Chapter 2

Oh, Brother…

I woke up and slowly made my way out of my room, still upset because of last night. I slumped into the couch, pulling my knees to my chest as Amanda handed me a cup of coffee.

"You okay, Clo?" she asked.

I picked up my phone checking my notifications. "Yeah, still a little mad though…"

Facebook notification: Jon Anderson commented on your status: "I bet you laughed when I said he was gay! Now do you believe me? He probably couldn't remember your name 'cuz you're not a guy! I'm kidding, sis! If he couldn't remember your name, then he's probably not worth your tears."

I laughed softly, handing my phone to Amanda so she could see.

"See, this is why I love you brother!" She laughed as she handed my phone back to me.

"So, what're we gonna do today?" she asked.

I set phone down on the table and the doorbell rang. I let out a sigh, slowly making my way to the door. I opened the door and looked around, but no one was there. About to shut the door, I looked down seeing a bouquet of red roses with an envelope attached to it. I picked it up, letting the door close behind me. I set the roses on the counter, pulling the envelope off of it.

The envelope had my name hand written on it. I opened it and a backstage laminate with a lanyard attached to it fell out onto the counter along with a folded note also with my name handwritten on the outside. I unfolded it. It read:

Chloe,

Yes, I do know your name. You had me on the spot and I just couldn't think. I had so much on my mind. I felt so stupid, and I'm so sorry. I know what you were thinking, "What kind of guy can't even remember his date's name?" I really didn't forget it, I swear! My mind just went blank… This is gonna sound stupid, but I was lost in your eyes… I know I sound like a broken record, but I'm serious, I'm sorry. That was one of the best nights of my life. I meant it when I called you 'angel', 'beautiful', and 'babe'. This is the first time I've ever gone this far to get a girl back. But I want to make it up to you! There's a backstage pass with this note for the show my band and I play tonight. If you come tonight, I know you'll give me a second chance. And if you don't come, then, I guess, I'll know I don't deserve you…

~ Brian Haner

I tossed the note to Amanda. She read it quickly and tossed it back to me.

Her eyes widened and she stared at me. "So are you going?"

I looked from the roses to the note. Hesitantly thinking about last night; His sweet tone of voice, the way he complimented me on everything, our kiss on the Ferris wheel, and the hurt look on his face when he told me to wait and I said something stupid to him.

"Yeah, I'm going…" I said softly, tucking the note into my pocket.

Amanda squealed. "Ohmigod! You guys looked so cute together! I'm so happy you!"

"Manda, please just shut up before I come to my senses…" I pulled the sticky note that had all the information on the show off the laminate.

…

Facebook status update: Second time's the charm…

…

I squirmed through the crowd in the direction of what the guy said was the entrance to the backstage. I finally found a way out of the crowd. I took a breath of fresh air, as if I had been holding my breath the whole time, and looked up at the two giant security guards that were standing in front of me. The both had the bright yellow jackets on with matching bald heads. They stared down at me, their eyebrows scrunching up over their eyes.

I nervously held up my pass and the moved to either side of the door. I ran in, scanning the whole place for Brian.

"Where the hell is he?" I thought.

My face came into contact with a shirt-covered, firm chest.

"Chloe?" said a voice that it would be impossible for me not to recognize.

"Brian!" I squealed.

His muscled arms wrapped around me; he picked me up and spun me around. He set me gently back on my feet and let out a sigh of relief.

"See, Brian, I told you she would come! You worry way too much!" said the tallest guy there with black hair and bright blue eyes.

"Shut up, Jimmy," he whispered to the guy.

"Told you, Brian! You were worried for nothing!" said another guy; this guy, not quite as tall as Jimmy but with short brown hair and hazel eyes.

"Ha! We were right! You should trust us more often!" another guy laughed; this one, shorter than Brian but with dark hair and bluish-green eyes.

The last and shortest of the guys walked up to us about to add something but was quickly cut off by Brian. "I swear, Johnny, say something and you die!" he threatened.

Johnny closed his mouth and remained silent.

Brian introduced them in the order they appeared, "Okay so this is: Jimmy, Matt, Zack, and Johnny."

"And you are?" I asked pretending to not know his name.

"Oh, I'm Brian Haner, nice to meet you, beautiful!" He winked.

"And, I'm Chloe Anderson, nice to meet you, too."

"Hey, Brian, 2 minutes 'til we go onstage!" Matt called as he walked away.

He put the earpiece that was hanging off his shoulder into his ear and picked up his black pinstriped guitar. He tossed the bullet covered guitar strap over his head and let it fall on his shoulder.

