Could This Be Love? (Nathan Sykes fanfic)

Chapter 3

Cassie's P.O.V

We've been sitting outside the arena for hours. Every so often a few of us go to stretch our legs or go to find a toilet. Sometimes someone goes on a food run. A couple of times I've sat and contemplated the point of all this. Other times I just look at old photos on my phone or chat with the girls. I did the lunch run. We all chipped in some cash and they all gave me their orders and I went up to McDonalds to get the food. The server looked at me like I was crazy...I mean I was ordering for 8 people. I did initially wonder how on earth I was supposed to carry all this stuff back but fortunately, the food was put in bags.

The other girls have some gifts for the boys, as well as drawings. "You drew those? Wow! They're awesome. I bet the boys will love them." I say, admiring the drawings. Sam sighs, "I wish I could draw like that." She fiddles with her Avatar t-shirt. Apparently, Jay likes Avatar and Sam really, really likes Jay so I think she's wearing it to impress him.

There are a lot more people here now and the line is continuing to grow. I'm sorta glad that we came here so early now. I think there are a couple more hours to go till the show starts. "So do you guys have the VIP thing? Is it like a meet and greet?" Alice grins, "Yeah! We get to go in early and we get to meet the boys! I take it you have VIP too?" I shake my head, "No...Sam tried to get VIP but it sold out within minutes of going on sale." Alice pouts, "Aw shame! Maybe next time?" Sadie raises an eyebrow, "But why were you here so early then?" I laugh, "Cause Sam is crazy!" Sam laughs, "Am not! I just wanna make sure we get the best view. Besides during Heart Vacancy, they pick people from the crowd to come up on stage with them. I'm gonna make sure I get picked! Being close as possible to the stage will give me the best chance!" A member of staff suddenly comes out and calls out for the VIP people and Sadie and Alice get up. As they head off they smile at us. "We'll save you both a spot at the front with us!" Sam smiles, "Yay! Thanks!" I nod, "Cool! Thanks! I'm actually quite excited now. I think you guys have definitely converted me." I laugh and we all giggle together and they head inside. Me and Sam start singing All Time Low together and several people join in. It's really catchy.

After what feels like forever, the doors finally open for us non VIP people. Security are there and they check our tickets before letting us inside. Sam grabs my arm and runs forwards, fighting through the crowds till we get to Alice and Sadie at the front of the stage. They wave at us and smile. As everyone files in, music plays in the background. Once everyone is in, the lights dim and the support act comes on to the stage. They're not bad but I can't wait till The Wanted comes on stage. Although there's this feeling in the back of my mind. Like a nervous anticipation. Could it really be him? Is it? Will it? But I don't want to get my hopes up. I mean I seriously doubt it...

A loud scream fills my ears and five lads run onto the stage. The first one is very muscular and has very short hair. That must be Max. I think to myself, remembering the girls' descriptions of them. Behind him is a guy with curly orangy brown hair, who somehow trips on thin air. Sam goes crazy when she sees him. Guessing that's Jay. The next guy is tall with dark skin and an incredible jawline. Siva. He's followed by a dark-haired guy who's got these black studs in his ears. Probably Tom. I can't quite see the fifth guy yet. He's on the other side of the stage.

The atmosphere here is incredible. These boys have incredible voices and an amazing stage presence. The way they rally up the crowds. And the crowds...the crowds are insane! They're so loud and crazy. Perhaps a bit too crazy. Someone behind me barges into me, trying to get closer to the front. Arms are waving about like mad. Someone's arm flies out and hits the side of my head. I clutch the side of my head and grumble for a second. The fan looks at me sheepishly. "Sorry...I got carried away." I grin, "It's fine. I totally get why." The fan giggles and then turns her attention back to the boys. I then grin at Sam. "OW!" I laugh jokingly and she giggles with me. But then she looks at me confused, "Hey, weren't you wearing a hat before?" My hand reaches automatically to my head and my eyes widen. Damn! I look around for it frantically. That hat means a lot to me, it was one of my best friend's favourite hats. He gave it to me just before I moved away. I guess it got knocked off when that fan's arm accidentally hit me. But where'd it go?

