Leaving the nest (Howler01 and Anguijenn)

[Anguijenn]

Tara stood outside the club with her sweatshirt hood pulled up over her brunette hair. It was a cold night that had already started off on a difficult foot. As her friend continued to rattle on and on about the band they were going to see, Tara closed her eyes and took deep breaths of the frigid cold air. In her mind she processed the events that got her to where she currently was.

A good way to describe Tara is sheltered. She was raised as a preacher's daughter and had to be the model daughter. Every night was spent volunteering and studying. Straight-A's and her social life was restricted to 'parental approved' friends. Having never drank, or even said a curse word in her life, she was intimidated by people her age that would go out and party every night and talk about all the stupid things they did. Some mistook her as a prude or stuck up when really she was just awkward and shy.

Earlier that day, she had been sitting in the college library studying when her friend Emma, the chatterbox rattling off about some mystical band member, invited her out. Tara had always passed and played it safe saying that she had to study or some other safe excuse. Emma finally convinced her to break out of her shell a little bit with the promise that she wouldn't have to drink or could leave if she felt uncomfortable. It seemed safe enough and so Tara finally nodded and trust her friend.

"Come on, Tara...The line is moving up! Get out of your dream state and focus! This is going to be amazing!" Emma said as she gently nudged Tara's shoulder.

"You realize I don't fit in here right?" Tara asked as she looked around at the people waiting in line. They were all dressed in gothic-ish attire and wearing far too much make up. Definitely not Tara's style. She was wearing a red sweatshirt jacket, mittens, a loose t-shirt and tight jeans that flaunted her lower figure. Compared to the crowd, she looked like a lazy nun.

"Whatever, you're fine. Come on, we can go in! I want to get in the front row, the singer is supposed to be gorgeous!" Emma said with excitement as she latched her arm in Tara's and guided her into the busy club.

[howler01]

for Derek, the music was all he had left. School was a distant memory and a n education was something he would never achieve. Fortunately, he didn't have to as his "back up plan' of a music career had taken off...well sort of. He had his own band, Dreadnaught, and their music was selling well...locally at least. but, he wanted more...to be bigger, get that record deal...go national. Sadly, to get there, he had to play at places like this.

The back room of the club smelled like ...old gym socks, people, sweat..and other things Derek care not to know the origin of. The rest of the band was setting up the instruments and doing last minute sound and mike checks. Everything seemed ready to go. "Don't freak, man, we got this. This is going to get us on the map, I promise you. You're sure about this whole fake blood thing, though? I mean, we didn't hear anything back form that acting company about who they were sending did we? their drummer Jake asked. Derek responded with a shake of the had,"No worries. We got it all sorted out. We'll find the person. They'll stand out, that's what they said. We'll get it all taken care of. This is going get us so many hits on youtbe, everyone will take notice. Controversy sells man. Nothing better to make money.

They laughed briefly and gave each other high-fives. The large metal board was wheeled out onto the stage and hidden in the back underneath the Meadows of some of the spotlights. They'd use it when they had to. Derek, his down hair hanging down his back, tattoos showing, and black cloak costume on, walked out to the stage and surveyed the crowd closely. He hid his face though a mask that did not alter up his voice too much, which he was grateful for. He did not see this supposed actor or actress, only the normal crowd of metal heads. He shook his head, figuring they'd make their presence known later on. He took off the mask to get the crowd's reaction, they cheered.

He stood in front of the microphone and as a check for himself, announced that," Tonight! We've got something wild and crazy planned. So look out! 'cause you're not gonna know what to expect! YEAH!" He left the mike where it was and walked backstage, shaking his head again and muttering curses. It was too late to call the company now...they'd just have to pick someone out of the crowd...Someone who wouldn't fake it.

[Anguijenn]

The club was ridiculously packed with dark looking people that made Tara clench on to her friend a little tighter. She got a lot of sideways glances making her feel even more like an intruder as they made their way through the crowd. After what seemed like 20 minutes and acquiring a bruised shoulder, they heard the announcement from what must have been the lead singer. Emma got so excited that she grabbed Tara's sleeve and yanked her to what must have been the 'perfect spot'. They were properly between what appeared to be a biker dude and a lanky man with far too many piercings to be deemed 'normal'.

