[IC] Singing Through Protection

[StitchedOwl]

It was a big step in her career and a shock that she had been asked to go on tour with one of the hottest names known to man. It was a duo, brother and sister, everyone wanted to be like them and wanted what they had. The pair was a force of sensation that went straight to the top and now she would be on her way to go on tour with them. The first place of meeting was in NYC. This was a dream happening all to fast it seemed as she had gotten the phone call with the invitation to join them. Of course she hadn't said no to the pair and now was on her way to NYC for the first time in her life.

The plane ride was long and boring and she had been a nervous wreck. Her manager had known a friend that would be accompany them for the tour. He would be serving as her personal body guard, she was just the opening act but the duo were famous and anything could happen. Lord only knew how many jealous fans would die to be in her shoes and on tour with them.

As the plane landed, she got off and found her way to the hotel that she was instructed that she would be staying out. It was one of the finest and it was heavy with security crawling the floors. It had been a couple hours since she landed and settled into the hotel room and now it was time to head on over to the arena they would be singing out tomorrow night to do a sound check. She had to remain calm and not seem like a total mess when she made her first impression, they were everything. No one would forget their first thoughts on her.

This was really happening and here she was with her manager as the room seemed busy with people busting around to make sure everything was set up and ready to go for tomorrow night. Savannah was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a plaid pearl snap shirt, it was a light shade of purple with blue mixed in with it. Tucked and looked like she just walked off a farm, her hair wavy and flowing down her back as she glanced around. There was so much going on around her she was unsure if they had noticed the new comer to the arena or not.

[World Traveler]

Devin parked the rental car and got out with the sun beating down on the hot parking lot. Looking around he adjusted his sunglasses back to his eyes and looked at the meyhem in front of him. Tech people were running wires from trucks to the loading bay area and speakers the size of a motorcycle were being wheeled up ramps. A large man with a security windbreaker walked over to him and took down his information followed by letting him know how to get into the concert venue.

Following those instructions he made his way through the winding maze of the backstage location until he found what he was looking for. “DEVIN!” A voice rang out through the whole stage area. Turning and seeing his old friend walking towards him, he smiled and the two gave each other a hug. “Happy you could step in last minute. The original team we had wasn’t able to do the first two locations so you are really helping us out.”

“Yea well you did say it was a candy grab gig so who am I to say no to easy money.” Devin said casually. “You said this was a small show isn’t this like one of the bigger venues in the whole city?” He was concerned because his old friend had a habit of under explaining and this was quickly looking like another situation with that tail.

“Well yea but your escort isn’t the headliner so you don’t have to worry about the same type of issues. For now at least. Like I said she is going to be the next big thing.” Anyway I am meeting her at the hotel later today so come by and we can do a meet and greet.” He then, as quickly as he came left the place and gave Devin the time to do a full walk through.

Three hours later and a quick talk with the regular security team for the stage. He was being frisked by hotel security. When they looked over his ID they waved him through and he made his way to the front desk. “I am here to see Savannah working as her personal security.” Devin was then directed to what floor and room. He made his way up and walked into the room after he knocked.

His old friend brought him in and let Devin walk in to meet his protected. He was wearing dark jeans and a black shirt and a mustard colored motorcycle jacket. What he saw in front of her was an attractive woman who apparently has the voice to match. Smiling he extended a hand for a handshake. “Hello nice to meet you Savanna. My name is Devin Coal. I’ll be shadowing you for the next few shows while we get the companies regular protection team in place.”

[StitchedOwl]

After making her rounds around the arena and checking out the stage, there wasnt much more for her to do here. The only left for her to do was to retire to her room and try to calm the growing nerves about tomorrow. Savannah had never gotten in front of so many people and rightly it was all starting to become so real. Tomorrow night would be the final night.