I stood on my toes and kissed him. "Good luck!"

He smirked. "I don't need luck; I'm Synyster Gates, honey!" He paused, laughing slightly. "I'm kidding, thank you, I need it!"

The stage curtains opened revealing a mass of screaming fans. The stage filled with smoke.

"Ah shit," he said, seeing the smoke, he pulled out two picks from his pocket. He tossed on to me saying, "This is gonna be worth something one day!"

I tucked it in my pocket.

"You gonna watch the side stage?" he asked.

"Of course!" I said happily.

"Ah, shit, Zack's gonna beat me out there!" He took off in a slow jog to the center of the stage, still hidden by smoke.

I hadn't realized it until now but a soft music box was playing the whole time. It was suddenly interrupted by blaring guitar riffs and periodic double-bass drumming. The smoke started to clear as Brian and Zack moved to either side of the stage and Matt popped up in the middle yelling, "Nightmare!" And the show went on from there.

…

Half way through their show, I finally had the idea of taking a picture of Brian while he was onstage. So, I took the picture with my phone – it was of him really concentrating while playing the Afterlife solo – and I uploaded it to Facebook with the caption "Meet Brian 3"

A few minutes later I got a comment from on of my old friends back in Colorado.

Facebook notification: Evan Nichols commented on you photo: "Isn't that Synyster Gates?"

So I commented back: "That's my boyfriend Brian Haner…?"

And a few minutes later…

Facebook notification: Evan Nichols commented on your photo: "Yeah, Brian Haner aka Synyster Gates, the lead guitarist for Avenged Sevenfold… Wait… You're going out with Synyster Gates?"

Again I commented back, "Umm, I guess but I know him as Brian…"

And again…

Facebook notification: Evan Nichols commented on your photo: "That's so cool! I love their music!"

I commented back one last time: "I'd never heard of them before, but I'm watching their show from backstage and their pretty good, and I'm not just saying that 'cuz I'm going out with Brian.

One more notification popped up while I was adding my new comment.

Facebook notification: Amanda Wilson and Jon Anderson like your photo.

I looked up from my phone and Brian glanced at me; he put his hand behind his back, holding up one finger, meaning there was only one song left.

The song went quick but the crowds went wild, head banging and moshing. It was actually pretty cool! I later found out that the song they play was Unholy Confessions and was a favorite among the fans.

…

The band waved goodbye and walked of stage. Brian dropped his guitar on its stand and smiled at me.

"So, what'd you think?" he asked.

"I…" I hesitated, just to see his reaction. His smile started to fade in disappointment. "I'm kidding!" I continued, "I loved it! You guys are great and you are a beast guitarist!"

His smile returned and his eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what?"

"I loved it!" I repeated, sounding as happy as I had before.

Hiss cheeks burned red and he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into a tight hug.

"I've never been this happy! We might even get a huge record deal out of this!" he whispered in my ear.

He kissed me gently but we were soon interrupted by Matt and Jimmy.

"Pst… Brian!" Matt whispered.

Brian ignored him and kissed me again.

"Pst… Brian!" Matt whispered again.

Brian, again, ignored him and kissed me.

"God damn it, Brian! The next band is coming on stage so you need to either move or become part of the show!" Jimmy yelled.

Brian let go of me, picked up his guitar and pulled me in the direction of Jimmy and Matt.

"So, we're planning on going to Zack's house right now. You guys wanna come?" Matt asked.

Brian looked at me. I shrugged my shoulders.

"Umm, we might go… Well, I'll just text you if we're coming," Brian answered.

"Well, then I guess I'll see you later, Gates, and nice to meet you Chloe!" Matt said.

We said our goodbyes and I followed Brian to the back door.

"Let's take my car!" I pulled my keys out of my pocket and dangling them in the air.

I got to park pretty close due to my All-access pass. As we approached my car, I clicked the unlock button on my keys so the headlights flashed.

Brian stared in awe at my car, a few months old white Porsche.

"My family owns a big ski resort in Colorado," I explained, "So my dad bought this for me when I moved here."

I opened the door, falling gently on the leather seat. Brian got in, too, still looking around in awe. I turned the ignition, letting it stay in Park while I set my iPod onto the iPod dock. I selected All the Rage! by Blood on the Dance Floor.

Putting it into drive, and stepping on the gas, driving as fast as I could out of the parking lot.

"I love this song!" I said.

"And who is this?" he asked, looking completely lost.

