George shouts loudly, earning a smack on the back of his head from Matty.

I roll my eyes at the interaction, leaning back in the seat and watching the buildings pass.