Once back in her room she was a mess, pacing the floor and room like a mad woman. As her door opened she paused and glanced to the door as the manager and some guy walked in. She blinked a few times and then looked him up and down. Her eyes scanning over every inch of him as if checking for imperfections that he may or may not have. She couldnt find any and gave a slight smile as her eyes finally found her managers and then his. "Hello There...Nice to meet you too." She stated and then extended her hand for the handshake. Her own hand would be smooth and warm, almost two warm from the pacing and anxiety that had seeded itself into her mind. "Seems my manager know how to pull in the right guy at the last minute. Not a bad choice.."

Savannah then began to walk around him as if needing to check out the back side of him as well and then nodded with yet a bit of a bigger smile on her face. "Yes better then the usual guys he brings in to do this gig." She stated as she came back around to the front of him and found his eyes again. Her own giving a slight sparkle as she stared at him. "I guess we will be getting to know each other over the course of the tour. " She turned to her manager and then gave a slight nod. "You can go if you want, I promise not to scare the new guy..." She laughed a bit and then walked over grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. "You want one?" She asked as she waited to see if she would be grabbing another or not.

[World Traveler]

So this is what it was like on a meat market… Devin thought to himself while the woman sized him up. He understood wanting to know more about the people you work with, but he wondered how much practical knowledge in protection she learned in her time as a singer. Still she was nice enough and seemed more down to earth than most celebrities he saw on the news so that was something worth celebrating.

He gave a slight blank stare when she mentioned getting to know each other during the tour. It was news to him that he had been signed on to more than a few shows in the East Coast. He looked over at Eric and frowned for a moment. His old friend giving him a sort of silent ‘don’t hate me’ look which was all Devin needed to see to realize he very likely had been hoodwinked.

“Yeah well you will barely know I am here. I’ll be making sure the regular venue security does their job and we should be fine from there. If you have a problem with any of them or worry about something you just have to tell me and I will make sure it is handled.” Eric gave a small grin as he watched the two dance around each other. It looked almost like some sort of weird mating ritual you would see on nature shows.

Upon dismissal the manager said his cheerful goodbye and left quickly so Devin couldn’t pin him to the wall and make him spill the beans on being signed up for more than a week. Instead he accepted the water from Savannah and took a seat over by the window. He then dragged the curtain to cover it and then stood back up moving towards the bed and leaning against the wall.

“I listened to your music on the way over here.” He said remembering her song playing on the radio. “People are saying you are looking to dethrone Taylor Swift." He mused this last part. Not really meaning anything from it, making it sound like an observation more than a statement. “This your first time in NYC?”

[StitchedOwl]

"Barely know that you are here. What do you think I wont notice the man standing around watching me at all times." SHe laughed a bit as she handed him the water and then watched as her manager headed out, leaving the two alone. It wasnt the first time that Savannah had been assigned a guard and it wouldnt be the last. The normal guy not being able to attend for whatever reasons he had given her manager, she didnt care for him anyways.

Once the manager left, she sat down for a moment before getting up and pacing once more. Her eyes moving over to him as she paused in mid step as she spoke of listening to her music and her possibly dethroning Taylor swift. It was true that her music was good but she was no where near close to dethroning a music legend such as taylor herself. Her confidence before hand while she sized him up now gone and replaced with the nerves once more. "Yes, it is my first time and also my first time with singing in front of such a crowd that will be there. This will make or break my career.." She stated and then began to start pacing once again.

Her mind began to wander and began to think of scenarios that could or could not happen. She sighed a bit and ran her hand through her hair, the pacing continuing. "So how well are you at protecting someone? " SHe questioned back as if to take her mind off of the idea of singing tomorrow. Normally she wasnt a nervous wreck like this, she truely did enjoy singing in front of an audience. It just didnt make any since why she was so nervous now. "So Devin, talk to me do something. My mind is a nervous wreck and I need to get it all worked out by tomorrow. " Savannah stated softly as she continued to pace the room as if trying to figure out just how it would go tomorrow night.