"Are you kidding me? This is Blood on the Dance Floor! You know, BOTDF? One heart, one love, BOTDF? Jayy Von Monroe and Dahvie Vanity?" I glanced at him, but he still looked clueless. "Oh, okay, well, they're one of my favorite bands, and they happened to be big Avenged Sevenfold fans!"

Brian's eyes lit up when I said BOTDF are fans. "Okay, now you're talking!"

"Like, like, like a trend, you'll just, just, fade away, your name, name, name, and face is just so yesterday. I'm cut, cut, cutting edge, sharpest of the blades, slice, slice, slice you up. I am All the Rage!" I sang.

Brian laughed softly. "No offense or anything but you didn't sound anything like the song."

"Ah, shut up!" I said, hitting his shoulder playfully. "That part's autotuned!"

"When I take my mic, welcome to my life. My own little pain is you self gain. I will pour it out, I will shout it out. When I jump on stage, I will break your chains!" I sang.

"Okay, that time you sounded pretty close!" he said, smiling.

"Okay, so the rest of this song is just Jayy Von screaming lyrics and I can't scream very well sooooo I'm gonna change the song…" I poked another song on my iPod.

"Bewitched, by Blood on the Dance Floor!" I announced.

I waited through the 30 second intro and opened my mouth to sing Dahvie's part but Brian beat me to it.

"You're attractive, little witch, you're beautiful, Your wickedness, little witch, it broke my heart, Enchanting words, little witch, you cast a spell, Mass destroyer, little witch, my beautiful apocalypse." He sang it perfectly, not missing a single note or word.

"What happened to not knowing who BOTDF is?" I asked.

"This just happens to be one of the songs I've heard by them."

If he can sing Dahvie's part, I guess I'll sing Lady Nogrady's part. "I tricked you to fall in love, little boy, I played with you till I was done, like a toy, Heart in love, as I destroy the end of you."

Again, to my surprise, he added in Dahvie's in-between-part. "The end of me!"

"So easily fooled, little boy, to think it's true!"

"I'm in love with you!" Again, singing Dahvie's part.

We looked at each other and broke out in laughter.

"Best duet I've ever done!" I said quickly, trying not to laugh.

The song ended. "Okay, I think we've got time for one more song, so it's your pick. By the way, are we going to Zack's or not?"

"If you want to," he said pulling out his phone.

"Yeah, sure."

"Okay, cool. Lemmie text Matt really quick… And, sent!" He put his phone back in his pocket.

"So, are you gonna pick a song or not?"

"Oh, yeah, ummm… Okay this is one of my favorites!"

I recognized it within the first 5 seconds of the song. "Death to Your Heart! by Blood on the Dance Floor."

"I've got this gun, to your head, I got blood, on my hands, I'll be your eternal, never ending, I'll be the end of your beginning, I'm the battle to your every war, I'm the first rip to everything to everything torn, I've got no room in this heart, gonna tear you apart!" He paused looking at the street signs. "Make a left here," he directed.

I followed his directions until I was finally pulling into a driveway.

"Uh-Uh-Uh-Uh-Uh-Uh, Uh-Uh-Uh-Uh-Uh!" he sang trying to imitate Dahvie's voice.

It was so funny I couldn't stop laughing.

I paused the song and killed the engine.

"We only have to stay for a second, just to see what their up to," his voice now back to normal, instead of his 'Dahvie Vanity' voice.

I got out, grabbing my phone out of my purse but leaving my purse on the floor of my car and locking it behind me. Brian took my hand and I followed him to the door. He opened the door, completely bypassing the doorbell.

"Hello?" he called, using his Dahvie Vanity voice.

"What the hell is wrong with your voice?" Matt said, poking his head of one of the doorways.

"Oh nothing, Matt…" he said quickly.

"Well, then get the hell in here! We're playing Call of Duty!"

We followed Matt into the room. It was filled with a large couch, 3 other chairs, a flat panel TV, and surround sound system.

Matt plopped down on the couch and grabbed a controller, continuing to play a one on one match with Jimmy.

A few moments later a statistic screen came up announcing Matt as the winner. Jimmy got up and tossed his controller down on the couch.

Matt picked up the other controller. "Who else wants a piece of me?"

I raised my hand slowly. "I'll give it a try!"

Brian took Jimmy's spot on the couch and pulled me into his lap. Matt tossed me a controller and started the game.