Sighing, she took off her mittens and put them in her pockets before lowering her hood and revealing her pale skin and auburn brown hair. Her uniquely vibrant green eyes standing out in the club that was beginning to dim the lights. She could already tell that a headache was imminent as the drummer tested his prized possessions. The whole scene made her cringe. With a bite of her lower lip, she was about to tug on Emma's sleeve and ask to leave when some guy behind her smacked her butt.

Turning her head quickly to find the culprit, her long brunette hair whipped through the air quickly. "Goodness, Emma. These people are nuts.. Do I have to stay here?" Tara pleaded, her voice strained from trying to talk over the people.

"Oh calm down, Tara. It's time to step off that pedestal and enjoy the beautiful things in life like gorgeous singers and kick ass drummers." Emma retorted with a devilish grin.

Tara just shook her head slightly, took a deep breath, and looked up at the stage. Already she was concerned about how she was going to survive this night. Leave it to the singer to make it even more terrifying with a promise of surprises. All she could do was pray to the lord her father praised so highly that she wouldn't get caught on someone's camera and be discovered by her parents. The last thing she needed was to explain why she randomly decided to go to a death metal concert and watch some "hell spawns" on stage.

[howler01]

Stepping onto the stage once more as the lights dimmed, Derek, mask less this time, surveyed the crowd again. At first, no one in particular caught his attention, but then two girls in the front did. One who...looked like a standard crowd member, minus some of the tattoos and piercings of the others and the other, who clearly didn't fit at all. Well, they'd said she'd stand out, but really? I mean they couldn't have at least made her somewhat normal? Fine. Their actress. Not that I really care. or give a shit. he thought as he walked briefly to the side of the stage and gestured to the security standing that the girl in the red sweater was theirs and was going to be part of their act. He got a curt nod and an "okay" in response.

Derek walked to the microphone and bowed his head briefly. He wasn't saying a prayer, just trying to concentrate and hope that his voice held up for the entire show. He raised his head and his eyes met those green ones of the plant standing not too far in front of him. he gave her a small nod of recognition, but noting more. He didn't want to spoil the surprise by drawing too much attention to her. So, he focused briefly on her and mostly on the other crowd members. He raised his arms and let out an initial scream into the microphone.

The band proceeded to go through their list of songs. Derek's voice did hold up, always a good sign of things to come. Before the last song was played, he made a motion and the light dimmed on stage and the large round piece of metal was brought out on stage. He motioned to the girl in the red sweater, again just briefly, and watched as security went to bring her up and he took the time to turn around and walk towards the back of the stage. There, he grabbed the four blood packs that would be taped to her arms and legs and the long knives that he would throw at her. He put o the executioner like mask and waited for her to arrive on stage as fog began to swirl around his feet, obscuring everyone's view of what was about to happen.

Derek took the liberty of walking back up to the mic and showing the crowd one knife and announcing," It is time. The angel will now be sacrificed!. He had four fake knives, which would be used to pierce the blood packs, and make it appear that she was bleeding. The last knife, the real one, would simply be thrown at a premarked spot on the board and would not hit her...he hoped.

When she was brought up, he knelt beside her as the "assistants", really security and the road crew, removed her sweatshirt because that was not going to look good at all. Meanwhile, he taped the four packs to her arms and legs, murmuring quietly,"Safe word tonight is Angel. Got it? Last one will be at your head, so get nice and comfy up there. He made sure she could not move her arm or her legs and that she was security strapped to the large metal dart board and motioned to have it raised up over the stage and the crowd.

[Anguijenn]

Emma could hardly contain her excitement and started to literally bounce up and down as the band took the stage. Tara watched in anxiety as she realized the singer was looking dead at her. Noticing his nod, she raised an eyebrow. What was that about? Oh man.. I told her I'd stick out like a sore thumb! Maybe I can claim a bathroom break and get the heck out of here. She thought but luckily, the singer took his eyes off of her and began to sing, if you can call it that, his songs.

