The Kickoff Carnival

[Flint Stockholm]

Every year for the past thirty years, Landcaster has held a festival referred to as the "Kickoff Carnival". Its a festival for everyone, but primarily for the college students getting ready to head off to school. Its the 'kickoff' for their year, hence the name. Its been a big hit since its first establishment, and remains one of the most popular events the school sponsors.

Today was day one. The very first day of the fest, and so far, one of the most successful outcomes they'd seen in years. It started at noon with a parade, and went from there. The sun was shining, blaring down and causing many sunburns I'm sure. The lots were crowded quickly with people, and the back lawns of the actual park began to fill around six when the first performer hit the stage.

Flint was beyond excited to be opening such an event. He'd called in a band-mate upon receiving the call and they'd gotten a playlist up in no time. Facebook groups were made, twitter messages were sent, he even spammed Instagram with 'gettin' ready, gettin' ready! come out and see me!' pictures. All his friends were invited, from college and not, and he was more than pumped to be meeting up with Joshua again to play another show. It had been years since they'd gotten on a stage together.

After maybe five songs, Flint landed on his last (and self-proclaimed 'best') song. It was a bit slower than his other songs, but it was interactive and called for quite a bit of the crowd's participation. He'd started a wave, he'd gotten people up on each other's shoulders, he'd taught them the chorus and they'd made the whole field ring.

After a few heartfelt goodbyes and thank you's, Flint and Joshua left the stage and went around back to get a drink. It was now about six thirty and the skies had begun to darken, leaving that feeling of summer nostalgia hanging in the air. Taking a seat on a foldable chair, Flint kicked his feet out in front of him and took his phone from his pocket. "Yo, slip around back man I'm lonely" was the text he sent to Nadeen.

{ www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=88090184 }

[Nadeen Desjardins]

Since the parade, Nadeen had been in and out of her apartment. No matter where she lived in this world, hot was hot and she hated the heat. How she managed to work outside in a wig daily was beyond her. Maybe it really was the thought of being a princess that kept her going. Certainly she made sure to take a break before the concert lineup, now that was a heat she could take.

Armed with a water bottle, Nadeen had made her way through the masses. This one of the few iconic moments were little Nadi was heel-less. Outdoor concerts did not bode well to heels in the grass, unless they need a good aerating.

 Arriving an hour early, it had been easy to get a front row spot—front row, best row. Thankfully unlike many other concerts, this one she would have to do little worrying about defending her place and could easily rest her chin on the railing, relaxing waiting for the screams to rise and the bands to strut out on stage.

Her water bottle remained on the ground nestled between her feet and the railing, it was a little obnoxious bending over and bumping her hips against others in the crowd. “Ah, sorry” she apologized to a gentleman with a bright smile. Bingo. She beamed a smile back, ready to give him signs to keep talking.

Unfortunately, the screams came just as he began to speak. Woe-is-me dear friend, she silently apologized to the gent and looked away to the stage letting out a loud scream. Just as quick, she reached into her pocket grabbing her iPhone snapping a picture right away. Tonight she had a job to get photos of a few friends on stage tonight. If any were missed of Flint or Kelvin, one of them would have her head.

“Boo~!” Nadi called out teasingly once or twice, waving her hand playfully with a smile. Hearing a few mummers behind her she looked around wide-eyed, whoops. That really didn’t sound the most PC, had it? Well fuck ‘em, they were pals, a bit of banter was just fine. As if ruffling her feathers, Nadi tried to stand her tallest, keeping hold of the railing, lifting her arms and swaying when appropriate.

The last song, she captured on video—though her cheers would drown Flint out at times. Well done, my friend. The young adult mused lowering herself to pick the water bottle, taking a much needed drink. Yet again, she bumped hips with the stranger. Smiles ensued again this time however, a buzz in her own hand interrupted their moment rather than screams.

‘Slip around back?...'

“Does he think I’m fucking spider man?” Nadeen grunted looking from side to side trapped by people. To go back would be swimming over an ocean the only resort. “Hey…” She began shyly tugging on the stranger’s shoulder.