Suddenly I then spot it. It's in the hands of one of the band members. As I stare at him, my heart starts pounding. It's the fifth member that I couldn't see before. But not only that... I recognise him! My eyes widen in shock. It can't be... He seems to have seen what happened...or at least know where the hat came from because he looks in our general direction. As he turns his head, my eyes widen. It is... it's him. It's him!!.  Nathan! He walks over to our side and looks amongst us, holding the hat up slightly. 'Who does this belong to?' He mouths.

But I can't reply, I'm frozen in shock. I can't move, can't find my voice. I can't believe it's actually him! Lots of fans clamber after the hat. "It's hers!" Sam yells quickly, pointing at me. But before Nathan can give me the hat, Max snatches it off him and runs off with it. I roll my eyes at their playful banter on stage, smiling a little. But then Max walks over to me and crouches down to hand me the hat.  I take it and smile at him gratefully.  Max nods and heads back to his bandmates. My attention then goes back to Nathan and I smile at him fondly.

I can't believe it's actually him!

They sing a couple more songs, including one called 'Replace Your they start talking about Heart Vacancy and Sam nudges me. "This is it! They're gonna pick some people now! I hope Jay picks me!" I smile at her, "I'll help you get his attention." We both start shouting for Jay as he walks along the stage, his eyes scanning the crowd. Sam jumps up and down waving a sign we made and I point at her energetically." Jay laughs when he sees Sam. "I love your energy! I think you should bring that up here!" Sam squeals shaking me a little before letting go and following Jay's instructions. I'm left with Sadie and Alice. "I can't believe she got picked!" Alice says and I nod, "Yeah, I'm so happy for her." Sadie grins, "Yeah! She so deserves it!" Alice tilts her head, "I wonder what all that was about with Max and Nath," She whispers and I shrug, "No clue." Sadie laughs, "Y'know what's funny? They all keep looking in this direction. It's almost like they've seen someone they know or something."   Alice nods, "Yeah, you're so right! Hey Cassie, you don't happen to know them, right?" I shake my head, "Nah!"  "But you fancy Nath though, right?" Sadie says. I frown, "What? Why do you think that?"  Alice laughs, "You keep looking over at him."   I laugh, "I do not! And I don't fancy him!"   "Sure you don't! It's so obvious. Can't fool us, girl."   Alice says. "Yeah, you so fancy him!"   I shake my head at them and chuckle, "You girls are crazy!"

We're all suddenly snapped out of our conversation by a commotion on stage.  Max and Nathan seem to be in a debate about something.  It seems that they've already picked Nathan's Heart Vacancy girl for him - which he doesn't seem too happy about. They're not speaking into their microphones but because we are so close to the stage, we can hear everything being said.

"You've never done this before! Why now? Is this a prank?"

"No mate, no way."

"Then why-"

"It's just...there's someone that you really should pick."

"Fine! Who and where is she?"

Max grins and points at me.  "There she is!"   My eyes widen. Wait, what? Did they plan this? But how? Do they know...?  Max then nods at me, beckoning. "Yes, you! Come on! Don't be shy." Sighing, I head round to the side of the stage where he directs me to go and the security guy helps me on stage. I'm awkwardly stood on the edge of the stage, not knowing what to do. I can see other girls clinging onto the guys that chose them. Sam is gazing up at Jay, dreamily and he has his arm around her.

Nathan stares at me as I walk on stage. His eyes widen in shock.  "Cass?!" He gasps and runs over to me, engulfing me in a hug. I smile, hugging him too.  But the hug is very quick -because of a security guy pulling us apart. Me and Nathan simultaneously roll our eyes at him.  I then find myself being moved further onto the stage, where Nathan then wraps an arm around me and pulls me into his side as they begin to sing the start of the song.

We sway a bit and I gaze up at him. During the song, we have a few cuddly moments and some goofy ones too. I'm also really glad that Sam played me the songs beforehand. I tend to learn lyrics pretty quickly so I can easily sing along with everyone.

After the song is finished the girls are all escorted offstage. But as I go too, Nathan quickly pulls me back, into a quick hug.

"I'll find a way to get you backstage after, okay?"

I nod and he lets go. As I walk off, he gives me a cheeky wink. I laugh and shake my head at him as I head off.

He hasn't changed a bit!