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A couple weeks passed and before you knew it was the day of Pickles concert. You spent the whole morning taking a shower and finding the right outfit. By the end of it, your room was a mess of clothes strewn about but you were finally ready to leave!
You had looked up the address the same day he gave it to you and it turns out it wasn't even a venue but instead an outside location. So you made sure to choose something that was cool but also practical for going to an outdoor punk show. You looked over yourself once more before finally heading out.
After some time walking, you showed up to a little spot near a bridge and you were surprised by the sheer amount of people that were already there. However, that didn’t stop you from walking closer to the crowd and seeing the band that was setting up in the front. Immediately you could smell the weed permeating the area. A slight frown crossed your face, you thought you were early enough to get a close spot but there were already people crowded around waiting for them to start.
In the designated ‘stage’ zone, two of the band members were checking the amps and other sound checks. Though, the one that really caught your attention was the singer. You didn’t know what you expected but Pickles stood up at the front holding a microphone and looking out into the crowd. He was wearing torn up patch pants and a cut up band t-shirt turned tank top.
You could tell that he was nervous about something with the way his fingers were playing with the microphone wire. His eyes scanned the crowd before finally landing on you. Once they did, his eyes lit up and his shoulders fell like a small weight was lifted off of them. A smile crossed your face and you waved up at him.
It wasn’t long after, that Pickles introduced his band and started playing the first couple songs. Despite being the openers for the night the crowd was no less hyped.
Song after song played and you couldn’t deny that they sounded pretty sick. The people around you definitely agreed if the screaming and rowdy pit was anything to go by. You caught yourself wondering if Pickles ever tried making a demo cd including their tracks.
Throughout his performance you were able to get closer and closer to the makeshift stage, while simultaneously managing to avoid the pit. At last you were so close you could see the sweat start to bead at his forehead and was that eyeliner? It looked messy and like he half-hazardly drew it on but it was attractive nonetheless.
Eventually, the band's time came to an end and Pickles shouted into the mic giving credit to every member before giving a final goodbye. The next band started getting ready and before you knew it Pickles was lost somewhere. You figured he was likely celebrating with his friends after the successful performance.
Though, only a couple minutes passed and you could hear him yell your name over the mass of people. Your head shot up and the moment you found his voice, you could see him almost trip and drop his things as he came running over. A lit joint was pinched between his fingers as he held onto a beer can in the other.
You covered your mouth to hide a laugh.
“Be careful, I don’t want you dying right after the first time I get to see you play.” You teased once he got closer.
“So I take it you liked the show then?” Pickles grinned confidently and without another word he passed you the joint. You took it in hand and took an experimental drag. Not too bad, you thought before taking another hit and handing it back to him.
“I didn’t totally hate it.” You exhaled and shrugged but you couldn’t hide the smile on your face.
Suddenly the sound of the next band testing their sound system was heard and the mass started whooping in excitement.
“I guess I’ll have to see how these other guys do and then make a judgement call.” You taunted him jokingly.
“Oh whatever.” Pickles gently nudged your shoulder playfully as he took a hit of the blunt. Once he handed it back over to you, he opened his beer and took a drink.
As the day turned into night, the two of you spent it listening to the other bands play while sharing the same joint (halfway through a performance, he miraculously had found another in his jacket pocket) and laughing together. As the show progressed and the weed started to hit more, you felt yourself getting comfortable enough to banter and tease him like you were long time friends.
You didn’t even realize till the person on the mic yelled that the show was finally coming to an end, that you guys were way closer to Pickles than you remembered. You were too caught up talking and getting to know him more to notice but it didn’t seem like he minded so you didn’t bring it up.
“Sooo..” He dragged the word out before continuing, “Would you now say my band was your favorite?" Pickles asked with a dopey smirk after finishing his 3rd beer and tossing it into a nearby garbage can.
“Hmm..” You pretended to think hard about your decision.
“I think I may need a little more convincing. Walk me home?” You grinned because you had already decided it was your favorite of the night. You just didn’t want the night to end so quickly.
Pickles beamed followed by,
“Whatever you say. Just lemme go tell my friends so they don’t think I’m passed out in a ditch somewhere.” Pickles then looked at the bunch of other people who were slowly dispersing.
He must have caught sight of one of his friends because he glanced back at you before quickly jogging (and almost stumbling) to them. You could see them exchange some words before saying goodbye. Pickles didn’t leave you waiting long but he did stop by a random cooler to grab another beer on the way back.
“Okay, we’re good, let's head out.” He used his thumb to point to where everyone else was leaving on to the main path.
When the two of you finally got onto the sidewalk and started walking, you kept bumping shoulders. The spikes on his jacket kept poking you but you guys laughed every time.
Eventually you make it to your house not too far away, though you almost walked past it in your haze. You manage to say your goodbyes and Pickles jokingly promised to tell you if he ever got suspended again. Though, you figured there was some truth to it.
When you made it into your house you noticed your parents must have left again. Oh well, that didn’t wipe the smile off your face as you ran up your stairs and up to your bedroom window, looking out just in time to see him finally walk away.