best night ever.
So before I succumb to full-on concert depression, I want to recount the tale of the best night (to date) of my life: the night I met Set It Off, who are absolutely, most certainly, the sweetest group of band dudes in existence.
Monday, we arrived around 5:20 (doors were at 6) and hopped out of the car to see four girls sitting outside the back door of the venue. Leaning against the railing talking with them was none other than Andrew Cramb, S!O's tour manager, merch dude, and tech. He was talking about the European tour, and then went, "I was going to ask if you were coming to the Canada tour, but that doesn't apply to you..." and I couldn't resist but pipe up with an excited, "WE'LL BE THERE! :D" He was surprised we'd driven all that way and we all remarked on the weather (It'd been hot in Texas but now he was freezing and sad about it...)
While he talked to us, Austin emerged from the venue and I fought back the urge to squeal like a fangirl (he is GORGEOUS, okay?!) and instead managed to muster up the bravery to say hi. He greeted all of us and as he walked by, "I know you, and you, and I've seen you...and you...well, now I have." And then he walked around the railing (Nikki and I were sitting next to two other girls on a concrete ledge the railing was anchored to) and came up behind Nikki and yelled "BOO!"
We saw Zach a little later; he laughed and joked a little as he went by, and then as he walked around the railing and to the van, went, "It's so windy I don't know where to gooo..."
Eventually Andrew left us, and we waited (im)patiently to be able to enter.
The venue was TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINY. Since we were fifth and sixth in line, we staked out a spot right by the stage with no problem whatsoever (in between sets we sat on the edge) and proceeded to have wonderful and pleasant chats with other fans. This happened a few times. EVERYONE WAS SO FUCKING NICE. It was bizarre! Also, they were actually DRESSED FOR A ROCK SHOW, which was totally and completely foreign to me. In Chicago we run into girls in dresses with big-ass purses ridiculously often...
Austin walked by again and acknowledged everyone standing at the stage. And I called to him before I missed my chance. He came right over and said hi and I started rambling (I was totally rambling) but I wasn't at all nervous, because I knew there was no reason to be.
"Hey, I messaged you on tumblr awhile ago saying we were coming to see you from Indiana and that I was excited and LOOK, WE'RE HERE."
He totally remembered. And then he hugged me. For a very long time. So long it would've been awkward from anyone I didn't know. So long it probably SHOULD'VE been awkward considering I'd never met him before. But holy shit, it was the best hug ever. And he smelled SO GOOD. He held onto me for so long he was still hugging me when Nikki said, "You look so short." When he released me (I was not about to end it, and I couldn't anyway, because his arms were wrapped completely around me--IT WAS WONDERFUL I WANT TO DIE JUST THINKING ABOUT IT), he was like, "Yeah, you're both pretty short..."
Then he asked how long a drive it was, and where "home" was, and I told him my dad had driven us, and he was like, "Where's he at?"
"We didn't invite him. He's at the casino."
"But he's got to pick you up at the end of the night, right? So I want to give him a hug. Especially if he doesn't like hugs."
I totally laughed, and he made a face. "Oookay," I said, half-apprehensively.
"Promise."
"Okay?"
He left, and Nikki and I decided that was, in fact, the best hug either of us had ever received. And that we loved him a lot. While we waited, he did cartwheels with some fans while we laughed and very much enjoyed looking at him. And then I decided I wanted merch.
Maxx was there, on his computer, and Zach was hanging around, too. He noticed my shirt and commented that that was a fun tour, and I was like, "Yeah, I saw you guys in Chicago and kind of fell in love." I bought some wristbands, and dropped the $5 I got back in change in Andrew's tip box because he's pretty awesome.
While the other bands played, we could see S!O hanging out by the far side of the stage, occasionally going to the merch table, occasionally disappearing into the dressing room. We got our first glimpse of Dan through the door. He was tuning his guitar or...something. And we had a laugh about the ugly, falling-apart couch Zach was sitting on.
And then I saw Cody. In a vest. And tie. I might've allowed myself a small fangirl squee.
After the first set, I went to the bar for a drink, and while I was waiting for it, Austin walked up to the bar a couple feet away.
"Oh hi!" I said brightly.
"Shhhhh!" he said, holding a finger to his lips. "I'm not here."
"Oh, okay..."
"Wait, you can see me?!"
I laughed (Goddammit he is the cutest I can't even) and he said something about seeing that on the Internet and wanting to try it.
