Blogger | Josh Dun

The next day was a show day, and I was excited. Even more than I loved my job, I loved watching the boys perform. They were spectacular, and each day they put everything they had into their show. 

I had been running around all morning; taking pictures of soundcheck, writing notes, helping the crew with moving things around and generally just doing what I was asked. Even though I was only there to write and take pictures, I liked being able to help in whatever way I could. It was mostly just to keep busy, as I got all jittery with excitement before each show. 

It was apparently contagious. Jenna grabbed me as I walked back towards the stage after helping Tyler find his ski mask. He'd misplaced it and had freaked out. Luckily, it had just fallen out of a box between the bus and the venue. 

Jenna grinned widely as she fell into step beside me. 

"You love the shows, don't you?" 

I smiled and nodded, laughing slightly at the fact that she'd even needed to ask.

"They're my favourite band, and they always put on such a show! Honestly, getting to watch them live every night is a dream come true. I could never get bored."

Jenna hummed in agreement. "I've been watching these boys perform for years, and I still get goosebumps every time they play. And it's crazy watching Ty play Tear In My Heart to all those people, especially when I know he wrote it for me." She blushed. I could only hope that one day, I'd find someone who loved me as much as Tyler and Jenna loved each other. 

A couple of times, I'd taken photos of Jenna being invited on stage by Tyler for specific songs, and they were usually my favourite photos. Their love and admiration for each other was so obvious, and easily captured in a photograph. 

We continued chatting as we walked, until we reached the stage. Josh and Tyler had just finished playing The Judge, and noticed us as we entered the room. 

Tyler held onto Jenna's hand and walked her over to the piano, where they started talking. Josh strolled over to me.  

"When you take pictures of me tonight, can you make sure I look okay in them?"

I laughed. "Josh, if you're in a photo, it's automatically deemed great."

He smirked and walked over to his drums. "I'll make sure to take my shirt off as early as possible then."

"Stop flirting with me and practice, Dun. I won't take responsibility if you mess up your drum solo."

"Hey! That was one time!"

...

The show was over, and I was running on adrenaline. It felt like I had been the one who'd just played a two hour set to thousands of people. I couldn't sit down without fidgeting like crazy, but I couldn't leave the bus as it was moving on to the next venue. 

"Lizzie. You're pacing. Come play a video game with me."

I sat down next to Josh on one of the couches, bouncing my legs up and down. He passed me a controller, and started up the new Call Of Duty game. 

We played in silence, the fact that I had to concentrate on not being shot calming my jitters. 

Josh spoke up. 

"It took me a while to get over the adrenaline rush. I still get it, but it passes quicker than it used to, and now I'm able to crash as soon as I get back onto the bus."

"What are you doing up now then?" I asked, noticing how he looked incredibly tired.

"Helping you. Besides, I don't mind." He shrugged.

"Joshua William Dun, I will not have you staying up on my behalf!"

He laughed at my outrage. 

"Lizzie, I'm fine."

I shook my head. 

"Josh, please go to sleep. You look shattered, and anyways, I won't be sleeping anytime soon." 

He tilted his head at me, narrowing his eyes. 

"Why not?"

"I just don't sleep very well. But it's okay, I can deal with it."

"Is it insomnia?"

I shrugged. "It's not diagnosed, but I guess so."

Josh pouted. "I'm really sorry about that, Lizzie."

I lifted the corners of my mouth in a small smile. 

"It's not your fault. Anyway, I've been living with it for years so I'm entirely used to it by now."

Josh seemed torn between going to sleep or staying with me. Tiredness eventually won, and he got up to go to bed.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his forehead on my shoulder, hugging me tightly before letting go.

"Goodnight Lizzie. Please wake me up if you need anything, okay?"

He kissed my cheek before turning away and walking to his bunk.