[World Traveler]

Devin noted several similarities to Savannah and his little sister. They had very similar nervous ticks including pacing back and forth and talking for talking's sake to try and distract themselves from their thoughts. Still the same pressures on a 16 year old in the school glee club wasn’t able to hold a candle to what Savannah was about to attempt. Devin thought it was cute to see an artist so many people already were buzzing about freaking out.

When she asked about his ability to protect he didn’t take it personally as he had already figured the talking for talking sake out. He wasn’t sure how to answer this question. In actuality he had little experience actively protecting a person. Instead he was someone who studied and assisted those who protect people. Still it wasn’t like her production budget could afford an actual security team so he was his friends only option.

A white lie was likely the best in this situation. “I work with a lot of people who want protection.” he then continued. “My job is normally more abstract; however, I study places and confirm where protection is weak and needs updating. At times I am protecting intellectual property and other times it is a group of people. I also worked at a school for a contract on occasion.”

He smiled when she finally just demanded that he talk to get her mind off the impending public performance. “Well if you want my advice don’t focus on the crowd.” he stood up and walked over to his charge. “A friend of mine is a really good shot and he gave my little sister some advice once that worked for her.”

Standing in front of Savannah he looked her in the eye. “Pick one person out in a sea of people and sing right to them. You connect with that person and I am sure you will connect with the crowd. Find some girl who is so clearly happy you are there that you can do no wrong. Just sing to her and when she smiles you will know you are doing okay.” he then took a sip of water and returned to looking through the room. “After that just have fun.”

[StitchedOwl]

Savannah hadnt even been very aware at the moment that he had indeed already been watching her and learning her behaviour. She stopped when he spoke and she listened to him, his words making an impression on her as he spoke of the people and things he had protected. He definitely seemed like a better fit then most of the other guys that her manager brought in. "Thats great. So I shouldnt have to worry about safety at all. " She stated and then continued to pace as she couldnt get her mind to settle down.

His next words made her stop once more and she let out a sigh. "Thats a great idea. I have never heard that before, usually its all smaller venues and less people. They already like me and are there for me. This crowd they arent there for me. They are there for Jason and Beth. Known as Dynamite Duo. What if I Make them look bad... I would never be able to live with myself. I have had such a huge crush on Jason, I am not sure I can perform under so much pressure to be perfect..." She was definitely rambling and talking just to talk, even though she was sharing information that she wouldnt normally do. It seemed she was slipping and losing her grasp on her own emotions.

She walked back to the mini fridge and pulled out a small shot of whiskey and opened it up. Tilting her head back, she took the shot in one drink and then closed her eyes as it went down and settled in her stomach. "Maybe that will help. I have never been so nervous before. I am going to get no sleep and being tired and nervous. This cant be happening. Maybe I should just fake being sick and back out..." She also suggested as she finally sat down on the couch and tried to keep herself somewhat calm. This was a whole new side of her that she wasnt even aware existed until now, the night before the big show.

[World Traveler]

Devin saw the wheels spinning in the young woman's head and the hand break was starting to falter. He was about to stop her when she took out the whiskey, but felt it wasn’t entirely his place to start monitoring her consumption. Still he planned on closing the mini fridge. That shot of alcohol likely cost over 20 bucks if he knew anything about hotel pricing.

Talking someone down from anywhere was never really a strong point of Devin’s communication skills. He had already used his one proven piece of advice with the whole focus on one person bit which clearly wasn’t enough to stop the wings from falling off. “Calling in sick isn’t likely allowed. Especially considering the concert is in…”Checking his watch he looked at the time. “Less than 6 hours away.”

Maybe brutal honesty was the key. “You are right you know. He started. “More than likely there isn’t going to be a single person in that show who bought tickets to see your act. Jason and Beth are the headliners. The pressure is on them to actually bring the show.” He turned and faced the TV which was showing the hotel amenities on a loop.

“Right now you have everything to prove, but nothing really to lose. I am sure people are telling you this is your big break, but the reality is you aren’t being introduced to the world until your first album is released.” Devin had done a bit of reading and learned some of the hard numbers on what opening acts carried with them.