 “Could you lift me up and over the barrier?” A strange request a first, but the man seemed happy enough to oblige. He first put his hands around her waist, heaved her up and put another arm under the back of the legs. Lifting her with easy to the barrier so she could sit, then kept his arms steady as she dropped down to the ground, dirt flying into her flats.

“Thanks, cher.” Nadi winked and twinkled her fingers at him before walking casually out of the concert front.

‘Saveme!’ She texted back to Flint, stopping near the entrance only performers were allowed. Hm…a side view for the show, not bad, Nadi.

(outfit: 25.media.tumblr.com/092ed4b8d690840537778009d0cd7470/tumblr_mp5q4tMG401qj9wxoo1_1280.jpg )

[Kelvin Westfield]

Kelvin knew it was time to impress. This had been his first serious gig, apart from performing at small clubs and things. But now he was in front of more than his usual hundred people. He was with at least more than a hundred. He had spent a lot of time writing a few songs, along with collaborating with his best friend, Benny, on a few things. He wrote five songs, working on them all week, the music, the lyrics, and then playing it back after realizing they where good. He had shown them to most of his friends, known as the Swag Squad. He had titled them "Bonfire", "Freaks and Geeks", "Longest Text Message", and "Heartbeat". He had them all saved on his computer, which had to be running slow, with how many songs he produced and recorded at the studio, and saved them on there. He loved all the songs, and it was really hard to find out which song he wanted to choose. He loved them all, but he would perform the other songs at another time.

So after a while of comparing, and real concentration, and by concentration he meant smoking weed with Benny, and listening to the songs again, they had chosen The Longest text Message. So they decided to work on that song. And though originally Kelvin wanted to sing alone, he thought it was cool to add his best friend to it, Kelvin knew that Benny also had music talent. And, anyway, who the fuck didn't want to be in a music duo with their best friends, and get bitches?

Kelvin sighed, as he set all his things up, so when the guy in front of him performing would finish, Kelvin wouldn't have to take long to get to the stage with Benny. He had gotten a kid from his class to work on the DJing, He hooked up his computer to the spin plates, and the noise makers. Kelvin dressed up like he usually when performing, like he was trying to be kind of ominous. Then once the boy finished, and got off the stage, Kelvin felt a surge go to his heart. There where a lot of people, he was sure his friends were there, they wouldn't miss him or Benny perform, especially when they where together. He took center stage with Benny, and then the beat he had created for his song started.

"Who's in love with you now?
I swear to God, I swear to God I am
Who's in love with you now?
I swear to God, I swear to God I am
Nobody really wants you"

Kelvin had sung the chorus with Benny. And then with no pause, Kelvin started to rap, looking at a certain girl in the crowd, she knew who she was. Kelvin didn't want to come off as offensive, he was a good guy really, but had weird ways of showing it. He was singing a song about a famous guy who broke up his girlfriend, who broke his heart, and then she starts to talk shit about him.

"First off let me say I'm drunk off of shitty wine
So I'll probably use the B word a couple times
I used to love your fucking mouth you had enough of mine
But what's the reason for, you never gave me any sign
When we were making out you kind of act like it was nothing
Like you were doing it to prove you could do it or something
You know I'm fine with getting fucked by girls who are my friends
You fucked me in a different way I guess it all depends
Texting on my day off, "Hey babe what's going on?"
"Sorry I can't make it out", sad face emoticon
It's funny how I see you with these bad boys you hanging on
I told ya I'm a soldier need a girl scout to tag-a-long
Face down ass up, that's the way you left me
I thought there was a spark but we were missing Lisa Leslie
"You know it's fucking childish to write a song to get me"
I'm always fucking childish you knew that when you met me"

Kelvin finished his verse, he felt on fire. The crowd had been cheering him on after the verse had ended. Then he started to sing the chorus again, with Benny.

"Who's in love with you now?
I swear to God, I swear to God I am
Who's in love with you now?
I swear to God, I swear to God I am
Nobody really wants you"

And after the chorus, with no pause, Benny had started rapping. Kelvin nodded while Benny rapped, he echoed him when he needed to, but apart from that, he let Benny kill it. Then when Benny had finished, Kelvin started to sing by himself, no Benny.