Finally...it was time for the guys to set up. Austin set a riser directly in front of me, and Nikki commented, "Yaaay, a beer shelf!" Austin looked up and asked what she'd said, and when she repeated herself, he laughed. "Yeah, you should probably keep things off that, we're up on them a lot." It was around this time I noticed his shirt was unbuttoned (or missing a button) around his bellybutton. (Turns out he never did fix it. Haha.)
Dan was situated on the other side of the stage, but he noticed my shirt almost instantly. "Nice shirt! That was a fun tour!" And I yelled back, "Thanks! Saw you in Chicago, it was awesome!"
They started with their pre-show ritual (which involves them all standing around the drums and kind of...I think it's supposed to be symbolic of them sharing their energy or whatever, I'm not really sure. It's hilarious and adorable and I lovelovelove it)
And then Cody ran on stage, grabbed the mic, and from that moment on it was all frenetic running around the stage. They are the most energetic band I've ever had the opportunity to see live. It's that energy that made me fall in love with them. I completely lost myself in the moment, in the music. Nothing mattered except singing back to them.
During the opener, "Nightmare," Cody grabbed the glasses off the face of the girl next to Nikki, and then at one point knelt down in front of the girl next to me and sang in her face. It was then it occurred to me, suddenly, that it was very, very likely he'd focus his attention on me. I was very much okay with this idea.
I didn't have to wait long.
During the very next song, "Breathe In, Breathe Out," he got right in my face and actually grabbed my head. All I could do was stare at him, stunned.
The guys used the risers, and used them OFTEN. Austin came to ours quite a bit, and I spent a lot of time leaning into the crowd behind me to look up at him or Cody or occasionally Zach. Cody stepped off the riser a little onto my arm once. And the mic stand hit me in the face. And there were many times I had to NOT move my arms like Cody indicated because he was actually LEANING OVER ME and if I did I feared he'd move and I'd hit him in the crotch...
They played "Swan Song" and it was every bit as cathartic and wonderful as I knew it would be.
Austin rocked so hard he broke his bass strap. And then he held it up and pouted and it was the cutest fucking thing and I am VERY SAD I don't have a picture.
We got "I'd Rather Drown," and I was SO FUCKING HAPPY because I ADORE that song.
Cody attacked Nikki's head too.
At one point Austin stood on the riser in front of us and kind of leaned over us, playing the shit out of his bass and, well, sweating a lot (he always does). I was looking up, singing at/to/with him, and I totally got Austin sweat in my mouth. And, uh...I can't say I minded.
They played "@Reply" (at least, I'm pretty sure it was during this song) and during the bridge, Cody beckoned our section of the audience closer. And he stepped over me onto the crowd. I am just going to say I rather enjoyed the view as he sang crouched above us. And I got to grasp his ankle to steady him. He fell into the audience and they guided him rather clumsily back to the stage. And the entire time, he continued singing like he wasn't even fazed by any of it. He is SUCH a badass.
It was during the last song Nikki held up her phone to get a picture, and he snatched it from her. And took a fifteen-second video.
I just...I can try, but words will never do justice to how wonderful they are live. Cody pretty much spasms all over the stage, and Austin refuses to stand still ever. Zach doesn't usually move past center-stage, but he still moves around a LOT, and Dan even came to our riser once or twice. And Austin sings the whole time too (even through he doesn't have a mic), which just...makes me so happy because it's like he can't help but sing along! It's precious. Cody spends 90% of the time actively engaging the audience, either by getting us to move our arms with him, letting us sing a line by ourselves, or by physical contact (be it hand-holding or face-attacking or what-have-you). He is without doubt the best frontman I have ever seen live. (Not even Gerard can beat him.) They are just SO MUCH FUN and it's obvious they're enjoying every second they have up there. Their joy is infectious, and it's THAT that wins them fans. It's THAT that hooked me.
When they were done, Maxx promptly jumped from behind the drums and high-fived everyone in the front row.
The crowd dispersed, and I went over to the merch booth to get my hoodie before returning to Nikki. We stood there wondering who to assail for hugs first, and I realized I needed something for them to sign, so I went back and grabbed a poster.
For some reason I don't understand (because he is my favorite, I think...) Austin was standing at a table with some CDs and no one was talking to him, so we asked him for an autograph first. And then we got sweaty hugs. And pictures. Which I'm pretty sure were followed by more sweaty hugs before we wandered off to find the others.
Dan had the table a moment later, so we went back over and got his signature, and when we told him where we'd come from he thanked us for supporting them and was really, genuinely appreciative of us for supporting them and traveling so far. And then he hugged us and told us to have a safe trip home, and I told him to do the same.
