You Are Not

It was late but no one cared as it was festival time. Download festival was full of teenagers; young, drunk, covered in mud, acting stupid, some on drugs. Some was having sex where no one should have had to see it. Some teenagers just eating too much and sitting where they thought they wouldn't sink into the ground.

There were also some teenagers that where just purely here for the music to see their favorite bands play and take lots of silly pictures. Adults some here with kids too young to make their own decisions or adults that are trying to be young again.

It was the second night place was trashed, people drinking too much who also had no sleep, clothing stalls running low on sizes as everyone was wearing the line-up on their back was hard to forget which band was on main stage next. The heavens had decided to open and the rain was flooding in with great force. The drunks didn't mind so much, the twats rolled around in the dirt and the parents pulled out umbrellas and rain coats. Practical thinking. Drinks where now being thrown around where the rain was diluting there alcohol and mosh pits where made bigger where everyone felt the need to try and enjoy themselves that more now. The clouds where grey and some black it only looked like it could get worse. Tents would have sunk in the dirt and others would be blowing around the fields in the wind.

Gus smiled up at the rain letting it descent at haste and landing with a force that made him blink a lot as it ran down his face and sink into his clothes. He let the water drench him his white vest was soon none existent, his jeans tightened around his legs and then sticking to them as though the water on his legs where sucking the jeans in tighter. His shoes had been wrapped up in mud all day so that felt no different other than the mud was now pouring into his shoes. Gus had perfect hair, the type of hair anyone would want, it would sweep perfectly across his face but then he would sweep it out of the way and it would look like it had been styled that way hours ago.

Right now his hair stuck to his fore-head giving the rain a pathway down his face and dropping from his chin. Nothing could stop his happiness today it was his girlfriend’s birthday and he’d arranged for them to be here with friends watching her favorite band for the first time. He never checking the weather forecast didn't need to he thought. All he needed was the beautiful girl stood next to him covering her head with a hood far too big for her and so it would fall over her face. He leaned in and kissed her, his wet nose brushing against her dry one. She smiled at his face drenched in the rain and wrapped her arms around him. He knew this wouldn't bring her spirits down.

Lights beamed from the stage and everyone knew it was time, the crowd started to scream and mud was thrown in the air. The lights flickered back off which got everyone screaming loader, the mosh pit stood still and the food bars where empty. This was the moment that they had been waiting for the headliners set to play and crowd was ready. So what the rain was coming down this was it everyone would be jumping to the beat, dancing and sliding around the dirt, drunks waving around in the air, moshing and singing along to the words.

The band walked on stage holding their guitars in the air and the crowd left the floor. Moments like these where amazing, thousands of people gather to enjoy this together and the reaction to the bands are only insane. The band started to play their instruments but it was the lead singer the girls loved their hearts racing and their lungs ready to let out as much nose as they possibly could. The main guitar was taking over the beat and the crowd started to run jump and go crazy. The vocalist started to sing and ran on stage waving which got the ground shaking. Girls were screaming at him and guys were running at each other and throwing mud at anyone.

Gustav stood behind his girlfriend with one hand on her shoulder and the other taking photographs for her. To capture these moments that she’ll never forget. Gustav found the vocalist to be odd, he wore no shirt had a few small markings on his chest but he was too far away to tell what they were, he had black jeans on and about three belts which weren't doing his jeans any good at all, if your belts are going to weigh your jeans down then at least get some that fit he thought to himself. The guy was wearing pointed boots and Gus was too far away to tell this time weather they were men’s or women’s shoes. His hair was black short except the long fringe that wasn't quite a fringe as it reached his chin.

But the weirdest thing Gus thought was that the band covered themselves in war paint which will be straight off as soon as they’re in the rain. On stage the singer looked small and as Gus watched him run up and down the stage he wondered why the women loved him so much. Arrogant looking. That’s what he was arrogant looking.

The band went straight into their next song and his girlfriend bounced with excitement. She sang along with the words well it was more like screaming but he knew she was loving every minute of it and that was all he could ask her.

His best friend however was right in the middle of a mosh pit, mud slopped of off him in a lump yet he continued to run around laughing. John had been his best friend since they met in university then Gus met Taylor a few years ago who soon became his best friend. Now his best friends are boyfriend and girlfriend. Right now Gus is okay with that but if anything went wrong who does he go to and then what would they say to him? How would they act towards him or each other? He didn't love the idea but it’s happened and he knew John liked her but he didn't think it would escalate or that it might in fact be a mutual thing. They haven’t been together long so they’re still in there honey moon phase.

Tay joined the couple from the bathroom and caught Gustav’s eye, they shared a laugh. She knew Gus wasn't interested in the band but she also knew he loved his girlfriend very much. She’d never got to know his girlfriend they have separate friendship groups and don’t get together very often but Gus doesn't half like to keep things private.

Tay had her hat on with her hood up too but her little face was still sopping wet which Gus found amusing, he ran his finger down her slightly turned up nose and smiled. She wasn't otherly bothered about the rain but she really didn't fancy being covered in the muck that was being thrown around beside her. Tay wasn't a girly girl and she knew the girlfriend was and maybe that’s why they didn't talk much.

Tay had long brown hair with dip dye blonde, a pierced nose; she wore a hoodie with skinning jeans and panda wellington boots. Tay liked to wear make-up too but not to overdo it. Then there was the girlfriend who had shoulder length glossy ginger hair that was hidden in between the hair extensions, she had a slight sweeping fringe just above her eyebrows, porcelain features soft lips, long glued on eyelashes and then she wore a small black dress with a gold chain handing around her neck with a bird cage on the end. She had fishnet tights, red wellington boots and her outfit was cover with a raincoat. She is a good looking girl by gosh didn't she know it. Even John had said to Tay before there had to be something wrong with her but Gus had only sung in her phrases.

