Escaping Grace

"Since when can you speak whatever that was?" Nate asked, hurrying to my side.
"It's Russian, and he was my cousin," I explained, scanning the room. You went down a flight of stairs to enter the club floor and then stepped onto another platform before descending a few more steps into the actual club. From here I could at least see the entire club. "There they are," I said, spying Andy immediately. he was at a a booth in the VIP section with the rest of his mates. There was a goggle of groupies hanging around, and I doubted we'd be able to get close without their own bodyguards tossing us out.
"Welp, let's go," Vale said, and started off down the stairs. I scurried after her, latching onto her hand so we wouldn't be separated. I kept a tight hold on her, feeling anxious again. She gave a comforting squeeze back.
We were almost through the groupies when one of them recognized us. "Miss Kabinov! Can I have your autograph?" someone burst, and then it was like a flood. "Excuse us," Clarke began shouldering people out of the way, pushing us forward until we were at the VIP box and the bodyguard was ushering us forward and giving the groupies an awful glare.
I let my breath go in relief. I turned toward the members of Black Veil Brides.
I felt the fangirl rise, but squashed her immediately as I glanced them all over. They were known for their dark hair and black bodypaint and amazing glorious music. Andys voice was so deep and melodic and calm and --- I was fangirling. "You mist be Escape from Grace," it was CC who spoke first, rising to greet us in his leather jeans that Vale was eyeing speculatively. He reached out and shook her hand, and she grinned at him. I went to Andrew expectantly, but he was draining a beer. I do believe I had fangirl lusted over him since I discovered the band, which meant I would look and appreciate but never actually touch, as was the case now. At least I could say I'd met him.
He'd had long black hair for a while, but now he'd cut it shorter to wear and with his new growth of facial hair, he reminded me of Johnny Depp, only another plus. His eyes were blue, and the smeared trademark eyeliner only made them stand out more.
"I'm Vale, that's Clarke, Nate, and Leah," she introduced us all, and Ashley gave us all a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you all. Sit down," he motioned at the booth, and Vale quickly sat down beside him.
I sat opposite her, beside Ashley, who grinned at me. Nate and Clarke grabbed a chair and pulled it to the booth. "Sooo, it's cool you guys made it. We were starting to wonder," Jinx said, and Nate looked at him. "We got held up at the bouncer. Leah had a family reunion," he explained, and I reddened slightly.
"Oh?" Ashley asked, turning to look at me expectantly. He gazed at me and I sat awkwardly a moment before speaking.
"My cousin is working here as the bouncer on weekends."
"That's cool," Ashley said, and I swear he sidled closer to me. Unfortunately for him, I wasn't interested.
"How about some drinks," Vale suggested, and raised her hand. After a few minutes a girl managed to get over to us, looking frazzled.
"Order?" she asked, her voice accented.
Everyone raddled off their orders, and she hastily wrote them down, and then paused, looking embarrassed. "Could... you repeat that please?" she dipped her head, and I recognized her accemt as french.
Clarke looked at her in annoyance, and I reached out and patted his hand. "Two of them ordered a scotch, another beer, and a martini for her," I motioned at Vale, "and just a coke for me." She smiled at me in relief, and nodded hastily, taking off
.
"Was that french?" Jake asked, and I shrugged. "I was an army brat, my dad moved us all over the world. I can speak the basic ones." I glanced away at the crowd, seeing the ckub was getting a lot fuller than before, and I didn't doubt it wasn't due to Black Veil Brides appearance.
I squirmed uncomfortably. "So," Andy suddenly leaned forward, "what are you guys going to open with at our show?"
"The Last Song is Ours," Vale said, narrowing her eyes at him. "It'll get the crowd pumped for you guys."
Even his voice normal sounded fantastic.
"I've listened to it, it'll be great." Ashley interrupted.
He turned his eyes back to me. "You can reach some serious heights with that voice."
"Thanks," I tucked a blue strand of hair behind my ear.
The girl suddenly popped back up amd quickly sat all of our drinks down, giving me a sweet smile as she did. I smiled back, taking my coke. I would seriously have to tip this girl.
"All the drinks are right," Jinx said in surprise.
I sipped my coke.
I felt unbelievably awkward, and as much as I definitely wanted to ogle Andy, I kind of wanted to leave. Vale caught my glance, and winked. "Why don't we blow this joint, huh? It's a little crowded for my taste."
"Yeah, I know this little restaurant a few blocks away, quiet." Ashley suggested. "We'll actually be able to hear each other."
"Sounds good," Clarke stood immediately. "Let's get out of here."
I jumped to my feet immediately, and I followed Vale. After much shuffling and avoiding, we finally made it outside, and I let my breath go. We were standing out front, and I high fived Alexei as started leaving as BVB aught up with us.
"Remember to call me!" he called.
"I will! Tell Aunt Nedeshka hi!" I waved at him, and then turned, catching up with everyone.

Notes