The crowd was screaming so apparently they thought it was good. Personally, Tara couldn't understand a word of it as it was all screaming in her ears. For the type of music it was, she figured it was pretty high quality based on the mood of the people around her. At any rate, she still wanted to run away. Finally, she shouted in Emma's ear "I have to use the bathroom... I'll be back in a bit.". Being completely ignored, Tara had begun to slip through the crowd as a security guard took her arm.

"Hey, let go of me!" She yelled partly out of annoyance and the other just to be heard over the screaming fans. He narrowed his eyes at her slightly before guiding her up on to the stage. Oh god no.... I'm so dead.. Dad's going to see this and I'm dead! She thought with panic in her eyes. As if this situation wasn't bad enough.. they were pulling some death contraption up on to the stage and they were taking off her sweatshirt.

She tried to ask what was going on but when the singer went up to the mic she heard her doom from his lips. Sacrificed... Oh joy. Now afraid and upset that her life was in danger and realizing that her dad was right all along, the singer came up to her. She had some choice words for him but when he began to speak, her brain went silent. He was far more attractive up close than amongst the creepers in the crowd. Swallowing hard, she saw the knives in his hand and the blood packs that were being attached to her extremities.

Hearing the safe word, she began to ponder on how he would even be able to hear her say it. She wanted to scream it at the top of her lungs just to get out of this but her fear made her mute. They secured her to the metal death board and she stared at the knives with her bright green eyes. In her mind, she began to apologize profusely to her father for her actions tonight. She hadn't done anything wrong but it felt like she was being punished and then some!

Suddenly, the board began to lift up and her eyes went even more wide as a tear streamed down her cheek. She was beyond afraid, she was petrified. Her breathing, unbeknownst to her, had become ragged and she was starting to hyperventilate. There was no doubt that she was a believable victim.

[howler01]

Derek had noticed the absolute fear in her eyes and th thought briefly crossed his mind that she wasn't who he thought she was...but he dismissed that quickly. Her friend was literally bouncing with excitement, no doubt she'd be even more jealous of this. He raised the fake knife up in the air and threw it at the spot where the blood pack was, as the board turned around so that he could not see her . It was better that way, more believable that she was actually being sacrificed. he threw the next three, each landing with a real clank on the board, but none had any effect on her whatsoever. Oh, she'd need new clothes afterwards, but they always managed find something...appropriate for the show for their plants to wear.

The last knife, and the only real knife, he held for a moment, as if he was being deliberate. He sang a bit of the song that was accompanying the whole "ending". He held the knife aloft above his head and the crowd screamed for him to throw it. Then, as planned the light went out completely and he threw the knife. Unknown to the crowd, he'd painted a glowing "X" on the board, a spot he would be sure to not harm her but would it make it real, effect wise. The light came back up spotlighting both him and the "angel" in red light. He finished the song and the crowd again went nuts.

He watched as she was lowered to the stage once more and he proceeded to walk backstage, gathering up the standard "goodies" that each person they hired got. But, he included a bit more money than usual, because she'd been so good. It, admittedly, was a bit of a bribe and a hope that they could either hire her permanently to do this kind of thing, or she'd come back. He also grabbed the "clothing" that the band had to replace what she was currently wearing, which was surely stained with red dye that would not come out. Along with this inside of the "goodie" bag, was a copy of the band's latest, a card signed by each member, and a t-shirt.

Ordinarily, one of the security guards or the road crew delivered such things, but Derek decided that he'd do this one on his own tonight, since she'd done such an amazing job. He approached her and holding out the clothes first, indicated a dressing room and said, smiling broadly,"I don't know where you came from...but, wow...that was amazing! Look, I know this is jsut the standard stuff and you probably have a thousand other bags just like this...but I included some other stuff inside, if you ever wanna come back and do this again for us. you...really were great out there. Usually, we get people who just play it up and it looks fake. The fans may look dumb and scary, but they're smart. They can tell when it's real. Tonight? it was real. So, uh Thanks again, you were really amazing. I'm Derek, by the way, what's your name?" he gave her yet another smile and extended his hand. he expected a pretty cold reception, it was what he'd gotten thus far from those they'd used. He wondered absently if anyone had been video taping this. Cell phone video was only so good, but it would have to do. if only they had the money for a professional camera crew. damn Well...maybe now they could actically get one and they'd hire this girl to pull that some act again, they'd film it and it would be glorious.

