Then we were Ziggy's Band

[ziggyplayedguitar]

He had been at this for almost three weeks now. Sure, there had been some good people come in to audition but no one stood out. There had been what now, four guitarists today. It was proving difficult to find a quality guitarist, especially one that kept his, or her, mouth shut about his appearance.

Ziggy was pacing as he drank down another glass of whiskey. He flopped down in a chair and sighed heavily. Eventually the agent he was working with came in to say they had a call from some people on a train or something. He wasn't really paying attention too much because his emotions were eating at him. He had waited this long, what harm could be waiting a bit longer?

He sat in the chair of the sound booth, spinning and then kicked his feet up. Tugging down on the short kimono he waited, drinking whiskey and reclining in the chair. He wondered how long he'd have to wait for these late comers to make it to the studio.

Comments

[ziggyplayedguitar]

That wave, the spitting, and the insult over his flat chest broke Ziggy's control. "Go home and cry to your mamas about being beaten by a girl because you couldn't keep your whore traps closed about her man!"

Ziggy's furious and he has to releases some of the pain, hurt and rejection he feels from Mick and the insults. Emotions focused on the two thugs as they walk away he just slams them with his emotions.IUt's raw and unbridled emotion, probably more than a human could deal with. He hoped they fell down and cried.

Without Mick's touch he might have actually turned to a real attack instead of just letting the emotional valve open. He sighs at the touch and looks down at the hand on him then up at Mick. His eyes are some how brighter, bluer than they had been. His contacts couldn't even dull all the glow of his eyes when he was this angry.

"We should go back. Your make up's a mess." Ziggy was not ready to go back. The rejection was still burning inside. He wanted to run away still but then just shrugged, willing to be led back.

[guitar_voodoo]

Everything was escalating so fast with Mick half wanting to push past Ziggy and slug both the thugs right in their ugly faces smashing their noses into a bloody mess. The other half just wanting to grab Ziggy by the arm and get him back to the studio to safety. Yet, the blond just stood wide-eyed and near terrified at Ziggy's rage. What a rage it was. He'd only met the singer for an afternoon but already he was finding out first hand what it was to piss off Ziggy Stardust. But then that comment.

Her man.

Was Ziggy talking about....Mick? Talking about him? Also using the word "her" instead of him. So, he preferred to be known as a girl? Mick was just frowning and not even knowing what to think or feel right now. He was so conflicted but he knew they had to get out of here in case someone called the police.

The thugs were about to burst into laughter at the whole scenario but then they felt the unbridled raw emotion hit them from the singer. Glancing at one another they clutched their heads and near fell into the nearest wall, tears streaming down their cheeks as they began to cry. It was a unnerving sight and Mick gasped, not knowing what was going on. Shit. What the fuck was going on? He just needed to get away from the station right now. Then Ziggy was looking back at him with those powerful eyes. Bright blue and filled with emotion.

"Yeah----we need to get back. Now. Fuck, mate. I---thought they were going to hurt you. Bastards."

Mick was glad Ziggy decided to come back to the studio with him. Even if he looked a mess it couldn't be worse than what he just witnessed. What did happen with those thugs? They just---started crying for no reason. Ziggy's anger causing it all. The blond sighed and pinched his nose as they walked back to the building. What a day so far.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"I've dealt with their kind for years." Ziggy tells Mick as he pulls himself together.

As they got closer to the studio Ziggy looked to Mick and sighed. "Are you alright now?"

He was worried about the guitarist and his reaction to everything.

[guitar_voodoo]

"They're fucking idiots. Not worth your time."

Mick was still stunned at what had gone in the last few minutes or so ever since he ran out of the studio. His emotions were a wreck and now he just wanted a drink and wanted to make sure Ziggy was alright. Fuck, what a day. Walking back, he offered the singer a glance and sighed softly.

"I'm ok I suppose---but what about you, mate? I want to make sure you're alright. Running after me and telling those daft thugs to fuck off. That took guts."