Who's in love with you now?
I swear to God, I swear to God I am
Who's in love with you now?
I swear to God, I swear to God I am
Nobody really wants you

And then Benny had sung the same thing, after Kelvin finished. And then the beat started fading away.

"Nobody really wants you
Nobody really wants you
Nobody really wants you, wants you, wants you."
Kelvin and Benny had sung together softly. Kelvin smiled when the song finished and everyone started clapping. "Thank You." Kelvin constantly repeated through the mic, while he turned around and got off the stage with Benny.
"Yoooo. My Nigga, we killed it." He said to Benny putting his hand up for a high five.

( www.polyvore.com/usual_shit/set?id=88069888 )

[Benito "Benny" Carson]

Benny rubbed his hands together onstage, getting pumped, bouncing on his heels and then shaking his hands. He wasn't a nervous guy, he was just trying to get into the zone... and the weed had kicked in a while ago, so there was that. Benny didn't perform much, music was more of a hobby for him than it was for Kelvin and Champagne. He'd been surrounded by it, introduced to it by Papa J before he passed away, was taught how to spit rhymes, and even sang a little -- but it was never really a passion, you know? He preferred moving along with the music, feeling it in his bones. He enjoyed making it, but dancing was a whole other experience from singing or rapping to him.

He wasn't shy, the size of the crowd didn't phase Benny -- why should it? He had nobody in there he really felt the need to impress, but then again, he might as well have fun and look good up there if he was going to be performing, right? Once the song started, he went along and sang the opening chorus along with Kelvin,

"Who's in love with you now?

I swear to God... I swear to God, I am.

Who's in love with you now?

I swear to God... I swear to God, I am.

Nobody really wants ya."

Once Kelvin started on his verse, Benny sort of just floated along stage, smiling and waving to people in the crowd. He raised an eyebrow slightly as he noticed his friend eyeing a particular girl in the crowd and he followed his eyes to see who it was, and he smirked. Nice. Benny was leaning over to touch hands with a few people until Kelvin finished and it was time to sing the chorus again.

"Who's in love with you now?

I swear to God... I swear to God, I am.

Who's in love with you now?

I swear to God... I swear to God, I am.

Nobody really wants ya. --"

Benny's turn. He was pumped, he loved his verse. Especially for the fact that it was his same feelings for the lot of girls he'd been with before, so he knew how to get into it. Channeling all the energy inside of him, he held his mic to his mouth and started,

"You ain't that fine bitch, what the fuck you heard?

I love these shitty ass chicks. I guess I'll never learn.

I hate it when you think you're really getting something good.

And you don't listen to your dudes when you really should.

I got so many fucking girls, I can't even count 'em.

There's probably six or seven girls who think this song's about 'em.

Never kiss in public, but at home I am affectionate.

Fucking bitches left and right, my dick is ambidextrous.

I know you're probably texting these lyrics to your friends

Saying, "this nigga think he all that, he fucking sucked in bed."

Well, uh... I think we both know that I worked that ass.

I hope your dude can keep it stretched... yoga class.

I'm trying hard not to use a specific reference,

But you'll probably know it's you after the first sentence.

So, let me quit while I'm ahead like a penis.

If I never was in love with you I hope you know I'm meaning it."

He nodded off to the crowd, raising a hand as he finished his verse, letting Kelvin sing the next chorus, and then following after doing the repeat by himself, smirking slightly. This song may not have been the nicest but it wasn't like they were putting anybody on blast or directing it towards any specific girls, right? They ain't like that.

Benny raised a peace sign to the crowd before exiting the stage with Kelvin, high-fiving Kelvin, a huge grin on his face, "Aye, that was dope, we gotta do that some other time." he nodded in agreement.

[Champagne McKnight]

_{assets1.capitalfm.com/2012/15/rita-ora-1334315192-view-0.jpg}

Usually... Champagne was never nervous. Especially not for a performance like this, she loved having people hear her work, the music she wrote. She was proud of everything she's worked on and achieved since she decided to try and turn music into a career, but this song that she'd written, that she'd finally gotten the courage to record, produce, and perform, it was personal. She'd written it shortly after graduating high school... after she and Jaden broke up. Their break up wasn't messy, just, sad. Champagne was more hurt than anything, not because of Jaden, but because of the fact that he was leaving, and Champagne really had no idea if she'd ever see him again, and that was really messed up to her.

