See?
Gangle had spent all day doing chores. While she didn't have work today, she still had other business to be attended to. She had to do chores, get ready, and finish her homework, because unfortunately even as an art major she still had core classes. They were little reminders of why she majored in art rather than something like math. She and Ragatha spent about two hours cleaning up their dorm. It wasn't messy by any means, but the dishes had piled up far more than they should've and the trashcan had been overflowing for far longer than either of them would like to admit.
Ragatha spent the entire time talking about how excited she was to watch the whole show, rather than work it. According to her, the shows held at the record store were the best because they were just local artists, so not too much toxic fan behavior. Apparently GQ loved supporting kids and their aspirations, so she let pretty much anyone play and if she liked their stuff, she'd invite them back and promote their music. Thus the reason she had a whole section of her store dedicated to local bands. Gangle had to respect that, a lot of people refuse to take a chance on younger artists because they're a risk, and many people are greedy and only care about making a profit while exploiting people for their talents. GQ was the exact opposite, Gangle had only met her once but she could tell that she cared about each and every person that she connected with, even if it was only briefly. That's why she had no problem promoting young artists, she didn't care about the money, she cared about the people. She was the embodiment of something this world often found itself devoid of, compassion. After Ragatha and her finished cleaning the dork they started getting ready, dressing each other and critiquing outfits until they were both satisfied.
“Are you sure you want to wear layers? It's going to get hot.” Ragatha asked as she motioned to the black and red striped long sleeve Gangle had decided to wear as an under shirt. She had paired it with a cropped black and white corpse bride T shirt, bleach painted black cargo pants, and a pair of black boots that were visibly worn down.
“Are you sure you want to wear two belts? You're gonna sound like a walking key ring.” Gangle retorted sarcastically with a laugh. Ragatha just rolled her eyes and laughed along. Ragatha had two belts loosely hanging on her hips, creating an x shape behind her legs. She had paired them with a pair of baggy blue jeans, an oversized graphic T, and a pair of purple sneakers that were barely visible beneath the cuffs of her jeans.
“Alright, I get it. Fair enough.”
“You got your keys?” Gangle asked.
“Yep.” Ragath said assuredly.
“Phone?”
“Duh.”
“Wallet?”
“Yes. I'm ready to go.” Ragatha said with feigned annoyance.
“Have your dignity for when Pomni says hi?” Gangle said with a shit eating grin on her face. “Oh shush the hell up!” Ragatha yelled, her face only being a few shades lighter than her hair. “It's not like that!”
“Sureeeeee.” Gangle said smugly. “I totally believe you.”
“It's not! And even if it was, I'm not her type.” Ragatha said solemnly. Gangle's smile instantly dropped and she couldn't help but sympathize with her friend, after all she was in the same boat.
“Hey, cmon Rags, dont sell yourself short.” Gangle said, placing a hand upon Ragatha's shoulder.
“I'm not. Pomni and I are nothing more than friends.”
“Even so, that doesn't mean you're not her type.” Ragatha just bowed her head at the comment. “That just makes it worse. I am her type and she still doesn't like me.”
“Or you are her type, and she just doesn't realize how much she likes you.” Gangle said, attempting to cheer up her friend. Ragatha looked at her confused.
“What does that even mean?”
“It means she may not realize she likes you, or she doesn't know you like her. You've gotta drop hints, flirt a little, not just wave and walk away.” Gangle said with a smile, poking fun at her friend in an attempt to cheer her up.
“Not like you're any better with Zooble.” Ragatha spoke with a huff and Gangle felt her face get slightly warmer.
“At least I can talk to them..” Ragtha rolled her eyes and followed Gangle out of the room.
“I talk to Pomni all the time.”
“Not what I meant and you know it. Now hurry up before we're late.”
///
GQ had greeted them enthusiastically as they entered the store, asking how they had been, and how long it would be before Gangle returned to scour the store for CDs, before directing them towards the basement.
“Have fun you two. Oh and Gangle, tell Zooble I said hi.” GQ said with a tone Gangle couldn't quite place.
“Will do.” Gangle said with a salute before heading towards the direction GQ had pointed them in earlier. The venue was nothing short of packed and Gangle couldn't help but smile as she descended the stairs to see a rainbow of hair decorating the room. People from all walks of life were dancing together, moshing, or just talking. It was a sight that always made Gangle's heart melt, she had been subject to cruel words all throughout her life and concerts were her escape. She had been worried about it changing when she moved, but after the last concert, she realized she didn't need to, she was safe here. It didn't take long to find Pomni among the sea of people, Ragatha had an eye for finding their shorter friend, no matter where they were. Pomni was wearing shorts, with black boots, and a Green Day shirt that was clearly a size too small.
“Hey Ragatha, hey Gangle, what's up?”
“Not much, jammed to Between Friends on the way here.” Gangle said as she quietly chuckled to herself, recalling the subpar karaoke they had performed in her car on the way here.