Then we made our way over to talk to Cody at last. We waited about a foot away while he greeted two girls ahead of us. He hugged one of them really tightly and did that thing where you kind of lean from side to side while still hugging. I was really, really jealous. Anyway, when it was time for him to talk to us, we told him where we'd come from (he noticed my shirt too...) and he rambled for a bit about playing the RCA Dome in Indy for band things. Then we talked about how silly it was the bar didn't have Coors, and about the brewery tour ("SHIT, we always go to that! We didn't get to this time... did you know you really just have to go on a ten-minute tour, and then you can just...have free beer!"). We told him we'd see them next month in Grand Rapids, and he grinned (how the fuck I didn't swoon I don't know) and then went, "And at Warped too, right?!" and I responded with an emphatic, "OF COURSE!" and we got high-fives. For some reason, while we were chatting (I think someone said something that reminded him of it), he started singing a Taylor Swift song, and I laughed, but then said, "The only Taylor Swift song I like is the one you just covered, and I really prefer your version...It's sooo good." He went on to say he doesn't get to do covers often anymore because the song has to be REALLY good for him to want to, and he hasn't heard any he really loves recently.
It was about then he realized he'd been rambling at us for awhile (it had to have been five minutes) and he asked kindly (this was so fucking cute): "So what else can I do for you while you're here?" and when we asked him to sign our posters he responded with a soft, but emphatic, "Absolutely." And then we got pictures and hugs and heartfelt thank-yous for supporting them. He is SUCH a sweetie and I love him sooo much. His stage presence is off the charts, and he draws from Heath Ledger's Joker (and it shows. Does it ever.), but when he's offstage, he talks to you like you've been friends forever.
By then the only ones we hadn't gotten to sign were Maxx and Zach, and Cody got Zach's attention for us. Somehow Zach signed and ran off, but Maxx turned up, so we got a picture with him and then he had to locate a Sharpie with which to sign our poster. It ended up being gold. We talked for a little and told him we'd see 'em in Grand Rapids and at Warped.
"We'll bring more friends every time! Even if I have to drag them kicking and screaming...well, not really...only people I know would like you..."
"They wouldn't be having fun if they were screaming. That wouldn't be good."
"Well, they'd be screaming in a GOOD way once they see you guys!"
I am so weird. Good thing they're weird too.
We went outside, then, because a few of the guys had and because we were kind of casually trying to find Zach because we couldn't let him leave without a picture. Nikki got to smoke in the general vicinity of Dan.
Then we got cold and went back in. At that point it was pretty much just crew picking up. Zach was talking to Dan, so we kind of waited and left them alone, but then Zach walked away and I didn't want to be an asshole and yell at him... Then Austin turned up from somewhere and we were like, "We're waiting for Zach; we didn't get pictures with him yet..." And he went after him and a minute later, Zach appeared and we got pictures. (Thanks, Austin, you are actually the literal best.)
So we went back outside to wait for my dad, because by that time the guys were getting ready to head out. We watched from a good ten feet away as they took a big group picture with a couple girls, and we were just talking about how awesome and nice and wonderful they all were.
It was the last five-or-so minutes before they were gone that are my favorite moments of the night (aside from the first Austin hug, maybe):
Dan walked right over to us and gave us each a hug. And everyone followed. We even got to hug Andrew. I was like, "Oh, awesome, more hugging? This is great! ALL OF THE HUGS!" and Cody laughed and repeated "All of the hugs!" It felt completely natural, like hugging good friends goodbye after a night spent hanging out. Not at all like we'd just met--a couple of them not even an hour before. Hugging us goodbye was just the logical thing for them to do. I will always, always, always treasure those last hugs and those wishes for safe travels.
They walked back to the van, and we waved and leaned against the railing again. I wondered vaguely what they were waiting for.
We heard the door, then feet, and I turned just in time to see a figure sail over the railing.
"Bye, guys!"
It was Cody.
A few moments later, the van pulled away, and I wondered aloud if we should wave. As they drove by, it was apparent the answer was yes. Because they were waving to US.
That night was everything I knew it would be and more. I knew they were sweethearts, but I didn't expect to feel SO at-ease with them. I didn't expect to feel so...loved by these people I'd never met. I hadn't expected so many hugs. Especially those last ones. Remembering them makes me tear up a little, because those were by far the most special.
And we get to see them again next month. I don't know if they'll remember us. But they've already surpassed my expectations of them (HOW ARE THEY REAL?!?!?!), so I'm not ruling it out.
