This One's For You (an Austin Carlile fanfiction)

Chapter 1

I’d been waiting for months for this day. I was packed in next to screaming fangirls maybe ten feet from the stage, waiting for my favorite band to perform their set. With everything set up, they jogged on to a wave of high pitched nonsense emitting from the mouths of devoted fans. Austin got the loudest reception, of course, and I screamed when I saw him, too. He was my hero, and my heart was about to burst just being in the same room with him.

                They played an awesome set, starting with Second and Sebring, then moving on to The Great Hendowski, then three of their newest songs from their re-issue of the flood (the only excluded one was The Calm), and more from each album. Overall, they performed about ten songs, and each one was its own experience. I jumped and sang along, basking in it all.

                After their set, there was an announcement that the whole band would be available for a signing in roughly three hours, and then the next band got on stage. After some more jumping to some well performed songs, I was drenched in sweat, and so was everyone else. My friend and I decided we would get in line for the signing, even though there were about two hours left until it started.The time went by so slowly, each second alternating between heart flutters, aches from standing for so long, and annoyance from “fans” who barely knew the band at all. Finally, we were almost there. I could see Alan’s hair; it stood out, of course. I could also see Austin, sticking out from everyone else because of his height.

                When it was finally my turn, I couldn’t stop the tears welling up in my eyes. The first one I met was Tino, and I gave him a hug, his beard tickling my forehead. Next, I met Phil, and we fist-bumped. He was so relaxed, he always was. Then was Alan, and I had to give him a hug, I just had to. I apologized for being so sweaty and for crying on him a little, and he said it was alright and signed my slip of paper with a “Meow” at the bottom, next to his name.

                Then I saw Austin. I started sobbing, especially when he hugged me. He asked me if I was okay, and I shook my head no. He asked me why, and I told him. “It’s because- well, you’re my hero, and you barely know I exist. And I try to be strong, but…” I showed him my wrist, covered in scars, some old and some new, pulling up my sleeve carefully, hoping that no one else but him saw.

                He pulled me into another hug and asked me never to hurt myself again. I nodded into his chest, not tall enough to reach his shoulder. He told me my time was up, handing me the paper he’d signed. It had a message that he wanted to see me again to make sure I was alright, including a place and time. I wiped my eyes and grinned back at him as I walked away. He glanced my direction, offering a return smile.

                I was just so happy I would get to see him again. I was so, so happy. My stomach was filled with butterflies, my heart beating so fast I could feel it pumping.