Kicking the hornets nest

After the act before Dante finished his other band mates quickly set out to put things in order for their act. His mic front and center, drums, amps. They'd done it a hundred times and had gotten very quick at it. His bassist Jonesy, and rhythm guitar Spencer, Nix on drums and Dante Lead guitar and singer.

As the curtains were pulled, Dante stood there the same Dante everyone there knew, but something was different. With his hair fully down, his glasses off, and his posture changed, still laid back and loose but some new intenseness to it.

While adjusting his mic stand, no one else saw it but he made direct eye contact with Doug. In his rage filled fuming state, Dante didn't know if it registered with him or not but it likely had. He did hate Dante after all.

"1..2..3..4" Nix shouted, slapping her drum sticks together. Singling the start.

But she and Dante started playing at the same time. Blasting a cover of Misery Business.

[Verse 1]
I'm in the business of misery, let's take it from the top
She's got a body like an hourglass, it's ticking like a clock
It's a matter of time before we all run out
Just when I thought she was mine, he caught her by the mouth
I waited eight long months, he finally set her free
I told her I couldn't lie, she was the only one for me
Two weeks and we had caught on fire
He's got it out for me, but I wear the biggest smile

With the word 'smile' Dante made sure the crowd saw his face. A big puckish smile. Flashing a quick usually unseen side of Dante holding a small bit of arrogance.

[Chorus]
Whoa, I never meant to brag
But I've got her where I want her now
Whoa, it was never my intention to brag
And steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
'Cause I've got her where I want her now
And if you could, then you know you would
'Cause God, it just feels so
It just feels so good

Dante played head mostly down near the mic. His hair falling around his face, each note he played with what looked like intense aggression but each note came out clean and clear. Nix had an equally unique playing style, looking to have the same controlled wildfire style as Dante. With a lot of flourishes of her drumsticks

[Verse 1]
Second chances, they don't ever matter, people never change
Once a whore you're nothing more
I'm sorry, that'll never change
And about forgiveness, that we're supposed to have exchanged
I'm sorry homie, but I passed it up, now look this way
There's a million other girls who do it just like you
Looking as innocent as possible to get to who
They want and what they want
It's easy if you do it right
Well I refuse, I refuse, I refuse!

[Chorus]
Whoa, I never meant to brag
But I've got her where I want her now
Whoa, it was never my intention to brag
And steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
'Cause I've got her where I want her right now
And if you could, then you know you would
'Cause God, it just feels so
It just feels so good

When Dante said the word, 'homie' he went from looking down, and letting his hair cover his face and began to look right at Doug but only for a moment before making sure to scan the crowd. Showmanship after all but made sure any time he said 'you' he was looking right at Doug. But made sure his eyes watched a few other people.

[Bridge]
I watched her wildest dreams come true
And not one of them involving you
Just watch my wildest dreams come true
Not one of them involving
You, you

Since Doug was close enough to center sightline it wasn't hard to make sure he was always able to tell Dante was directing venom right at him.

[Chorus]
Whoa, I never meant to brag
But I've got her where I want her now
Whoa, I never meant to brag
But I've got her where I want her now
Whoa, it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now
But God, does it feel so good
'Cause I've got her where I want her now
And if you could, then you know you would
'Cause God, it just feels so
It just feels so good

When the song ended. Dante walked off stage. He had to do his second song and needed to help clear off the other gear.

--
Song 2
After a few minutes of moving the gear off Dante and Nix retook the stage. Nix on Drums and Dante on Guitar.

Okay
The simulation just went bad
But you're the best I ever had
Like handprints in wet cement
She touched me, it's permanent

In my head, in my head
I couldn't hear anything you said, but
In my head, in my head
I'm callin' you "girlfriend," what the fuck

I don't do fake love
But I'll take some from you tonight
I know I've got to go
But I might just miss the flight

I can't stay forever, let's play pretend
And treat this night like it'll happen again
You'll be my bloody valentine tonight

The pair took a moment to rock out, showing off a bit before Dante continued singing, Nix playing a somewhat calm drum beat as Dante sang san-guitar

I can't hide
How I feel about you inside
I'd give everything up tonight
If I could just have you, be mine
Be mine, baby.

I cannot hide theses feelings,
no I cannot hide theses feelings
I'd give up everything for you,
I'd give up everything...yeah.

Nix's drum beat slowly ramped up and changed into a more unorthodox playing style.

I don't do fake love
But I'll take some from you tonight
I know I've got to go
But I might just miss the flight

Dante picked back up with his guitar as the song ramped back up for the finish.

I can't stay forever, let's play pretend
And treat this night like it'll happen again
You'll be my bloody valentine tonight
Be mine tonight

Na-na-na, na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na (x4)
Just tonight
In my head, In my head.

With the last held line of 'Head' finished Dante swung his guitar back behind him, and the curtains dropped done so by Jonesy and Spencer.