If they remember me I'm pretty sure I might cry.
Monday, we arrived around 5:20 (doors were at 6) and hopped out of the car to see four girls sitting outside the back door of the venue. Leaning against the railing talking with them was none other than Andrew Cramb, S!O's tour manager, merch dude, and tech. He was talking about the European tour, and then went, "I was going to ask if you were coming to the Canada tour, but that doesn't apply to you..." and I couldn't resist but pipe up with an excited, "WE'LL BE THERE! :D" He was surprised we'd driven all that way and we all remarked on the weather (It'd been hot in Texas but now he was freezing and sad about it...)
While he talked to us, Austin emerged from the venue and I fought back the urge to squeal like a fangirl (he is GORGEOUS, okay?!) and instead managed to muster up the bravery to say hi. He greeted all of us and as he walked by, "I know you, and you, and I've seen you...and you...well, now I have." And then he walked around the railing (Nikki and I were sitting next to two other girls on a concrete ledge the railing was anchored to) and came up behind Nikki and yelled "BOO!"
We saw Zach a little later; he laughed and joked a little as he went by, and then as he walked around the railing and to the van, went, "It's so windy I don't know where to gooo..."
Eventually Andrew left us, and we waited (im)patiently to be able to enter.
The venue was TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINY. Since we were fifth and sixth in line, we staked out a spot right by the stage with no problem whatsoever (in between sets we sat on the edge) and proceeded to have wonderful and pleasant chats with other fans. This happened a few times. EVERYONE WAS SO FUCKING NICE. It was bizarre! Also, they were actually DRESSED FOR A ROCK SHOW, which was totally and completely foreign to me. In Chicago we run into girls in dresses with big-ass purses ridiculously often...
Austin walked by again and acknowledged everyone standing at the stage. And I called to him before I missed my chance. He came right over and said hi and I started rambling (I was totally rambling) but I wasn't at all nervous, because I knew there was no reason to be.
"Hey, I messaged you on tumblr awhile ago saying we were coming to see you from Indiana and that I was excited and LOOK, WE'RE HERE."
He totally remembered. And then he hugged me. For a very long time. So long it would've been awkward from anyone I didn't know. So long it probably SHOULD'VE been awkward considering I'd never met him before. But holy shit, it was the best hug ever. And he smelled SO GOOD. He held onto me for so long he was still hugging me when Nikki said, "You look so short." When he released me (I was not about to end it, and I couldn't anyway, because his arms were wrapped completely around me--IT WAS WONDERFUL I WANT TO DIE JUST THINKING ABOUT IT), he was like, "Yeah, you're both pretty short..."
Then he asked how long a drive it was, and where "home" was, and I told him my dad had driven us, and he was like, "Where's he at?"
"We didn't invite him. He's at the casino."
"But he's got to pick you up at the end of the night, right? So I want to give him a hug. Especially if he doesn't like hugs."
I totally laughed, and he made a face. "Oookay," I said, half-apprehensively.
"Promise."
"Okay?"
He left, and Nikki and I decided that was, in fact, the best hug either of us had ever received. And that we loved him a lot. While we waited, he did cartwheels with some fans while we laughed and very much enjoyed looking at him. And then I decided I wanted merch.
Maxx was there, on his computer, and Zach was hanging around, too. He noticed my shirt and commented that that was a fun tour, and I was like, "Yeah, I saw you guys in Chicago and kind of fell in love." I bought some wristbands, and dropped the $5 I got back in change in Andrew's tip box because he's pretty awesome.
While the other bands played, we could see S!O hanging out by the far side of the stage, occasionally going to the merch table, occasionally disappearing into the dressing room. We got our first glimpse of Dan through the door. He was tuning his guitar or...something. And we had a laugh about the ugly, falling-apart couch Zach was sitting on.
And then I saw Cody. In a vest. And tie. I might've allowed myself a small fangirl squee.
After the first set, I went to the bar for a drink, and while I was waiting for it, Austin walked up to the bar a couple feet away.
"Oh hi!" I said brightly.
"Shhhhh!" he said, holding a finger to his lips. "I'm not here."
"Oh, okay..."
"Wait, you can see me?!"
I laughed (Goddammit he is the cutest I can't even) and he said something about seeing that on the Internet and wanting to try it.