He wanted to reach out and touch Ziggy's arm but knew best not to. Not after how he treated the poor bloke. Mick's green eyes focused on the singer and hoped he would be ok as they walked back into the room with Weird and Gilly. What the hell would they think?

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"If I ever want to be safe they have to be worth it."

Ziggy walked in with the guitarist and patted his shoulder, more friendly and less flirty this time because he is afraid of him running again. He pulls his kimono open slightly to show the scars on his chest.

"I've had worse for who I am and what I want in the future." Ziggy says quietly, resigned to the pain of his past. "Why don't you get a drink and clean up my make up you ruined all over your face?"

He's joking and trying to lighten the mood up a little before they join the other two.

[guitar_voodoo]

The pat on the shoulder didn't cause Mick to flinch at all, not this time since it felt more natural in the way a friend would. Or band mate. Yes, he still liked Ziggy but knew he'd have to reign those feelings in otherwise it could cause a whole load of issues. He didn't want a repeat of today ever. Smiling fondly at the singer, Mick nodded and then glanced at the scarred chest he was being shown.

"Oh god---Ziggy, you poor thing. Fuck those bastards who did this."

Not wanting to blow up in anger, Mick just offered a resided sigh and went to get a drink. Or two. No doubt Ziggy needed one too after what just happened. Shit. What did just happen? He didn't want to dwell on it anymore so went to get some drinks and wipe the smudged make-up off his face.

Gilly and Weird had done their make-up and were looking a little confused when both guitarist and singer came back. Ronno had done a runner and the drummer was wondering what the fuck was going on. He walked up to Ziggy, pushing his blond hair back and frowning.

"Why did Ronno run? Caught up with him, did you? I thought he shat his pants or something."

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"I'll tell you sometime, not now." He smiled as much as he could. "We've both had enough for today."

Ziggy didn't want to drink but he needed to clean up his makeup. Though he took a moment to collect himself. It had nothing to do with the thugs and everything to do with his feelings for the guitarist.

He stares at the drummer when he walked up. Sighing he shook his head. "It's none of your business but it's better now."

He wasn't about to tell the drummer anything about why the guitarist bugged out. "How do you feel about the stage gear?"

Ziggy asked to turn the subject.

[wherewere_thespiders]

Gilly was about to open his mouth again but Weird was coming up beside him offering Ziggy a shy smile. He liked the outfit even though it wasn't his usual style. The make-up? Yeah, that was different too but loads of glam rock stars were wearing it now, just like Ziggy said. He spoke up before the drummer could answer.

"I've never worn heels or glittery stuff before. It's not bad. The make-up I'll get used to. As long as you don't ask me to chop my side-burns off."

The last person who asked Weird that was his headmaster and he got told to fuck off by the bassist. That got him expelled from school and he never looked back. Music was his life now. Gilly put a hand on his hip and spoke up;

"I like the way the clothes fit me. My hair could do with some volume though. Not sure on the pink but it could grow on me."

Weird looked over Ziggy and knew there was more to this than met the eye. Something had gone on between him and Ronno and it seemed rather serious. The bassist could almost sense the tension between the guitarist and singer. Either way, he wasn't about to ask.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy shook his head and patted the bassist's bushy sideburns. "I want you all to be yourselves with extra flash. "We could dye them or some time maybe, though."

He wasn't looking to change the people with him. He wanted them to be louder versions of themselves. So loud that it got attentions.

"Once we do a couple shows you'll be able to buy some other colors. I can show you where in South London I got them." Ziggy was honest with them both. They were here because they were the outcasts. They were what Ziggy needed.

"I rented a small place for the three of you if you don't mind staying together for now. We can practice then do a few shows to get started." Ziggy had run this racket before. He knew that this was a good way to get things rolling. The three would settle in and then they could think about bigger shows.