There was a five minute limit on the game but when the clock ran out we were tied 23 to 23. It suddenly changed to the Sudden Death Round when whoever gets the next kill wins. I nervously squirmed in my seat, not wanting to lose, and then remembered I was sitting on Brian's lap. I felt something hard under me.

"God damn, Brian!" I said, elbowing him in the chest, but not taking my eyes off the screen.

"Sorry," he said softly.

"What's wrong?" Jimmy asked, walking back into the room.

"Oh, nothing much, Brian has a boner and I can feel it!"

Jimmy, Johnny, and Zack laughed like there was no tomorrow. Matt, on the other hand, was still completely focused on the game. I neared him, seeing him on my radar, switching to my Barret; I found a spot on a roof top having him in perfect view.

"Die Matt!" I said laughing.

Matt just stared at the stats screen.

I jumped of Brian's lap. "Ha! I beat you Matt, even while sitting on Brian's boner!"

Matt shook his head in shame, and Brian blushed slightly. The three other guys tried to hold in their laughter.

"Wait, lemmie get this straight," Matt started, "You're a pro snowboarder and you're a beast at Xbox?"

I smiled sweetly. "Yup!"

Matt turned to Brian. "You finally got yourself a decent girlfriend! It's about time!"

"Ah, shut up, Matt!" Brian retorted.

"Do you want to go now?" Brian asked.

"Yeah, let's go while I'm still undefeated!"

I picked up my keys and my phone. We waved good bye at every one and Matt walked out with us. Matt had the same look on his face as Brian did when he saw my car.

"W-wait," Matt stammered, "You're, what, 18 and you drive a Porsche?"

"Hell yeah!" I answered, sounding a little cockier than I intended.

Matt simply laughed and then turned to Brian saying, "I take that back, she's not just decent, she's perfect!"

I blushed slightly and Brian winked at me. He pulled me into an embrace and kissed me gently.

Matt tapped his foot softly, looking around awkwardly. My phone vibrated in my back pocket. I pulled back slowly, retrieving it from my pocket.

New Message From Amanda Wilson: Hey, Clo! I'm gonna stay the night at Emily's house in LA, I don't feel like driving back tonight, so I'll be home in the morning. Apartments all yours for the night! Have fun! Love you! 3

I tossed my phone to Brian so he could read the text. He raised one eyebrow, wondering why I let him read it. He handed me my phone and I unlocked the car so we could finally leave.

I sat down and started the engine. Docking my iPod, I said goodbye to Matt before blasting I'm What Dreams Are Made Of by Blood on the Dance Floor.

I backed out of the driveway and zoomed off in the direction Brian told me to. We got back to the main road.

"So, where to now," I asked, staying put at the stop sign not knowing which way to turn.

"How about… the boardwalk! We can redo last night, you know, I'll do it right this time!" he said quickly.

I smirked. "On one condition…"

His smile faded slightly.

"Okay, what another BOTDF song you know?"

He thought for a moment. "P.L.U.R."

"Well, if you sing P.L.U.R. I'll let you have a redo on our date!"

His eyebrows rose and fell as he said, "Deal!"

So he sang to P.L.U.R and I laughed the whole time.

…

Our night went exactly as it did yesterday, but with a few additions. He hugged and kissed me at random, and he was just so much sweeter today than yesterday!

…

It was 11 pm when we got back to my apartment. I put on a movie, not really paying attention to what I put in, and sat down on the couch and snuggled into Brian's chest.

"You look tired," he said softly.

"I am… I couldn't sleep last night 'cuz of someone!" I nudged him playfully.

"Oh, Chloe…" he sighed, "I-I still feel so stupid…"

"I know, babe, I know…" I drew lazy circles on his chest.

…

I awoke to the loud slam of the front door and Amanda yelling/singing, "Oh, Chloe! I have a surprise for you!"

I sat up, a little more than annoyed at the rude awaking, and Brian let out a soft groan as he sat up too.

"What could it possibly be that you have to wake me up?" I asked groggily.

"Maybe… Jon!" She stepped to the side and my brother walked forward.

My eyes widened and I jumped off the couch to hug Jon.

"Ohmigod, Jon, what are you doing here!" My words ran together because I spoke way too fast.

Jon stood there for a moment trying to figure out what I said. "Oh, I was already planning to come out here before school starts but then I saw your Facebook statuses and picture so I just had to come and meet this guy."

Brian got up from the couch and shook my brother's hand. "I'm Brian Haner."

My brother let out a soft laugh. "Don't you mean Synyster Gates? I'm sorry; I'm an Avenged Sevenfold fan, Jon Anderson, by the way."