When she started college, she started singing. Champagne figured she'd start, considering the success rate of female rappers in the world, she should at least have knowledge in other things musical, right? And that's how, "Hello, Hi, Goodbye" came to be. Her first vocal song that she'd written, and one of the first vocal performances she'd do in front of people. Champagne was a perfectionist when it came to her work, and she'd practiced every day, every hour just to get her voice to sound right when it flowed along in the song. It needed to be perfect. This song wasn't some childish rap she'd written when she was fifteen, this song came from within the heart. It needed to be special.

Champagne stood up on stage, looking down, the mic in hand and she tried to focus herself into the song, get in the zone. When the music started, she waited for her cue, and stared to sing,

"Hello, hi, goodbye
So I'm saying, hello, hi, goodbye
Saying, hello, hi, goodbye
Saying, hello, hi, goodbye
Saying..."

She looked up, finally, out to the crowd, and smiled slightly, continuing on,

"Imagine the future of you and me
Seems good and then you leave
The pain in this vision is killing me
Reality is: we will never be
I'm prone to a love travesty
And this feels like another tragedy
And the truth really is, we're too young to understand love domain,"

Champagne brought a hand up to her heart and shut her eyes, not wanting to cry in front of this carnival crowd. She felt like her entire body was shaking, she'd never been so vulnerable in front of so many people... it'd taken so much encouragement from Benny, Freydo, even Kelvin in order to help her build the guts to get up there and do this, and Kelvin being there playing the drums for her was a lot of help, and she glanced over and smiled to him, silently thanking her friend.

"Love express I'll take you out the fireflies
And it should go and crash
No replying from the ash
We'll just be burning up after that
I hate you, or, you hate me, or, I'll take you, or you'll break me, or
And now I'm scared, cause I've been there
Stuck in this prison, No optimism,"

Champagne breathed, looking out into the crowd and reaching a hand out to them all, reaching the chorus again,

"And now it's hello, hi, goodbye
My heart has no room for love, so I'm saying, hello, hi goodbye
My heart felt no gimme, saying, hello, hi goodbye
In the other time, I'll be up, saying, hello, hi goodbye
But that thing in me is gone,"

She was looking out into the crowd, as if she were singing to Jaden, and her heart sunk deep into her chest, continuing to sing,

"I know you wish somehow I could explain
I'm still numb from the pain
And I don't want to know your name
Please get up and walk away
I don't wanna fall in love again
Don't want to start anything that could end
I know you think you can get through to me
But I'm in lock in loves penitentiary,"

She started to think back to their relationship, shaking her head slightly. It was crazy how young they were, but that didn't make it any less real, did it? Champagne had her doubts at times, over thinking everything again and again, but the more she sang, the more she felt it.

"I already know how this goes
Laid down, broken, heart broke
I'll hate you, or, you'll hate me, or I'll take you, or you'll break me
And now I'm scared, cause I've been there
Stuck in this prison, No optimism
And now it's hello, hi, goodbye
My heart has no room for love, so I'm saying, hello, hi goodbye
My heart felt no gimme, saying, hello, hi goodbye
In the other time, I'll be up, saying, hello, hi goodbye
But that thing in me is gone..."



She held that last note as long as she could, doing a few runs afterward, shutting her eyes and looking down once the music stopped, pursing her lips, patiently, until she heard the crowd's applaud, and she opened her eyes again, looking up and smiling, nodding her head for a second and then bowing, waving a hand to them, "Thank you so much, I love y'all! Good night."

Champagne could wear she was going to vomit into a bucket the second she got off stage, suddenly feeling very emotionally drained, handing her mic off to some stagehand and walking out of the backstage area, into the main carnival section, right near where the crowd was bunched up. "You'd think someone would give a thirsty girl some water, mm." she shook her head.