[guitar_voodoo]

Mick came back carrying two scotches with ice and now had a fresh face without smudged eyeliner and eyeshadow all over him. Passing Ziggy his drink, the blond smiled shyly and then noticed Gilly staring at him. What did he want? Was he judging the way Mick walked out of the building? Or ran, rather. So what. Mick didn't need to deal with Gilly's shit right now so ignored the stare. Weird seemed happy enough, even though he'd hardly said a few words since coming into the building.

"Here you go, Ziggy. I think we could all do with a drink after today to celebrate us coming together as the Spiders from Mars."

It was a start to a hopefully long and distinguished career. How was Ziggy holding up? Mick still had his soft green eyes gazing over at the red head as he sipped on his drink. He then glanced over at Weird and Gilly, noticing they were in their make-up and stage clothes. They looked good.

"What did I miss?"

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"No ice next time." Ziggy tells Mick as he takes the drink. Even if it is uncomfortable for him, he takes a sip of the cold scotch.

"Do you all want to go out to a bar tonight?" Ziggy asked seriously then turned to Mick with a smile.

"I rented an apartment not far from here for the three of you, until you have enough from shows to live where you want." Ziggy felt the sting when he realized the guitarist would never want to live with him, not after that display. He wanted it though more than almost anything else.

[guitar_voodoo]

"Oh---right."

He made a mental note for no ice next time because maybe Ziggy didn't like ice in his scotch. Some people didn't. As for Mick? He'd always preferred scotch on the rock as a preference. Then, Ziggy was asking if they all wanted to go out to a bar. Would they all agree? Mick didn't think why not since it would help unwind after the audition and the stress of the day.

"Go out to a bar? I'm game. What about you lads?"

Mick did wonder what sort of bar they would go to since Ziggy wasn't exactly the usual patron to the local pub. Or was he? Not wanting to judge, the guitarist nodded and smiled. It would be fun either way as long as loudmouth wouldn't ruin it for them all. Then, Mick raised an eyebrow at the apartment idea. It sounded good.

"Thanks for doing this, Ziggy. It means a lot."

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"You didn't know."

Ziggy smiles and offers the guitarist another gentle touch to the arm. He was wondering if he could ease his panic over time because Ziggy couldn't stop staring. His whole body felt electric near the guitarist.

"What kind of place do you like?" Ziggy was welcome to try anything but also he knew they needed to see what life was like with him. There might be insults slung. Who could tell. "Discuss it among yourselves. I'm going to put something on better for a bar."

He stepped away and left the three to talk it out.

[wherewere_thespiders]

Mick nodded but knew now about Ziggy and his preference for drinks without ice. The touch to the arm was welcome as he offered a shy smile and a nod. Then, it was planning with the lads for their night out to a bar. It should be fun. Weird brushed down his suit and looked to Gilly, who was adjusting his hair slightly.

"Are we going to one of those queer joints?"

Of course Gilly had to ask that question. Weird just giving him a disapproving look because that was a bit insensitive considering Ziggy and his appearance. Mick just rolled his eyes and jabbed the drummer in the guts. It was a good thing Ziggy was out of the room when trashmouth started up. Mick piped up;

"No. I doubt Ziggy will take us to one of those. I don't know---maybe? You never know, you might meet someone, Gilly."

[guitar_voodoo]

The day had been pretty intense so far and Mick was still reeling inside after the whole Ziggy and him walking out thing. He wanted to try and make it up to the singer so would buy him a drink or two once they got to the bar, wherever that would be. If Ziggy decided to take them to a queer bar then Mick wasn't about to complain since that would be rude. Gilly could just shut his loudmouth since they were a band now and should work together instead of bickering with one another.

"You never know---you might get picked up by some bloke."

Weird snorted in amusement but Gilly just offered Mick the finger and shoved him in the guts with a finger. That caused a soft squeal from the guitarist as he was ticklish there. Goodness knows what Ziggy was thinking of his new band. Soon enough they would all be performing on stage with one another all dressed up in their sparkling glam wear and their make-up.

They would take the world by storm.

"I think we should all buy Ziggy a drink tonight for what he's done for us. Taking us on and giving us all these costumes. The bloke deserves that."