“To be honest you have already gotten ahead of the game. Most of the time an opening act only follows the headliner for a few shows and then is replaced by another local group for another leg. Name recognition is your friend. Don’t blow them out of the water or try to outstage anyone, including yourself. Just go out sing and smile.” He mentally shrugged at his pep talk. Unlikely to make a movie scene, but the numbers made out in his head.

At times Devin’s analytics sort of took over and he talks with numbers instead of emotions. His family and friends say this comes off as weird to most, but it is how many things in life make sense to him. He hoped this at least made sense to Savannah. “Also we should get you something to eat. I don’t know if you have had breakfast or lunch but while it was one shot I am not interested in that being what your breath smells like when we get you to your rehearsal later tonight.

[StitchedOwl]

Savannah had already lost track of time and hadnt realized that she had paced the afternoon away. . It was getting close to the time for rehearsal and meeting the pair. She sighed a bit as she sat on the couch and listened to him as he began to speak. He gave her key points that started to calm her down just a bit as she continued to listen to him. She wasnt the main show and she had no need to worry so much. The big deal was after her and she only had a few songs to do.

"You are right. They are the main act and I will just go and sing like its an everyday thing. No big deal. I just need to stay calm and enjoy myself." She took a breath and relaxed a bit more as she sat there and watched him as he went behind her and closed the fridge behind her. He was also right that calling in wasnt going to be allowed and she would become a disgrace if she backed out on them. Everyone would know and her career would take a turn for the worse.

"That is true. They must like me because they invited me on the whole tour and not just part of it. Good key points. See you are a savior already." She gave a slight smile and then stood up as he mentioned getting food. Yes, she needed to eat and then freshen up. It was a big night tonight. "Breakfast no not yet, its already past that. Do you have family back home or where ever he found you from?" She asked as she got up and then looked to him and raised a brow. Changing the topic from her to him. "Eric said the food here was good, it was why he booked this one for us. Shall we?" She asked him as she started to the door.

[World Traveler]

“Just trying to help.” Devin said. Shortly after the conversation thankfully switched over to a more casual tone with Devin’s personally life now in the cross hairs. “Folks live in Seattle. They are retired so they snowbird down in California in the winter. My sister is going to school in Chicago.” He then gave a chuckle when Savannah mentioned the food being good here.

“Overpriced and all French.” He said with a clear, but minor amount of disdain. “Would be better to go down to Doyers Street. You are lucky. Not many hotels can say they are situated a few blocks from the best Chinese restaurant in the city.” They then made their way down to the lobby, put their coats on, and headed out into the busy streets of NYC.

The reason Devin had insisted on them leaving the hotel wasn’t just for the good Chinese food. Instead he had every intention of using the little field trip to better equip Savannah for what it was like being protected. He knew she was still perhaps a little on edge after the hotel room scene, so he wasn’t going to jump in with the lessons just yet, but more wanted to watch and see how she conducted herself in public traffic.

They made their way to Chinatown and quick as they came arrived at Devin’s recommended restaurant. When they walked in the place was small, no more than 15 chairs for customers to sit. The door was equipped with bells that rang as the walked in and an older woman smiled and welcomed them into the restaurant. She said it would be about a five-minute wait which Devin gave a friendly nod to and then stood with Savannah off to the side so as to not block the door.

[StitchedOwl]

Savannah watched him as he suggested leaving the hotel. She nodded, putting a little trust in him about what food was actually good. "Why would Eric lie to me then or did he just not really care? Maybe he has poor taste buds." She joked a bit as she made her way down to the lobby. Soon their coats were on and they were out the door and headed into the busy streets of NYC.

Savannah wasnt used to such busy foot traffic and she was a bit weary as they made their way down the street. Staying close and being completely aware of where he was and who else was around her at all times. She never let him stray to far from her as they made their way to the restaurant of his choice. It was a bit smaller and she walked in with him and smile fell on her face. Happy to be off of the busy street and in what seemed like a very nice place even if it was on the small side.