[Alec Mercer]

( www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=88127456 )

Using one hand to ease the hood of the silver GTR shut, Alec brought his other hand up to wipe his brow. The owner had asked him to lower the suspension and install new coilovers. All in a day's work. He loved his job because he got to work with so many different vehicles, especially the ones above and beyond his salary. Checking his phone for the time, Alec noticed several text messages from Stacy about the carnival happening tonight.

Of course he wasn't going to show up covered in sweat and car grease, so Alec hopped into his pickup truck and drove home first. The "Swag Pad," as his roommates called it, was particularly full today. "I'm home," he called out as he hung his keys on the key rack near the front door, stepping out of his dirty work shoes as he did so. "Hey Nessa," he greeted. Making his way to the shared bathroom, Alec pulled his t-shirt over his head and tossed it at Stacy with a grin.

Once he was fresher than a peppermint, the four of them piled into Cici's SUV with Alec in the driver's seat and left for the park. As they were crossing the parking lot, he allowed himself to fall behind the group, tugging on Nessa's hand to get her attention. "I'm hungry," he whined, pouting his lips and patting his stomach to illustrate his point. "Grab some food with me?" he playfully pleaded, flashing a smile. Surely the others would not miss them. Besides, Alec had not eaten anything since lunch, which was at noon.

"You pick, I'll buy," he offered, hoping that it made his request that much more enticing. Alec was biting his lower lip now, anticipating Vanessa's answer. She didn't seem like a girl who turned down food, but surely a friend of Stacy's would have some kind of sassy comment. Everyone in the Daniels family did. "So, what do you say?" he asked, giving her hand a squeeze.

[Jaden Sawyer]

www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=88119483

Despite that Jaden wasn't accustomed to deathly hot weather, he wasn't whining. Anaheim was a wonderful city because of it's diversity. Usually, he found himself speaking to lost tourists asking for directions and sparking up interesting conversations. Although he could not chat for very long, he always learned something new from each person. That's what Jaden appreciated about people, they were different. No matter if they dressed the same, or listened to the same music, everyone had their own gimmick. Sure, maybe wearing a black vest and black pants made Jaden a victim of absorbing heat rather than reflecting it but what made him content was that he would get a paycheck at the end of every week. If that wasn't something to be proud about, he didn't know what was. So of course, the young man wasn't whining. Perhaps once Jaden started school he'd get the taste of what it was like to handle a job and university studies but for now he was happy.

When the group arrived to the carnival, Jaden approached them and greeted. "Hey! Sorry I was a little late, I had to take my uniform off before heading over here. The fraternity house is really far away from the entrance of the school." he gave them an explanation but everyone seemed to be fine with it. Usually Jaden was the type to explain things to people despite that he didn't owe anyone one. 

"Woah, live music! Isn't that Kelvin?" Stacy asked as she stared toward the stage where there musicians showing off their talents. She was actually interested in what other people had to do. It was a natural instinct of her and most of her family to be interested in others. "Let's go check it out?" she asked everyone but Alec seemed to be hungry and she saw that he was tugging on Vanessa's hand meaning that he wanted to spend time with her. "Alright, let's go. If you guys need anything or if something happens, you have our cell phone numbers." Jaden said before Stacy and him began walking toward the stage.

A familiar face caught Jaden's eye. The blonde, mocha skinned young lady taking the mic. His large, honey colored eyes were fixed upon her visage. He tried to make out of who she was but at the distance she was, he couldn't quite figure out. Jaden took Stacy's hand and led her closer toward the stage. "That girl... She looks extremely familiar." he squinted his eyes but with his sunglasses all he saw was dim-light. Stacy tilted her head, she wasn't going to tell Jaden who this girl was. She wanted this to be a movie moment where two lost lovers reunite and they meet eyes when the other realizes all on his own that the love of his life is standing before him. Ah yes, perfect. 

Jaden continued racking his brain, trying to identify this girl that captivated him so quickly. It was as if the rate of his heart beat was trying to tell him something. While trying to remember, Jaden closed his eyes. 

The silkiness of her voice.
That beautiful voice that spoke to him for hours and hours.

"Champagne." Jaden whispered softly. 

