In A Blink

Tour continued on as it always did. Three days after the gathering, Black Veil Brides went on stage in Hollywood California and faced one of the biggest crowds they had played for yet. Bluebell had really learned to match her style to the men's' with variously styled black shirts and fishnet leggings under low-rise black short shorts. If the audience ever wondered how the fog smoke was a different color for every song, no one asked.

At the end of the concert, Andy and the others screamed out their best wishes to their fans before they all filed off - save Bluebell. She stood at the microphone for an extra moment, flipping her hair to the other side with a special flair she saved for the stage. "Hey, guys, how my mates doing? Still pumped? Yeah?" Her smile almost split her face in half when the audience erupted into cheers, and she jumped in surprise when a bra suddenly flew onto the stage. She turned comically towards the side of the stage, where the boys were gathered. "Ash, you've got a present."

The audience erupted into laughter, and C.C. watched as The Sixth seemed to be able to control the audience with just a few words and a smile. "She's got them wrapped around her finger," he mumbled, and he felt more than heard Andy snort beside him, arms crossed over his chest. All the men were in protective stances, watching Bluebell with hawk eyes as she announced that for every concert to come after this, every fan would be given a free logo rosary at the end. Excited chatter filled the stadium and Bluebell waited once more, holding onto the microphone with one fingerless leather glove covered hand. The wide neckline of her shirt slipping over her shoulders from time to time, Bluebell also told them that rosaries would be free at any Hot Topic close to them and outside every concert stadium. "For the sake of having enough for the next few days, we please ask that you take only two or three. We love you guys and we love your friends. Fan mail can be sent to any of the addresses on the screen, including the one in Australia. Obviously, that's where I'm from." More laughter at the mention of her less-than-subtle accent.

"But in all seriousness guys, even though I'm new to the band and I'm still getting used to touring and paparazzi, I want to thank each and every one of you individually for coming here today and supporting me and my career, my mates careers, and the music we have all learned to love. Alright, I'm out of time but remember that you are loved and you are recognized. You are the Black Veil Brides Army, our Fallen Angels, our best friends. Thank you for everything you've done for us because we would be nothing without you all. And uh, if you want your bra back, come on up after everyone files out and we'll get it back. Ashley might sign it too." More laughter from the crowd - Bluebell noticed that several of them were crying at her very much heartfelt speech and her heart simultaneously swelled and felt a sharp pang. She had given them something that those needed to hear - but where were they from, if they needed it so bad?

At the front entrance of the arena, Jinx and Jake were looking at the incredible work Bluebell had done over the period of a few days. She had created the rosaries, enough to fill seven giant storage bins. Each one was neatly wound and tucked into a high-quality velvet baggie, and there were two different ties. One option was a beautiful silver charm bracelet with the Black Beil Brides logo as at least six charms - the other was a wristband with high-quality leather, the bands' logo etched carefully into the surface three times all the way around. The most touching part was that there was a note in each baggie, each one personalized and heartfelt and signed by every band member. "She really went out of her way to make the Army happy," Jinx said softly, running his fingers over the velvet baggie with a charm bracelet holding it closed. "Yeah," Jake agreed, "she really does love them, doesn't she?"

It was only a few minutes later when the rest of the band was at the entrance, chatting happily with the fans and offering the option between the leather and charm bracelets. C.C. was next to Bluebell, as usual, handing out velvet baggies and hugs. Andy was, as usual, surrounded by adoring fans as he handed out hugs, rosaries, advice, and smiles. Bluebell found this to be the best part of the night - meeting the fans, giving hasty autographs, helping girls latch the charm bracelet around their wrists and giving them an extra for their sister or brother. The entire band noticed how happy Bluebell was with their Army, cheerful and energetic even after such a tiring performance.

Finally, when the last fan had given Jinx the last hug, the Sixth seemed to melt into the ground from exhaustion. The rest of the Clan looked at each other with wry smiles - they remembered when they became that tired that fast. Using their Holdings was a lot like working out - at first, they could only do a little but after a long while of work and effort, they grew stronger. The Creator was just a pup compared to the wolves the others were.

"C'mon Blue. You did a good job - the fans should be safe now," C.C. hummed softly, crouching beside Bluebell and helping her stand up. She was lightheaded, that was obvious. Making it back to the bus was a trick - several fans hung back in hopes of meeting them, but the security told them that Bluebell had fallen ill and should be given space. The musicians took their showers and one by one, collapsed into their bunks.

Late at night, a soft whine came from Bluebells bed - more nightmares. C.C. hushed her softly, cradling her safely against his chest as she tensed in her sleep, the rosary charm finding its way into her hand. Ashley was the only one that woke and was just alert enough to feel a pang of searing jealousy at the drummers and Sixth closeness before he fell back into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Notes