[Anguijenn]

Tara continued to hyperventilate until the sound of the knife hit the board. A scream escaped her that was blood curdling. As if this wasn't bad enough, the crowd was cheering louder than ever. Another knife hit the board and she slammed her eyes closed as tears streamed her cheeks. Each knife created more stir than the last. That's when she remembered where the last one would go. He was going to aim for her head!

Tara forced herself to remain completely still. She kept her eyes sealed tight and her breath continued to be short and quick. In fact, the lack of air in her body was beginning to make her light headed. As the knife hit the spot, she feinted on the board. No doubt everyone would believe he really killed her. As they lowered the board with her limp body, the crowd went crazy believing the 'angel' really was 'sacrificed'.

The security guard woke her up from her feinting spell and made sure she was okay before they guided her to back stage. She was furious and her whole body was alive with adrenaline. Had she not been so petrified, it might have felt good. With some deep breaths she was able to collect herself before the singer came over to her holding a bunch of items that she cared nothing about. The way he was speaking to her made her think she was some sort of hired actress.

She narrowed her eyes at him as he smiled and gloated. When he was done speaking, she tried to calm herself. Taking his hand, she held it gently and spoke with a slightly quivering voice. "I don't know who you think I am, Derek but I was not hired to come here tonight. I was dragged here. There was nothing voluntary about what just happened. You scared the living day lights out of me!" With that, she let go of his hand and, taking the clothes, went into the indicated room. Without hesitation, she changed into what was provided to her. The sooner she was in these clothes the sooner she could get out of here and go back to the safety of her home. As the fear subsided, she began to realize how alive she felt. There was a part of her that was tapped into that was exciting but not enough for her to throw everything away. Furthermore, there was no way her dad would accept such a thing. No. She was better home.

She stepped out of the room in a more form fitting shirt with Derek's face on it and her long brown hair fell down upon her shoulders. With a calming sigh and a small polite smile, she held out her hand. "My name is Tara."

[howler01]

Derek's elation drained as if someone had stuck a thousand pins in his self-esteem balloon. This was bad. This was really, really bad. Had he picked the wrong girl? Had the plant eve shown up at all? At hearing her words and seeing her hand, he got a morbid look on his face. he really didn't know what to say. how could he just simply apologize and say everything was going to be okay. he'd traumatized the girl! Derek looked utterly horrified at what he'd done. He just sort of stood there, open mouthed while she dressed herself. She looked beatuiful in the shirt with his face on it, but he couldn't really see much else now except the mountain of papers that meant a lawsuit for what he'd just done.

He hesitated quite a bit and said with a utterly horrified tone,"Tara. I...I don't even know what to say right now...I thought you were the actress we hired to do that part. We don't allow...real people..normal fans, I mean, up there. The company said she'd stick out in the crowd...and I thought...you were...Just...just whatever you do, please don't sue us, okay? It was an accident I couldn't stop the show to ask you. I'm sorry...I... He took her hand in his own and squeezed it gently, not a handshake, but he wasn't prepared to give one. Not after she'd unleashed that bomb.

"Look..um.. Just.. just take whatever you want to. All of that stuff I gave you it's..it's yours! Keep it! I'm...not ready for jail. I may sing about it sometimes, but I can't go to jail! Is..is there something I can do to make you just...forget that this all happened? I eman, not...not what you felt, but that you know...what happened up there. Derek let go of her hand and dropped to his knees, interlacing his fingers. He was definatley begging her now.

"Look...umm..if..if you ever wanna come to one of our shows...it's free! just... just tell them you're with me and...they'll let you through, I promise! Just please, please don't sue us...okay? I...I really am sorry. If I had known none of this would have happened I swear! you...you came with your friend. Didn't you? Lets..lets go find her and see if she can't give you a ride home alright? He rose back to his feet and cleared his throat, clearly trying to compose himself. He extended his hand out once more for her, now wanting to be extremely protective of her. He began to walk towards the stage and the crowd once more, to see if they couldn't spot her friend. If she could take Tara home, then maybe...just maybe this fantastic show, turned nightmare from hell would be okay.