She had already finished her performance when he opened his eyes. He saw her coming down from the stage and looked to Stacy, "I'll be right back." before pushing through the crowd and making his way toward her. "Champagne!" Jaden shouted, smiling brightly. What he had said to her before they both parting ways rang through his head. If we see each other again, then it's meant to be. 

It was meant to be. 

[Vanessa Richards]

www.polyvore.com/vanessa_carnival/set?id=88117801

So far, so good. Vanessa was, for the most part, incredibly clean. She had not touched a tiny amount of alcohol and she most definitely had not been smoking anything funny either. Nessa was sure that her parents and everyone else that was supporting her would be proud of her advancements. There were so many people that were there for her but she didn't want to be a walking pity show. Don't get her wrong, Vanessa appreciated people helping her but she didn't want them to be clapping for every single show of progress she makes. Even people who aren't aware of what she had gone through have been helping her. 

One of those people being Alec. She didn't think their friendship would last. He didn't seem like the type to hang around with girls like her. Girls like her? Well Vanessa was really no different than the next female however, she knew what did differ her but she didn't like to say it out loud. It was probably that she and Alec knew the same people and it was easy for her to bump into him wherever she went. Seeing him made her happy and that was as much as she could say about him. 

What Vanessa absolutely adored about her group of friends was that they were not uptight. She felt like she should have started a friendship with them so much sooner but they were incredibly accepting and for that she was grateful. 

Honest to God that a carnival was not one of the places Vanessa would ever go to to hang out, if you understand what that means. None of her friends would ever be caught dead at a carnival and if they were to be caught in one they would be caught with a bag of cocaine and liquor bottles. Which wasn't something to be proud of. It was something that Vanessa was past doing, she wasn't 'bout that life anymore. She was clean, healthy and happy.

When Alec began to tug at her hand, she laughed and rose an eyebrow. "We're not even there yet, hold your horses! Be patient and I will buy you cotton candy." she chimed as if she were an adult and he was clearly the child. Nessa bought her hand up to pinch his nose. She then put a finger under chin as if in deep thought. "This is my David pose..." she bit the inside of her cheek before pursing her lips tightly together. She made a bit of duck face as she did so. "What I really I mean really in the mood for is a ice cold drink... And maybe a whole bunch of carnival food? They say it's pretty nasty but I just hear 'pretty greasy but extremely tasty'" Vanessa grinned brightly up at him before looking around for a stand that served everything she had just listed.

She linked arms with him as she lead him toward the line of stands but stopped abruptly when saw a big, fluffy unicorn hanging on the prize section of a balloon popping game. "That unicorn is huge. I really want it." she widened her eyes saucer wide as she fixed her stare upon the almighty stuffed fantasy creature.

[Champagne McKnight]

Who just called...

Champagne looked around, hearing her name, her eyes scanning every person until she came face to face with Jaden and she felt herself almost freeze in place. What was he... what? Champagne couldn't believe her eyes, blinking for a few seconds, scrunching her eyebrows, looking at him in shock, "Jaden?" Her expression softened as she started to smile, "Jaden..." her voice went soft.

It was hard for her to comprehend, it'd been so long, Champagne almost couldn't tell if this was real or not, almost wanting to reach over and touch him just to make sure he wasn't a ghost or anything. She half-laughed, in disbelief, shaking her head, and rushing in for a hug, wrapping her arms around him and nuzzling her head into his chest like she used to, just wanting to hold him for a while, breathing in, and biting her lip, her stomach having that weird, uneasy feeling it used to when she was a kid.

What was it that he'd told her the last time they saw each other? That, if they saw each other again, it was meant to be? Champagne had originally doubted that, thinking Jaden was just saying something to be smart, bring her hopes up, which was why she'd written that song from earlier... but, seeing him here, right now, it led her to believe. They were at a carnival for crying out loud, just like the day they'd met. If that wasn't saying something, then this was one huge, crazy coincidence.

When she pulled away, she looked up to him, "You... what 'chu doing here?"

