them there would still be a signature Glitter Kink show to look forward to.
Braylin glanced his way as he set his own guitar in Sal’s stand. Zen smiled and gave him a thumbs up and Braylin nodded in return, his own smile a bit shaky. Pete jogged up to Braylin, and gave him a bro hug, jostling Braylin as he spoke. Even though Zen couldn’t hear the words, Pete was clearly giving Braylin some encouragement.
Yeah, his boy would be okay. Everyone was on his side.
Braylin nodded in response to whatever Pete had said, rubbed his palms on his jeans then trailed after Pete in Zen’s direction. Derek joined Zen right as Pete and Braylin reached him.
“Hey, Braylin, my man. Let’s tear this shit up.”
Derek held up his fist, and after a brief pause from a dazed Braylin, he gave Derek’s fist a bump.
“I’ll do my best not to mess everything up.”
Zen couldn’t stand it. Even if they’d have to temper the romantic side of their relationship in front of the band so it wouldn’t overshadow the dynamic between the five of them, Braylin needed the comfort of touch. He wrapped an arm around his shoulders and gave him a squeeze.
“We’ve all got your back, no matter what. Listen to Derek, Braylin. Focus on the band, on the music, the same way you did the last time you played with us.”
Zen reluctantly let Braylin go, wishing he could give him a kiss. Not only was there the dynamic with the other bandmembers, but so far, their relationship had been behind closed doors. Braylin was already self-conscious enough about his looming debut performance, Zen didn’t feel the need to add to his stress.
Gordy jogged up with the new set lists. “Here you go. I can run to the other side and give Marlon and Trevor theirs. I’m not sure if they’re up to date on what’s happening?”
Derek furrowed his brow. “What’s happening?”
Braylin hunched in on himself. “It’s my fault, isn’t it? You guys have to change everything because of me.”
Zen frowned, his Dom voice making an appearance. “No. It’s Sal’s fault.”
Derek snorted. “Fuckin’ A. From now on, everything’s Sal’s fault as far as I’m concerned. We get invaded by Martians? Totally Sal’s fault.”
Braylin sputtered out a laugh and Zen silently thanked Derek. Braylin offered Derek a smile.
“Thanks. That helps.” He quickly glanced up at Zen. “You helped too.”
Zen arched his eyebrows. “This is a band thing, okay? We all support each other. That was how it always was until it wasn’t. Dig?”
Braylin sucked in a deep breath then let out a long exhale. “Okay. Here, I’ll go place those onstage.”
Braylin reached for the set lists, but Pete snatched them from Gordy’s hands before he had the chance.
“Dude. You’re in guitarist mode now. Not crew.”
Zen patted Braylin’s shoulder, not able to stop himself from running his palm up and down his back before drawing away.
“Yup. Listen to Pete.”
Pete halted his forward momentum. “Wait. Did I just hear someone say listen to Pete?”
Zen gave Pete a friendly smack on his arm. “Get moving, fool.”
Pete made a goofy grin and nodded his head. “Ah, that’s more like it. All is right with the world again.”
Everyone shared a chuckle and Zen found himself getting pumped to hit the stage.
With my boy at my side.
This time, when he looked down at Braylin, he not only seemed calmer, but happier, like he was as excited to hit the stage as the rest of them were. Zen mused that he hadn’t felt this level of excitement to perform in ages. In truth, he couldn’t remember the last time he hadn’t been worried about what Sal might do. Even if Braylin made mistakes on every song, he was certain the show would still be better than it had been in years.
Pete returned and Gordy regarded Zen. “We ready?”
Zen caught Braylin’s eye and he nodded.
This is it.
“Yeah, Gordy. Give everyone the signal.”
Gordy radioed the sound, light and special effects crew, then jogged onto stage.
“Hey all you kinksters! Are you ready for some action?”
The roar of the crowd cranked up, deafening in its intensity.
“Then I bring you Glitter Kink!”
As soon as Derek lunged forward, jogging to his drums, Zen was so overcome he grabbed a startled Braylin, planting a firm kiss on his lips.
“Let’s rock this shit, baby. Watch me or the guys the whole time if you have to. Music, that’s all this is. Jamming together, got it?”
Braylin nodded with enthusiasm. “Yes, Sir. Got it.”
“Good boy.” He winked. “Now get that