Heaven Nor Hell

*Brian's POV*

I woke up early the next morning to plan my move. I didn't know what I had done to upset Lily last night, but I knew from the few minutes we spent together, she was different.

I was going to use my rockstars perks to get through to her, though she wouldn't know that. I was afraid to tell her too soon who I really was. I wanted her to get to know Brian Haner Jr, not Synyster Gates. I didn't want that to turn into the basis of our relationship.

I climbed out of bed, and pulled my phone from its charging station, and walked into my living room. I scrolled through my contacts as I sprawled out on my couch. Pinkly jumped up and cuddled into my side as I found the number I was looking for. It rang a few times.

"Hello?" a groggy voice answered.

"It this Michael Poulsen?"

"The one and only."

"This is Synyster Gates, from Avenged Sevenfold."

"Ah Mr. Gates, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I have a favor to ask of you...I'm meeting a girl tonight at your show. And I know it's far-fetched, but I was hoping that we could pretend that I won some kind of meet-and-greet for after the show, and she could meet you..."

"Brian, I don't know..."

"Please Michael?" I barely even knew this girl, and I was already begging for her. "She has NO idea who I am. She's got a killer taste in music, and has no clue. She had barely even heard of my band, let alone that I was the lead guitarist. I'll owe you big time, just please help me." I heard a heavy sigh, and silence as he pondered his answer.

"Alright, I'll do that for you. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'll at least meet her. You can come back before the show and pick up your passes. I'll spread the word that no one should make a big deal about you being here. Your secret it safe with me." I sighed in relief. My plan was falling into place perfectly.

"Thank you so much Michael, you don't know how much this means to me." We said a quick goodbye, and hung up. As I finished, I heard Pinkly whine by the door, wanting to go out. I grabbed her leash and my sunglasses, hooking her up and leading her outside for a walk on the beach.

After an hour, we arrived back home. I unhooked Pinkly, who ran straight to her bed and curled up. I chuckled as I watched my furry companion. I decided to spend the next few hours working on the new album, though I was far too nervous to really get anything done.

Around three, I ran upstairs to shower. I changed into a grey v-neck, sighing as I realized I had no clean jeans. I raided my laundry basket, and pulled out a pair of distressed jeans, and made a mental note to ask my dad's wife Suzy to do my laundry, because God knew I couldn't do it.

I raided my hats in search of a simple baseball cap, knowing a fedora would be too noticable. My hair was messing from letting it air dry, and I simply tucked it all under my hat. After I was satisfied with my work, I walked back downstairs to fill up Pinkly's food and water bowls. Upon realizing it was nearing 5 o'clock, I grabbed my wallet and phone off of the counter, stuffing them in my pockets, said a quick goodbye to Pinkly, and was out the door.

*Lily's POV*

I had spent all day looking for jobs in town, with very little avail. But my spirits, for once, were high, because it was finally June 26th, the day of the Volbeat concert! I rushed home and pulled my new Volbeat shirt out of my dresser. People always said it was lame to wear a shirt of the band you were going to see, but I had just arrived two days ago, and I was far too excited.

I quickly changed into the shirt, and a pair of blue skinny jeans. I applied minor repairs to my makeup, which I had slightly smeared. I ran a straightener through my hair to control the strands which had begun to curl. Satisfied with my appearance, I clipped my Metallica necklace around my neck, and slipped on my converse. I grabbed my purse off of the counter, and my ticket off of the bulletin board in our kitchen, and was on my way.

I arrived nearly an hour early, pleased that the majority of the spots in the venue were still open. I chose to bypass the pit, and went towards the railing to the right of the stage, and stationed myself in the very front, next to the walls of speakers. I made light conversation with the couple beside me, talking about various bands we'd seen, until the lights finally extinguished, and the opening band began their short set.

The couple and I continued to converse while the roadies switched over sets. After Iced Earth and Hellyeah completed their sets, I waited anxiously for Volbeat to begin. I wish it had been possible to bring Mikey or Gerard with me, considering it was because of them I not only had the ticket, but they were the reason I got into the band in the first place. Finally the lights dimmed, and the familiar drum opening of A Warrior's Call began to sound throughout the arena.

I sang at the top of my lungs through the set. As the band began the introduction to my favorite song, Heaven Nor Hell, a set of strong tattooed hands came to rest on my shoulders. I turned around, thinking it was a drunk I'd have to call off, only to be met by a pair of gorgeous brown eyes I was sure I'd never see again. He leaned in closer to speak into my ear.

"Fancy meeting you here again," Brian chuckled. "Do you have plans after the show?" I hesitated.

"No, I was just going home after..." I relented.

"I won two backstage passes, I didn't want to go back for the concert by myself. Would you like to join me?" I bit my lip, unsure of what to do. I had only met Brian briefly, but he did seem like a sweet guy. And he did, have two authentic-looking passes in his hand, so he couldn't be lying about that.

"Sure," I have a half smile, and he grinned adorably. He took one of the passes and placed it around my neck, before grabbing my hand.

"Wait! Can we wait until this song is over to go? It's my favorite..." I put my head down, realizing how ridiculous I sounded, making him wait for me, but he just smiled.

"Of course." He released my hand, and placed it on the small of my back, pushing me slightly in front of him so I had a better view. Towards the end of the solo, the lead singer and guitarist, Michael, came to stand in front of us as he finished. I put my hand out, and he took it, slipping the pick into my palm, closing my fingers around it, and leaving with a wink. I heard Brian chuckle in my ear as I slipped the pick into my purse so I wouldn't loose it.

At the end of the song, Brian took my hand again, and led me through the crowd towards a large metal door, guarded by security. We flashed the guards our passes, and were quickly escorted to the side of the stage, where we had a perfect view of the band. As the concert continued, I couldn't help but wonder what Brian was doing at a Volbeat concert. It appeared that he didn't know any of the songs, then again not everyone sings at concerts. I let it go, and turned my attention to the band as they came out for the encore.

As the band retired from their set, instead of exiting to the left of the stage as he always does, Michael exited to the right, coming toward us with a bright smile.

"I was wondering when you both would show. Come, the band is excited to meet you both." he spoke with a wave of his hand, leading us back to a small, secluded area where the rest of the band sat. I started bouncing in excitement, not believing that I was meeting one of my favorite bands. Brian looked down and gave me a cheeky smile, before dragging me to stand in front of the band, before Michael spoke.

"So what are your names?" I glanced at Brian with a worried expression, positive I was still too awestruck to speak. Brian simply chuckled.

"My name is Brian, and this little beauty is Lily." I blushed at his introduction, before giving a pathetic little wave. I didn't know how Brian could be so calm, while I was practically shaking like a leaf. Some people had all the grace.

Eventually I got over the initial shock, and we were able to sit and talk with the band for nearly an hour and a half, as well as get autographs and photos. Before we left, I watched Michael take Brian aside, and begin to whisper, but was quickly sidetracked when Anders, the bassist, struck up a conversation with me.

Minutes later, Brian and I were walking hand in hand out of the arena. We walked a few feet, before he stopped us both.

"I know it's kind of late, but would you want to take a walk on the beach with me?" I knew it wasn't my safest option, but after the experience he just provided me, I felt compelled to agree. And watching the smile that lit up his face after I nodded, I knew I had picked the right choice.

For some odd reason, I felt safer with Brian than I ever had before. I didn't know if it was because of how strong he looked, or because I instantly felt comfortable around him, but my instincts told me that with him around, my past had no chance of coming to get me.