Finally...it was time for the guys to set up. Austin set a riser directly in front of me, and Nikki commented, "Yaaay, a beer shelf!" Austin looked up and asked what she'd said, and when she repeated herself, he laughed. "Yeah, you should probably keep things off that, we're up on them a lot." It was around this time I noticed his shirt was unbuttoned (or missing a button) around his bellybutton. (Turns out he never did fix it. Haha.)
Dan was situated on the other side of the stage, but he noticed my shirt almost instantly. "Nice shirt! That was a fun tour!" And I yelled back, "Thanks! Saw you in Chicago, it was awesome!"
They started with their pre-show ritual (which involves them all standing around the drums and kind of...I think it's supposed to be symbolic of them sharing their energy or whatever, I'm not really sure. It's hilarious and adorable and I lovelovelove it)
And then Cody ran on stage, grabbed the mic, and from that moment on it was all frenetic running around the stage. They are the most energetic band I've ever had the opportunity to see live. It's that energy that made me fall in love with them. I completely lost myself in the moment, in the music. Nothing mattered except singing back to them.
During the opener, "Nightmare," Cody grabbed the glasses off the face of the girl next to Nikki, and then at one point knelt down in front of the girl next to me and sang in her face. It was then it occurred to me, suddenly, that it was very, very likely he'd focus his attention on me. I was very much okay with this idea.
I didn't have to wait long.
During the very next song, "Breathe In, Breathe Out," he got right in my face and actually grabbed my head. All I could do was stare at him, stunned.
The guys used the risers, and used them OFTEN. Austin came to ours quite a bit, and I spent a lot of time leaning into the crowd behind me to look up at him or Cody or occasionally Zach. Cody stepped off the riser a little onto my arm once. And the mic stand hit me in the face. And there were many times I had to NOT move my arms like Cody indicated because he was actually LEANING OVER ME and if I did I feared he'd move and I'd hit him in the crotch...
They played "Swan Song" and it was every bit as cathartic and wonderful as I knew it would be.
Austin rocked so hard he broke his bass strap. And then he held it up and pouted and it was the cutest fucking thing and I am VERY SAD I don't have a picture.
We got "I'd Rather Drown," and I was SO FUCKING HAPPY because I ADORE that song.
Cody attacked Nikki's head too.
At one point Austin stood on the riser in front of us and kind of leaned over us, playing the shit out of his bass and, well, sweating a lot (he always does). I was looking up, singing at/to/with him, and I totally got Austin sweat in my mouth. And, uh...I can't say I minded.
They played "@Reply" (at least, I'm pretty sure it was during this song) and during the bridge, Cody beckoned our section of the audience closer. And he stepped over me onto the crowd. I am just going to say I rather enjoyed the view as he sang crouched above us. And I got to grasp his ankle to steady him. He fell into the audience and they guided him rather clumsily back to the stage. And the entire time, he continued singing like he wasn't even fazed by any of it. He is SUCH a badass.
It was during the last song Nikki held up her phone to get a picture, and he snatched it from her. And took a fifteen-second video.
I just...I can try, but words will never do justice to how wonderful they are live. Cody pretty much spasms all over the stage, and Austin refuses to stand still ever. Zach doesn't usually move past center-stage, but he still moves around a LOT, and Dan even came to our riser once or twice. And Austin sings the whole time too (even through he doesn't have a mic), which just...makes me so happy because it's like he can't help but sing along! It's precious. Cody spends 90% of the time actively engaging the audience, either by getting us to move our arms with him, letting us sing a line by ourselves, or by physical contact (be it hand-holding or face-attacking or what-have-you). He is without doubt the best frontman I have ever seen live. (Not even Gerard can beat him.) They are just SO MUCH FUN and it's obvious they're enjoying every second they have up there. Their joy is infectious, and it's THAT that wins them fans. It's THAT that hooked me.
When they were done, Maxx promptly jumped from behind the drums and high-fived everyone in the front row.
The crowd dispersed, and I went over to the merch booth to get my hoodie before returning to Nikki. We stood there wondering who to assail for hugs first, and I realized I needed something for them to sign, so I went back and grabbed a poster.
For some reason I don't understand (because he is my favorite, I think...) Austin was standing at a table with some CDs and no one was talking to him, so we asked him for an autograph first. And then we got sweaty hugs. And pictures. Which I'm pretty sure were followed by more sweaty hugs before we wandered off to find the others.
Dan had the table a moment later, so we went back over and got his signature, and when we told him where we'd come from he thanked us for supporting them and was really, genuinely appreciative of us for supporting them and traveling so far. And then he hugged us and told us to have a safe trip home, and I told him to do the same.