As she told them there would be a wait, she gave a simple smile and then looked to him and stepped off to the side as well. His family sounded nice and she wasnt sure what else to say about them so she had let it go. "Scattered family. Well at least they all seem rather happy. And where is it you usually reside?" She asked curious if he was in any of those places as well or somewhere completely different then his family he mentioned. She took note that he didnt mention a girlfriend or wife or children. It was a relief to know she wasnt pulling a family man from his family.

[World Traveler]

"I live in DC, but my job makes me travel most of the year" Devin said while the older woman came over and put a menu in front of both of them. Since this was a regular place for Devin when he was in town he didn't much bother with looking at the menu and ordered some small soups for a starter.

"My parents are bored out of their minds now that they are retired and my sister is dating a complete tool but he is too scared of her to act out so it works pretty well for a college romance." Devin smiled at the speed and smell of the soup as they were brought out.

"That is why I originally accepted this contract." Continuing from where he left off before and adjusting his jacket before finally taking it off. His simple v neck shirt now plenty fine as they were inside. "Your first 3 shows start in NYC and lead right to DC before you head down to Florida."

Devin personally hated muggy weather and the thought of Florida as a destination didn't sit well with him; however the money for this was good and since his regular job was hitting it's slow season he realized Eric basically had caught him in the mouse trap with Savannah's tour being the cheese.

[StitchedOwl]

Savannah waited and then as they were showed the table, she took a seat across from him and slipped off her coat as well as she then ordered a soup as well for starters. Ordering a water to go with it as she waited for it to be brought out and he continued on with his story of where he was from and how he came to be the guard for her during this tour.

"I can imagine they are bored out of their mind. both kids out of the house and no job. Maybe they should look into traveling themselves. See the world." She suggest as the food was then brought out with a nice speed and they werent left waiting to long. She began to eat and nodded to him as he mentioned their next few destinations for shows. "Yes, that is right. Three here. Some in DC then down to florida. Also places I havent been. I started out in a small town of the big state of Texas. No one ever thought I would amount to anything as a singer. I mean it is Texas afterall and country music. " She half laughed as she continued to eat.

Her eyes dropping down every now and then taking in the sight of the v neck shirt he was wearing. She was definitely glad that her guard was easy on the eyes. A eye candy for her to admire as the tour days began and she would be found completely alone most of the time. Or at least thats what she thought.

[World Traveler]

The light meal paired well with the company and seemed to relax both the singer and her protector. They swapped stories about their lives. Some about first jobs (Devin was a lifeguard at a summer camp.) Others about more recent struggles (Devin having to explain to a millionaire that cocaine was infact still illegal), and more about his family and time in the Navy.

Soon enough the food they ordered arrived hot out of the kitchen and their conversations continued. Devin felt at ease with Savannah. The southern charm worked with her both personally and physically. He felt that comment was unprofessional but he was only human and happily acknowledged it. Not like he would act on it or something of that ilk.

As they finished up dinner the check came by and Devin scooped it up before his dinner date had a chance to reach. He had every intention of expensing the meal so he saw no harm in the act. It was close to time they left too so he didn't want to deal with the dance if who would pay.

[StitchedOwl]

The meal was fantastic and the conversation was as well. It was a nice and easy time and relaxing, taking her mind off of the upcoming rehearsal and more importantly the big show tomorrow night. It was a nice change for her mind as the last few hours her mind was stuck on the show and nervous as hell. He helped ease that by distracting her and taking her out for dinner.

When they had finished and she went to grab the bill but he was a bit quicker and scooped it up right before she could. Damn this man, he technically worked for her or for her manager but still. He couldnt be responsible for her every meal and action. She allowed it this time but the next meal would be on her. She really enjoyed hearing about his family and the place he had come from. Soon it was time to be heading out and she knew she didnt have the time to fight with him over the bill.

