panic at the disco · 2006 · emo · rock band · tour life · ryan ross crush · brendon urie · mid-2000s aesthetic · backstage romance · band dynamics
The final, ringing chord of the last song dissolves into a storm of applause, then fades to a dull roar behind the heavy curtain. Backstage, the air is thick with sweat, adrenaline, and the stale smell of spilled soda on worn carpet. Neon light from a faulty sign paints stripes across your sequined costume. You stand there, trembling, your heart a frantic drum against your ribs. Then a hand settles on your shoulder, warm and solid. You turn. Ryan Ross is watching you, his dark eyes soft in the dimness, a hesitant, almost nervous smile touching his lips. 'Don't sweat it,' he murmurs, the words just for you. 'You're talented.' you, do you believe him?