[Whiplash by Metallica]
I woke up in the morning with no hangover, but a sense of regret. I remembered what happened last night. I really wish I hadn't ran into Lars in the bathroom while I was singing my heart out. I probably sounded bad and it was really awkward that we were singing two love songs by the same band. All that aside, it didn't seem like Lars remembered it. I asked him and he had no idea what I was talking about (or at least acted like he didn't..). Today was the first night of the tour. Metallica had a bassist filling in for them so they would sound right. 

(a/n: once again, I know this isn't a thing, but it's completely necessary)

They didn't want to do it without Cliff, but the show must go on. This bassist would only be going to the shows to play. He wasn't staying with us in the van. Thank god, I really didn't want to meet anyone new. It sounds bad, but I'm more of an introvert. Despite that fact, I'm getting used to hanging around Kirk and Lars. Kirk has become my friend and confidante, besides James. The only thing that I can't tell him about is my feelings for Lars. He would make it so hard for me not to tell Lars how I feel. Maybe I should tell Kirk then. Who knows, maybe Lars likes me too.

Quite a bit of time had passed and it was time for the show. "Hey!" James called out to me from the backstage door. "Hey you. Ready for the show?" I asked him. His guitar sat on a chair to his right. He patted the guitar and made a microphone with his hands. He sang a "yeaaahhh" into it. I laughed "I guess you are. You'll do great." I smiled at him. "You get a spot in the front row! You aren't gonna miss your best friend's performance." He grinned. "Wow, front row! Thank you James." I was very appreciative of the spot. I love concerts but I've never been in the front row. Tonight I would get to be in that row, closest to the stage. "Wanna know where you're sitting?" He said as he motioned for me to follow him. I nodded my head and followed him. He led me out onto the stage behind the curtain so nobody could see us. He pointed to the seat right next to the drums....

Oh my god, right next to Lars.

This has to be some kind of set up! How could I possibly land in this many situations with him? First, Lars told me to sit next to him on the bus. Second, I have to sleep next to him. Third, I have to share a blanket with him, all cozied up. And now I'm sitting next to the drum set. Damn what luck.

"Do you like your seat?" James grinned at me. "Oh you know it! It's perfect. Thank you!" I smiled, trying to hide my shock and mild frustration. "Oh good. I'm glad." He looked up at the clock. "Shit! Ten minutes to show time! Lars! Kirk! Jason!" James called to the others and I went out to my seat. The person closest to me, a blue eyed beauty queen with bleach blonde hair, looked really jealous. She turned up her nose, narrowed her eyes at me and frowned. I just shrugged and smiled at her. She crossed her arms and looked away.
Soon enough, Metallica came onto the stage. James's loud voice broke through the speakers. "How are you doing tonight?!" The crowd roared. "That's great because we're Metallica and we're going to rock your world!" The first few songs I knew. I had heard James practice them before.

Then it got to a different song I hadn't heard before. James said it was from their first album. I guess I had skipped over it? "This one's called Whiplash!" Without missing a beat, James and Kirk were guitar gods. When I looked over at Lars playing the drums, I looked with pure admiration. He was absolutely incredible. So much talent contained into one man. He looked really sexy playing too. He put his whole being into it, and to me that's crazy hot. Maybe I imagined it, but I could swear that Lars looked over at me with his emerald green eyes and winked.

The show went on and it was amazing. I really enjoyed it. Once the show was over, James smiled at me and gave me a sweaty hug. "Oh god James! You did great, but now I've got your sweat on me..." I laughed. James showed me to the shower that they had backstage. "Thanks, much appreciated." I smiled and walked into the bathroom. I took a quick shower and came out. "Hey Riley." Lars grinned at me when I came out. He wasn't wearing a shirt and his jeans came down fairly low. I took a second to adjust to this sight and then spoke. "Hi Lars. You did great out there." I smiled while swallowing my feelings about the way he looked (absolutely incredible). "Thank you, dear." He winked at me. Dammit, he probably did wink at me on stage. Oh that look... and he called me "dear". He definitely likes me. It's time to stop being a coward and say something. I stepped towards him and stood in front of him. "I have something to tell you. It's important." I looked around the room to make sure James, Kirk and Jason had gone away. They were nowhere to be seen, but I could hear them in another room talking to a few fans. "Lars, I like you." I just said it straight. My heart was pounding out of my chest. I couldn't contain it. Lars looked at me, smiled, and took my hand. He put his other hand on my back and gently pulled me towards him. He kissed me and it was like a new world opened up. As soon as he pulled away he said "I like you too". He sat down on the couch and patted next to him and I sat with him. He held my hand until we could hear James and Kirk entering the room.