How I feel when I'm around you (System Of A Down)(EN)

Different places, different events

The energy level of the exhibition somehow lowers a bit for a while, probably just a tired moment as they get back on that same level starting with "Science", where Daron replaces the bridge's original vocal part sung by an artist and friend of the band named Arto with his own vocal improvisation – it gives me a hell of goosebumps – and leading up to "Toxicity", another great moment where electricity is in the air and band and fans are just equally gone crazy.

The end of this phenomenal show comes after two more songs and the usual closure with "Sugar"; the guys thank their noisy and happy public with bows and some words before getting backstage, clearly tired but not enough not to put on some bright smiles. Sako and a few more techs reach them to collect their stage tools, others get ready to take some care of the musicians and I join them, giving the poor worn-out and wet guitarist his own towel.

«Ugh» Daron whimpers, sinking his face in the cloth and then rubbing to remove as much moisture as possible. «So...?» he resurfaces with a sigh, his ruffled hair partially covering his face.

«Fuckin' awesome» I put on the biggest smile, then get near and move a few locks of his hair out of his sight; he thanks me with a small, affectionate kiss, then proceeds to dry himself a bit more.

Once the guys have recollected themselves enough, there's a general run toward the catering area in search of whatever food is left. Serj and his mates bump again into Ozzy, Maynard and Zakk, who ought to play afterwards in the day, then meet a few other colleagues and greet them kindly. Sako picks his guide role back, knowing I might know the bands but not the members, and points at two guys: one is Dave Williams, the singer of a quite famous band named Drowning Pool involved in the Ozzfest, the other is Sonny Sandoval, singer for the Californian band P.O.D. that's recently gained some fame. 

I nod at each mention, linking the bands to some songs I've listened to, but as I've already done the other time I prefer to stay aside and eat, with the only company of the drum tech; from time to time I see Daron scanning around in search of me, I smile each time our gazes cross and he smiles back, occasionally blowing me a kiss.

«You're tired, Gray, aren't cha?» Sako says, noticing that my gaze is often directed at things he cannot see.

«Not even a bit, Karaian.»

-Georgia-

I've been so happy about the thought of finally hanging out at such a famous bar in Los Angeles like Whisky a Go Go for the last hours, but it's unbelievable how feelings and emotions can literally flip 180° in a matter of minutes: as soon as I get in together with my friend Dan, an obscure foreboding comes up and quite spoils it all, but I manage to stay positive and just put that bad thought aside for a while. I get a table as he goes and orders our drinks, and comes back about ten minutes later.

«So, how did the house move go?» he asks, lending me my mojito and taking his own gin tonic.

«It was obviously stressful as fuck but it went well» I say and take a first, long sip. «I'm happy to be closer to this city, I was sick of living in a godforsaken town, at least now I can visit you and Nikki more often.»

«Does she know about this?» Dan questions, clearly curious.

«Nope, I'll surprise her with these news as soon as she's back in the US with the guys» I smile «quite like a late birthday present for her.»

«Got it. I think she will be very happy about it!»

I observe my surroundings with an amount of curiosity, enjoying my cocktail with calm and composure: the place is crowded but not really full, and a couple of times I get a glimpse of notorious faces and then I suddenly shiver and feel happy like a child. Once my glass is empty, I smile at Dan and he smiles back; there's still the minty feel on my tongue and it feels relaxing, so I kind of lay back in the chair.