He even managed a tiny smile at her, it was a nervous smile, one where his gums barely parted and his teeth barely showed, but it was a smile nonetheless.

[Anguijenn]

Tara looked at the man before her and was in slight shock. This was supposed to be some hardcore bad boy and here he was completely beside himself that he could have caused harm to her. She found it almost endearing as he took her hand. It was a little sweaty but it was to be expected of someone that just did a concert. She was going to tell him that it was okay and that it was only a mistake but he let go of her hand and dropped to his knees.

She raised an eyebrow at him as he offered her the opportunity to come to another show. Something about it just seemed humerous. So much, in fact, that she had to stifle the smirk that had begun creeping up on her face. When he asked about Emma, she simply nodded. A small tinge of relief took over as Derek stood back up and extended his hand.

The sheltered child within her screamed for her to take his hand. The over cautious side screamed for her to run away and find Emma alone. Slowly she took his hand and in a strange way, she never felt safer. Heck, he already had her life in his hands once. She's still standing, so that had to be a good sign, right? As they began to walk towards the front of the stage, she caught the glimpse of his slight smile and she felt all the adrenaline wear off.

With a bashful look, she let her hand slip out of his and look out into the crowd for Emma. Would she really leave Tara behind? For some reason, she wouldn't be surprised. With a small sigh, she turned to Derek. "I don't see her.. it's okay. I'm not going to sue you.. if I had to be honest.. it was the most alive I have ever felt.. which.. you know.. is ironic given that the whole scene was that I was dying." She let out a small awkward cough before shifting her weight on her feet. "Don't worry about me.. I'll be okay. I can get a taxi." She added almost too quietly.

Seeing her jacket on the side of the stage, she started going towards it to put it back on. There was way too much strange happening and not enough familiar. At this point, her sweatshirt was her security blanket.

[howler01]

The girl wasn't going to sue him...them...anyone. This was a hug relief to Derek. he exhaled audibly with relief. His shoulders went back to their normal positions and he followed her out to the stage, wher the crowd was beginning to leave. She mentioned that her friend had left her and that, she'd just take a cab home. Derek's own wild side said he should offer to tkae her home. His cautious side said let her take a cab. He was at a loss for what to do. But, she'd mentioned she'd never felt more alive in her life. That had to be good, right? her words dictated Derek's next actions.

He reached out and took one of her hands again, once she'd gotten her sweatshirt on, that was, and said,"No...Tara, you don't have to do that, I feel really terrible about tonight. Look, let me take you home, please? You're...really pretty and you're different, and that's special and amazing and beatuiful to me. I...I can't explain it, but I kinda like you. I mean...sure...I never thought that all that was real...to you, but...it's the least I can do.

Derek's social awkwardness was showing slightly and he knew it. Onstage, he was a bad boy, hardcore, and unafraid to talk about anything or anyone. But, here and now? he was absolutely terrified that he'd say the wrong thing and she'd leave. He desperately wnated someone new and different in his life, and so far, Tara had provided that. He smiled at her and blushed a little. She must know how awkward this was for him. He sighed and said,"Maybe...maybe we could go get a milkshake or something? I mean...it's not that late, is it? I mean...if you're needed at home or something...that's fine, too. I totally understand. I can just take you home, no problem there, but...I guess I just don't want this night to end so quickly...

And five minutes later, you'll say you want to marry her someday, right? You realize that if she's like this...never been out type...what will her parents be like? you'll never get accepted by them...his mind cautioned. But, Derek pushed those thoughts away. Surely, she was old enough to be out on her own. She just needing someone to help her see that there was more to life than just sitting at home...doing...whatever it was that she did.

He led her offstage and back out to the parking lot, where his bike stood. He turned and faced her,"Your choice, home or somehting to eat and then home. Don't' worry, I have two helmets. he chuckled awkwardly and gave her yet another big smile. He'd done this plenty of times with other girls, sure...but things had been different, then, they'd gone back to his place...and well..one thing had led to another...and they'd slept with him. Tara was nowhere close to that and part of Derek liked that. He'd have to work to get her in bed with him. Maybe, she'd learn a few things along the way, too.