[Flint Stockholm]

In the time it took for Nadeen to come over, Flint had already pored two water bottles over his head and chucked another three at Joshua who was laying on the ground like a murder victim. "Its so hot here," he kept repeating, rolling his head around in the grass and kicking his feet a couple times. "You live in Florida, shut up its not that different," was the reply Flint shouted back each time. Then he'd check his phone for a reply, and shove it back into his pocket when there was nothing there. Soon enough, a buzz alerted him and Flint stood from his chair. "Don't move, nugget," he said to Joshua, jabbing him in the side with his foot before heading to the gates where Nadeen stood.

"Do you feel really awesome meeting the band?" he shouted as he approached, dumping the rest of a water bottle down his back before reaching a hand out to the girl. "They're not gonna let me open it so we're gonna have to ninja this shit," he said now putting his other hand out too so she could grab them both. He intended to lift her over, which might not have been the easiest feat seeing as this gate was pretty big. Regardless, they managed it and in no time, Nadeen was on the 'cool' side.

"Tell me you got pictures," he said, nodding his head at her then looking back at Joshua who was still sprawled across the ground. "Not of that, though. Just of me," he added with a wink. "Was the show good? Was I good?" Flint often seemed incredibly full of himself when it came to his music. All he wanted was to hear people say he was good. But it wasn't really a cocky thing; more so a confidence thing. He might die if anyone legitimately told him his music sucked. He figured Nadeen might tell him it sucked, but that was Nadeen. It was different. And a 'you suck' from Nadeen was just as flattering as a 'you rock'.

[Nadeen Desjardins]

Nadi nodded with a grin as he approached, “yeah, yeah I feel like the queen of England. Get me in,” she ushered but was soon let down. Hearing they wouldn’t move the gate any Nadeen made an exhausted face, seriously? She’d have to do more climbing? “Good thing I happen to be Spiderman today” Nadi answered with a confident smirk, tossing both of her flats first, over the barrier. Hoping they landed right by Flint, close enough to give him a scare but not actually hit him on his big day.

“Lucky—“ She grunted grabbing Flint’s hands pushing up with her legs “—I love you.” Nadi finished, squinting with the burn of the tug in her arm. Her bare feet helped with the traction and sure enough Nadeen was lifted over the barrier.

It didn’t take long to see her Eifel Tower themed iPhone out, already taking a picture of Joshua on the floor. “Hm? Oh peach, you know I did.” She promised with a grin standing close to her friend, who today was the star! Just as Nadi began to put her arm around Flint’s shoulders for a picture, she let go with a giant “Ew! Is that sweat?” Teasing of course. She could only imagine how hot the boys were.

Just standing cramped up in the crowd, cheering away had done her in with the heat. To be active with stage lights beating down you, in a black hoodie at that? Nope, she didn't eve want to begin to fathom how hot they must have gotten.

Nadi laughed stepping away, “mmm. Mmm. I was going to lie and say you were good, but now I’ll tell you the truth. I was the one boo-ing, while filming.” She held up the iPhone with a smile, teasing while informing him she even got video of his show.

[Jaden Sawyer]

Once Champagne was in Jaden's arms, he knew he'd be a fool to let her go. He embraced her tightly, closing his eyes and smiling closed. It was a relief to see her again. He was more glad that she was safe and as far as he could see, doing what she loved. Jaden always believed in Champagne and he never doubted her talent. It was no surprise to see that the audience had enjoyed her performance.

When Champagne back away, Jaden looked down at her. She was so small in height yet she has this strong attitude that could make other people feel inferior. It was something Jaden had admired her for. He gently brushed back her hair while his eyes were on her face. He couldn't erase the smile on his face because it was mainly impossible.

Jaden's hands settled on both sides of her face. When she asked him what he was doing in Anaheim, he tilted his head. "I could ask you the same question." Jaden's smile broadened before he cut the mystery act due to the fact that he really wasn't the type to beat around the bush. "I go to Landcaster!" he answered before gently brushing his finger along her cheekbones. "I'm studying anatomy there. I'm in my sophomore year." he added before raising an eyebrow. He moved his hands away from her face and took both of her hands.

"I heard you wanted water. How about we go get something to drink while you tell me all about why you're here, too." Jaden leaned forward before taking one of her hands and leading her toward the area where all the stands were lined up.