“Yeah, it was pretty fun.” Ragatha chimed in.
“Sounds like it. Yall missed one of the opening artists, they weren't that good though.”
“I usually show up around 30 minutes late so I don't have to deal with the long lines and the awkward shuffling that occurs as people try to find the best place to stand.” Gangle explained with a shrug.
“Aren't you worried about being able to see?” Pomni asked.
“No, I'm here for the music and I usually end up moshing, so no matter where I am, I end up in the center eventually.”
“And I usually end up hanging out with you Pomni, so I didn't mine.” Ragatha closed her eyes as she smiled towards the shorter girl. Pomno couldn't help but smile back.
“Well then let's go hang out!” Pomni exclaimed as she grabbed Ragathas wrist, catching the red head off guard. “You coming Gangle?”
“Nah, I'm gonna hang back here. You two have fun.” Gangle gave a wave as Pomni pulled the other girl closer to the stage, flashing a smug smirk as the redhead looked back towards her in confusion. Gangle looked around the room, people were bobbing their heads and dancing to the music, not very hyped up but still happy to be there. She couldn't help but dance along.
///
“Hey Fuckers, what's up!” Jax yelled into the mic. They were the last band to play and the night had long since begun. People were dancing their hearts put and moshing when they could, that's to say people were tired. Even so the crowd enthusiastically yelled a response, the overlap of voices creating a deafening cacophony of unintelligible noise. “That's what I’m talking about! Now before we get started, will everyone please give a hand to the band.” Jax motioned to the two figures behind him with a devious smile, his guitar hanging loosely around his neck. “Especially our bassist, Zooble!” Zooble rolled their eyes in irritation as their face flushed. They flipped Jax off and adjusted their amp, trying to focus on performing. “Alright, enough of that. Let's start this shit!” The guitar started first , its angry angelic voice crashing into the walls and ricocheting into the crowd. Then the bass came in, hard to detect but helping the guitar get its point across. Finally the drums started, hitting the off beats and creating a full sound. It was pure bliss and Gangle's smile reflected how she felt. It was hard for her to really smile, they were usually fake, but not here, not now. Right now she was shoulder checking guys left and right, being spun around as lights flashed and music blared, a smile plastered across her face as she did so. Every hit was responded to with a laugh, every flash of light feeling like it was meant to illuminate her. There was nowhere else she'd rather be, no one else she'd rather be. Then the chorus kicked in and for a second, a very brief second, Gangle thought she heard backing vocals, a lower and beautiful voice singing for two lines and then fading into obscurity. She paused for a second, pondering the voice, before shrugging and quickly letting the thought go. She kept moshing, shoving other people as the crowd roared, her thin frame absorbing the shocks on all fronts. She could only focus on the bass line as she did. After all, the bass was technically the only reason she was here, or at least that was the lie she was telling herself. She'd be damned if she got her hopes up over some silly interest. Over some person who had good music tastes and cool style. Over someone who liked cool things, when she knew she was the furthest thing from cool. She was bland, an undecorated mask in the wings of a stage. Not meant to be seen, and had no desire to be seen. She basked in the shadows of the curtain, but they were the type of person to yell from center stage, light and audience be damned. They appeared to have their life put together, they were successful and confident. They were everything Gangle wasn't. Gangle knew how the whole crush game played out, and she knew she didn't want to be hurt again, definitely not by her own delusions.
Gangle had been so caught up in her own thoughts that she forgot where she was, and a cruel reminder was headed her way. With a loud thunk, Gangle felt her eye come in contact with someone's elbow as she slid backwards, trying not to fall over. She placed her hand over her eye, knowing she wouldn't be able to see clearly if she opened it. The show was almost over, so the pit would be ending in a few songs. There was no point in risking further Injury for eight minutes of pained fun. She broke through the wall of people that surrounded the pit, making sure people couldn't leave or hit people that didn't want to be a part of this consensual dance fighting. She looked around for Pomni and Ragatha, finding them near the front.
“Hey Gangle!” Ragatha said, peppy as ever.
“Is your eye okay?” Pomni asked, motioning towards Gangle's hand.
“Yeah, I took an elbow to the face.” She chuckled shyly.
“Damn, that's rough.” Pomni responded.
“I'm used to it.”
“Wouldn't that hurt?”
“I mean yeah, but lots of things in life hurt. I feel like physical pain hurts less than the rest of it does.” Pomni and Ragatha exchanged a concerned glance.
“Yeah, but there's no point in subjecting yourself to pain.” Ragatha said.
“I'm not. I'm subjecting myself to fun, and sometimes I get hurt. It's no different than rock climbing or sports.” Pomni just chuckled.
“You've got a point there.” Ragatha said.
“Well let's not let the fun stop now then, let's dance!” Pomni yelled, causing the other two to smile.