Once it was paid she stood up and left with him, heading to their next destination, rehearsal. Her heart sped up and the nerves seemed to be returning as she looked at him and gave a slight smile. "Its almost time. Thank you for dinner, the next one will be on me." She stated as she tried to concentrate on anything but meeting the Duo and singing in front of them for the first time.

[World Traveler]

“It's a deal.” Devin said in response to Savannah’s insistence on paying for the next dinner or meal they collected for. He shouted a thank you to the restaurant which responded in kind and they left the small slice of China behind them as they returned to the crazy buzz of the city streets.

While walking towards Madison Square Garden the two were only a few blocks away from Time Square. Devin figured it might be nice to take a slight detour and show Savannah the most famous and one of the busiest intersections in the world. “Come on follow me.” He said as he got the fleeting idea as a crosswalk was starting to count down from 5 seconds. They rushed across and even earned a classic taxi cab honk as they hadn’t cleared the road when the lights changed.

Walking along and following all the tourists with their cameras out The crowd started to get denser and denser. “Stay close.” Devin said as they weaved their way past a few cartoon characters and famous movie cosplayers. Finally they broke out of the sidewalk masses and crossed the street to sit in the center of Time Square.

It may have been only 6 PM on Friday, but you would have thought it was the middle of the weekend with the crowds. Some making their way to see the signs and sights like Devin and Savannah while others were on their way to a stage production on Broadway. A few women in some exceptionally fun night club outfits passed and caught Devin’s eyes as well.

“One of the only places where you can stand anywhere and feel like you are in the middle of it all when you look up.” He said as he did so and saw all the different signs. Models on their newest makeup campaigns plastered one side while different shows like Lion King and Harry Potter were on the other. A few TV shows had some space and then up above the fray was a big neon sign and for a moment he caught something Savannah might like.

“You may not be headlining but your name is on New York City…” He said pointing up to a sign that showed the Twins with a smaller side picture of Savanna with an opening tag next to her name. “That is pretty cool.” Devin said softly. More to his own inner thoughts than to a specific intent.

[StitchedOwl]

As they left the restaurant behind and made their way back into the busy city streets, she kept close by him as she followed. Hearing him tell her to follow him and to stay close brought a bit of worry to her face as she reached out and grabbed his arm as if she was a child scared of losing her parent. She didnt handle the crowded streets very well and sighed as he seemed insistent on dragging her through them.

The denser the people got, the closer she walked beside him and her hand gripped his arm. Soon they were at time square and she let go of him as her eyes went wide with surprise and she glanced around the view. At the mention of seeming like you were in the middle of it all, she saw him glance up and followed suit. Looking up was a magnificent sight. Every sign lit up and glowing with one thing or another. When he pointed out the sign she was on, her mouth dropped open and she just stared at it in awe.

This was a nice surprise and though she hadnt planned on it, was very thankful he brought her here to see such a sight. "Oh my. Devin. It really is like I am everywhere..." She stated as she continued to look and gaze up at all the signs as her eyes then slowly went back to him. "Just how many times have you been to New York City? To know this was a one of a kind sight to see.." She questioned as she stared at him a bit longer before looking back up at the sign of her and the twins. Jasons picture causing a smile to form on her lips, her crush for him still evident if one was paying attention.

[World Traveler]

“WIth the UN based in New York, the company I work for has several contracts that take me to New York City throughout the year.” He said after a moment of letting Savannah enjoy the view. “The city is one of a kind, I can tell you that. Some can make it and some can try, but no matter what the city does to you it makes an impression.” Devin said this while thinking of his last few trips. Some good memories and some painful.

“Anyways we should get a picture for your family. Let everyone know back home who made it.” Devin then took his phone out and took a slightly candid picture of Savannah looking up at her name on display in Time Square. It was a good photo and Devin was happy with it so he started to put his phone away. He stopped when a person dressed as Spider-Man walked up and offered to take a picture of the two of them.