“Taylor don’t you just think he’s gorgeous?” she beamed not taking her eyes of the stage.

Gus shot Tay a smile waiting for her answer, “Lovely,” she giggled.

Emma glanced at her, “not your type?”

“Don’t think Tay has a type babe.” Gus smirked.

The band finished their song and Emma screamed out at them. Gustav laughed and pulled Tay in for a hug, wrapped up in each other they looked up at the stars and embraced the cold raindrops splashing onto their faces.

“Let’s get closer.” Beamed Emma, pulling Gustav’s arm.

Gustav released Tay and ruffled her hat around her head in which Tay pushed him away and he was gone into the crowd. They walked quickly trying not to get sucked into the dirt as well as darting in and out of the crowds also trying hard not to be pushed around. They reached the front and Gus made room for Emma to lean on the rail, she turned for a second and kissed him and then went straight back into melting over skinny dark emotional band members.

The vocalist climbed down from the stage and ran towards the crowd; Emma climbed onto the rail in front of her and leaned towards him. She grabbed his hand a pressed her lips on it leaving him with lipstick markings to remember her with. The guy smiled down at and told the crowd how sexy they were which got Emma screaming. Gustav rolled his eyes wishing he’d stayed by Tay’s side. He wanted her to be next to him, he looked through the mob of people but there was no chance he could tell where she was.

The four of them walked back to the tent together not knowing if it would still be standing or not but Gus knew Emma wouldn't care. She walked ahead with ease as Tay and John walked behind pulling Gus out of the muck every time he’d sink and stick into the stuff. Tay giggled at him and he’d shake his head. When they got back they where relieved to see their tent still on the ground and it hadn't even sank too deep, Gus took his clothes off and slides inside followed by Emma then Tay and lastly John collected their stuff and shoved in a bag.

“Best birthday ever I think.” Emma smiled lying back on Gustav’s chest.

Gustav smiled closing his eyes. To him this was perfect but to everyone else they wondered what was in it for her. Emma wasn't perfect and neither was Gus but their relationship wasn't working as well as Gus thought.

John looked at Tay raising his eyebrow, “they’re not going to start dry humping right?” he whispered.

Starting Tay off in a fit of laughter, she slapped his arm playfully and shook her head at him. John helped Tay into her PJ’s and panda onsie then sat with Tay in his now dry arms and together having a can of beer. John pulled Tay’s hood up for her and kissed her lightly on the nose, then got out some glow sticks and snapped them creating a halo popping it on Tay’s panda hood. They sat up giggling together through the night.

The morning sky was clear, not a cloud in the sky but a sharp wind flowing through the fields. Gus and Tay stood queuing for coffees which they’d probably end up mixing with something alcoholic that didn't quite taste right but yet it would hit the spot.

Today Gus was ready for the weather but only brought one pair of shoes with him so this morning when slipping into his muddy soaked converse couldn't help but cringe at the goo. Now though he’d gotten used to it. Apart from the shoe situation he was feeling warmer in his 'Your Demise' band jumper dry jeans and lion hat. He also decided it was a day for sunglasses. Tay stood next to him still in her panda onsie with matching panda boots on.

“How did you afford this Gus?” Tay questioned him.

Gustav smiled at her although he knew he hadn't paid his half of the rent for three months now but he was barely there. Then again he also knew Tay knew more than she ever let on. Like that fact Gus quit his job weeks ago now after his boss was a tosser without even being there. Gustav had been left in charge as the assistant manager and he loved his job until his boss had decided he was useless. Gustav didn't want to continue putting up with his shit plus he expected to be fired soon. The most irritating part about the whole thing the asshole making work hard was only this owner’s husband. Controlling fuck.

“Just did.” Gus shrugged.

Tay worried about Gustav and he knew it but he couldn't talk to her like she’d want to. He had this awful feeling that if she knew the real him that they wouldn't be best friends. Maybe one day he will be okay with letting her in but he pushed her away when he knew it was best.

“I don’t care what trouble you are in Gus we’re best friends and you never come home anymore.”

“I’m just busy that’s all.” He put his arm around her smiling. His smile was really good at covering things up.

No matter how hard she would try he would smile. He always got out of it in the end but how long would that last? Tay couldn't help but think the worst what if Gus wasn't alright? What if it was only going to get worse? How was she going to help him? It scared her. But still he would stand next to her smiling behind tired fed up eyes.

“Do you sleep much?”

“Now and then.”

At least he is honest when they do talk. She was going to have a proper talk with him and then they were going to help him find his feet again. She wondered if he shared things with Emma very often. Tay doubted she had any feelings for whatever it was Gus was going through well that would be if she did know.

“Do you stay at Emma’s is that where you go? To hers?”

“Sometimes, she goes out a lot.”

“Where does she go?”

“Clubs.”

Gus smiled without looking at her reaction; he knew she was raising her eyebrows at him. Gus didn't care what she did because he thought she was trustworthy faithful and that she could love him.

Emma only went out with her girlfriends but he knew what they were after and Emma had told him before what her friends thought about them being together. It didn't help that he knew one of her friends from before they were together. Some girl he’d slept with on a mates birthday night out. They all decided they were going to ‘pull’. Emma had said it had things awkward but Gustav couldn't care less.

Tay didn't want this conversation here, she couldn't ask him about trust when they were miles away from home. Or could she? Gustav was different when it was just the two of them and she liked to believe he was being himself. He ordered the coffees and carried them back.