[Deleted]

www.polyvore.com/stacy_carnival/set?id=88189897

Well, wasn't everything going peachy. It made Stacy happy when other people were content. She didn't really know why that was but it must be some sort of gene she got from her parents. Anastasia crossed her arms over her chest as she stood nearby the stage. The thought of belonging to a group that was so talented made her feel almost inferior. Don't get her wrong, being part of the Swag Squad was fantastic. Still, she was a mere aerospace engineer major and only popular for being the daughter of the commander in chief of the country. Stacy stood out as much as a hair of grass in a grass field. Not entirely. Although she felt quite special but that was just arrogance.

Everyone in the Swag Squad had a talent. Well, among other things and Stacy only knew how sport on a dog costume and entertain by being wacky. Perhaps that was somewhat of a talent but she couldn't really see.

She smiled once Jaden and Champagne were walking together. They looked so happy, it was a wonderful sight to see. Although, to be honest, Stacy was slightly jealous but in a good way. Maybe it shouldn't be called jealousy but mere nostalgia.

She spotted Kelvin and Benny, well of course she knew them. Actually, Benny was Stacy's co-worker although neither of them really knew that fact. She almost walked toward them and said, "You guys killed it. I think I heard someone propose."

[Kelvin Westfield]

Kelvin had felt so energized since stepping off the stage. Like he had just done one of the things he would remember all his life. He had felt so great, the fact that his friends, and more of the schools census, there cheering for him and Benny. Kelvin worked hard on writing those songs. Half of the song had been for the girl he had been eying, Stacey, and the other half of the song was him remembering his exes, and the fact that he also knew a couple of things about Benny's romantic past. And then his rapping and singing skill, along with good rhyming and memories made a good song come out. Kelvin's heart was beating out of his chest when he got of the stage. He looked at Benny. "I know dawg. We have to do that shit some other time." Kelvin responded. And then after that, Kelvin saw a certain mocha skinned girl walk on stage.

Kelvin had turned to listen to her song, Kelvin really liked it, and he was about to say something to her, but Kelvin saw that another guy came after and decided it was better to leave her alone for now, he would talk to her later. He turned back to Benny. "That is that Jaden guy, right?" Kelvin asked his friend. He wasn't sure. Then Kelvin turned to his right, and saw a familiar face walk towards them. The girl whom Kelvin had mostly sung to during his performance, although he had done his best not to make it obvious, so that Stacey wouldn't know. His heartbeat went faster, but then, it went slowly. Stacey came and greeted them. Three of the Swag Squad. Only people missing where Champagne, who was with that guy, and God knew where Cici was. Kelvin looked out to see all the games and rides, Kelvin had gotten his monthly allowance from his mother, so he was loaded at the moment, there was no object on money.

He looked back at Stacy. "Thanks, Stace." Kelvin looked around. Kelvin was sure that Benny knew about Kelvin's crush on Stacey. He looked at Benny, giving him somewhat of a signal. "Em, Stace, you wanna go take a walk around here?" Kelvin asked.

[Flint Stockholm]

"Of course its not sweat!" Flint said with a giggle, only to turn completely serious and straight-faced before saying, "Its blood." The straight face broke, though, and he was soon back a fuss of giggles as he poked her shoulder and looked back at Joshua who hadn't even noticed that he'd just had his picture taken. Flint thought about yelling for him to come up and say hi, but the kid probably smelled horrible. Flint was sweaty, yes, and had been moving around quite a bit in all this clothing. But Joshua was the drummer. And he was always sure to give the audience a real show. Honestly, Flint wasn't sure how he hadn't died of heat exhaustion. He also wasn't sure why he still had his sweatshirt on.

"I figured that was you booing, you whore," Flint said with a cute smile as he poked Nadi's shoulder again. "But shit, you video taped me?! You are truly the man." Lifting his hands to cup the iphone, Flint smiled down at the screen as a miniature him danced and ukulele'd across it. A smile broke across his face and he snorted at how much she really was booing over the music. When the video finished, he let go of the phone and lifted his face to look at Nadi. "Want anything to drink? Before Joshua pours the rest of the water all over himself?" he asked, putting his hand out for her to survey the area. There were a couple other sweaty dudes like himself running around, several of which jumped over Joshua (who only grunted at them).