Now normally Devin would have politely said no; however, he had a rule when it came to the TIme Square photo workers. He knew a guy in college that had to do it when he first moved to the Big Apple and after hearing the stories and hell they had to go through every day to make the scratch that they walk home with he had discovered a newfound respect for them. “Sure, but after that we are taking pictures with you.” He said as he walked over to Savannah and they took a picture together.

WIthin a few seconds afterwards the photo got much bigger. Spider-Man waved over A Transformer, two Pokemon, the rest of The Avengers and several members of the Justice League. In all the photo included Savannah, Devin, and over 12 other people. So big was the photo that other people started to take pictures of their group and even walked around so as to not block the photo.

Once the moment was done Devin took his camera back and fished around in his wallet. Finding a few bills he grabbed what must have been around 60 dollars in twenties and handed them to the person dressed as Spider-Man. “Have a slice and drink on me man.” He said and the gesture earned him a high five from the man who headed off to split the pay with the rest of the group.

Devin turned back to Savannah and smiled “Well that was fun. I think we better head over to the Garden for your sound check.” The task ahead of them was only a little over a half a mile so they quickly made their way out of Time Square and towards the concert venue.

[StitchedOwl]

His words rang deep within her as he spoke them, about how some made it and some didnt. She only hoped that she would fall into the category of making it. The next thing he did took her by surprise as he mentioned a photo and got out his phone, taking a quick pic of her looking up at her sign before she could even realize what he was saying. "Hey... I suppose one picture will be okay." She grumbled a bit but in the end the quick snap earned him a smile.

When she noticed the spider man walk up, she was a bit on edge and just stepped a bit closer to Devin as he came up. It seemed that Devin trusted this dressed up person well enough and soon enough another picture was being taken of the two of them. It was almost as if this spiderman seen them as a couple. She smiled and went along with it and before she knew it, several more pictures were being taken as more and more people seemed to show up that were dressed up.

Savannah was laughing and forgot all about the rehearsal as the picture shoot took place with all of the characters one would only hope of running into at times square. Once it was said and done, she laughed a bit more and then turned to look at him and shook her head. "You probably dont have any memory left on your phone after that. I am sure my parents will get a kick out of them. They always wished me the best of luck. They are my top fans by far."

"Yes I think we better too. I wouldnt want to be late to it and make a horrible first impression." She gave a slight chuckle as her hand found his arm and they made their way through the crowd and headed towards the garden where the rehearsal was to take place.

[World Traveler]

"Well if you can't win over your family it might be hard to win over a crowd." Devin said after he heard Savannah talk about her biggest fans being her family. When they reached the venue the normal busy of panhandlers, businessmen, food carts, and souvenir sellers made the normal streets a maze. Finally they got to the security entrance and after showing his ID and signing in Devin was allowed to follow Savannah into the Garden.

Once they were inside they traded one chaos for another as they were immediately met with masses of people moving massive sound equipment, cables, and lighting this way and that with people shouting, yelling, and screaming commands of every kind. At one point Devin was pretty sure he heard someone tell another that they were pushing to much and not pulling enough as though the two had to be done at the same time somehow. Still it took a minute to get directions and finally a young woman with a headset ran up to them and told them to follow her.

Normally at this point Devin felt he should simply step back and let the production take over Savannah's schedule which he would do, but instead of leaving her to it and getting a small break for the evening he decided to follow and see how practice and everything else was going. Since he was going to be seeing the show at least 4 or more times he wasn't worried about missing anything, but figured seeing the behind the music documentary unfold live would at least be interested for a few hours.

When they turned a corner and walked into a room a mass of dancers, DJ's and the names themselves could be found waiting for something. When they saw Savannah walk in with Devin a few smiled, but for the most part the energy didn't seem to change that much. People contained to talk and laugh and go about their space. Near the back sitting with the twins was Eric who saw Devin and Savannah and waved them over to him and the Twins.