Then we made our way over to talk to Cody at last. We waited about a foot away while he greeted two girls ahead of us. He hugged one of them really tightly and did that thing where you kind of lean from side to side while still hugging. I was really, really jealous. Anyway, when it was time for him to talk to us, we told him where we'd come from (he noticed my shirt too...) and he rambled for a bit about playing the RCA Dome in Indy for band things. Then we talked about how silly it was the bar didn't have Coors, and about the brewery tour ("SHIT, we always go to that! We didn't get to this time... did you know you really just have to go on a ten-minute tour, and then you can just...have free beer!"). We told him we'd see them next month in Grand Rapids, and he grinned (how the fuck I didn't swoon I don't know) and then went, "And at Warped too, right?!" and I responded with an emphatic, "OF COURSE!" and we got high-fives. For some reason, while we were chatting (I think someone said something that reminded him of it), he started singing a Taylor Swift song, and I laughed, but then said, "The only Taylor Swift song I like is the one you just covered, and I really prefer your version...It's sooo good." He went on to say he doesn't get to do covers often anymore because the song has to be REALLY good for him to want to, and he hasn't heard any he really loves recently.
It was about then he realized he'd been rambling at us for awhile (it had to have been five minutes) and he asked kindly (this was so fucking cute): "So what else can I do for you while you're here?" and when we asked him to sign our posters he responded with a soft, but emphatic, "Absolutely." And then we got pictures and hugs and heartfelt thank-yous for supporting them. He is SUCH a sweetie and I love him sooo much. His stage presence is off the charts, and he draws from Heath Ledger's Joker (and it shows. Does it ever.), but when he's offstage, he talks to you like you've been friends forever.
By then the only ones we hadn't gotten to sign were Maxx and Zach, and Cody got Zach's attention for us. Somehow Zach signed and ran off, but Maxx turned up, so we got a picture with him and then he had to locate a Sharpie with which to sign our poster. It ended up being gold. We talked for a little and told him we'd see 'em in Grand Rapids and at Warped.
"We'll bring more friends every time! Even if I have to drag them kicking and screaming...well, not really...only people I know would like you..."
"They wouldn't be having fun if they were screaming. That wouldn't be good."
"Well, they'd be screaming in a GOOD way once they see you guys!"
I am so weird. Good thing they're weird too.
We went outside, then, because a few of the guys had and because we were kind of casually trying to find Zach because we couldn't let him leave without a picture. Nikki got to smoke in the general vicinity of Dan.
Then we got cold and went back in. At that point it was pretty much just crew picking up. Zach was talking to Dan, so we kind of waited and left them alone, but then Zach walked away and I didn't want to be an asshole and yell at him... Then Austin turned up from somewhere and we were like, "We're waiting for Zach; we didn't get pictures with him yet..." And he went after him and a minute later, Zach appeared and we got pictures. (Thanks, Austin, you are actually the literal best.)
So we went back outside to wait for my dad, because by that time the guys were getting ready to head out. We watched from a good ten feet away as they took a big group picture with a couple girls, and we were just talking about how awesome and nice and wonderful they all were.
It was the last five-or-so minutes before they were gone that are my favorite moments of the night (aside from the first Austin hug, maybe):
Dan walked right over to us and gave us each a hug. And everyone followed. We even got to hug Andrew. I was like, "Oh, awesome, more hugging? This is great! ALL OF THE HUGS!" and Cody laughed and repeated "All of the hugs!" It felt completely natural, like hugging good friends goodbye after a night spent hanging out. Not at all like we'd just met--a couple of them not even an hour before. Hugging us goodbye was just the logical thing for them to do. I will always, always, always treasure those last hugs and those wishes for safe travels.
They walked back to the van, and we waved and leaned against the railing again. I wondered vaguely what they were waiting for.
We heard the door, then feet, and I turned just in time to see a figure sail over the railing.
"Bye, guys!"
It was Cody.
A few moments later, the van pulled away, and I wondered aloud if we should wave. As they drove by, it was apparent the answer was yes. Because they were waving to US.
That night was everything I knew it would be and more. I knew they were sweethearts, but I didn't expect to feel SO at-ease with them. I didn't expect to feel so...loved by these people I'd never met. I hadn't expected so many hugs. Especially those last ones. Remembering them makes me tear up a little, because those were by far the most special.
And we get to see them again next month. I don't know if they'll remember us. But they've already surpassed my expectations of them (HOW ARE THEY REAL?!?!?!), so I'm not ruling it out.
If they remember me I'm pretty sure I might cry.