Weird nodded and Gilly then nodded after.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy comes back after awhile, make up to a minimum and different clothes. He will never look totally masculine but at least, he knows, this outfit will be better suited for the kinds of places the rest of his new band would want to go.


"Where are you all buying me a drink?" Ziggy asks as he comes in the room.

[guitar_voodoo]

Mick and the others noticed what Ziggy was now wearing, having changed out of his usual flashy clothes. The kimono now gone replaced with a more masculine ensemble. Was this for blending in? Glancing between each other all the lads had come up with a place they'd like to go. Somewhere familiar.

"We know this pub that does good drinks and sometimes has a live band playing in the back. It's not flashy or anything but we like it."

He offered Ziggy a fond smile and hoped it wouldn't cause the singer to feel too out of place being a venue that more suited straight men. The urge to touch Ziggy's shoulder was strong in Mick but he resisted. It wouldn't be fair to start touching the bloke---not after what happened earlier in the day.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"Sounds good." Ziggy agreed easily. He knew they had been uncomfortable so Ziggy wanted to give them space. "You don't have to wear the stage gear out."

Ziggy sipped on his drink and smiled because he could feel the bond starting to form between the other three. Now he needed to get to know them as well.

[guitar_voodoo]

Mick nodded and realised they'd probably get beaten up wearing their stage clothes walking into the pub. Both Weird and Ziggy exchanged glances before walking towards the mirrors and getting changed out of their sparkly outfits and back into their everyday clothes.

"It's so comfy I forgot I had it on. The pants feel nice and fitting and the bat loafers, I love those."

He offered Ziggy a friendly smile and began to get changed back into his tight jeans and t-shirt. Bending down, he offered the singer a nice view of his ass as he removed his loafers, not intentionally of course. It wouldn't be right to tease the poor bloke, not after the way Mick had treated him by walking out. Gilly rubbed his make-up off with remover as did Weird.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"I'm glad you all feel comfortable in them." It was important for stage clothes to be comfortable. In the heat, concentration and all the moving around, nice clothes were a must.

Ziggy did stare at first and then turned away sighing heavily. He felt his heart racing and then the pressure and squeezing of realizing he had feelings for someone who didn't want him. Mick had almost ran out on the whole band because Ziggy was attracted to him. He downed his drink and poured another to try and drown out his feelings. All he needed was his empathy to get out of control now.

He just kept to himself while they changed and drank, a lot in a short period of time. The fluttering in his heart wouldn't stop. He'd never felt like this about a human before and he wanted to run himself, just like Mick had.

[guitar_voodoo]

Once both the lads had donned their usual threads back on and Mick had wiped his make-up off, he offered Ziggy and the others a smile. It was time to head towards their venue for the evening, not far from where the audition studio was. Just a little down the street tucked into a side alley.

"It's an old-fashioned pub me and the lads like drinking in. They've got games like darts and cards. I'm not sure if you go in those sorts of places or not."

Mick asking Ziggy and wondering where the singer did go on his time off. Luxury cocktails bars maybe? Weird nodded to Gilly as they headed out into the street. Mick just glancing at Ziggy offering the singer a supportive smile. He just hoped there wouldn't be any idiots at the bar wanting to stare at Ziggy since he was tall, pretty and very feminine looking. If anyone did start trouble, Mick would slug them. Ziggy was their guest tonight and thugs could fuck off.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"I don't go out many places and never alone." Ziggy sighs and sets down the glass so they can leave. Then he pauses and looks at the other three, obviously worrying.

"I don't know if you read about me being shot last year." He felt fragile but they needed to know. "They've never found the person who did it so I don't like being alone in public."

He was afraid of crowds too since it had happened in one. He still hadn't gotten over the trauma. Still he smiled and then chuckled. "That's why Robert is with me as a driver. He's also our bodyguard if we ever need it."

The smile grew and he shrugged. "I'm tired of being afraid and ready to get back on the stage."

[guitar_voodoo]

"Oh god. Some bastard shot you? That's awful, mate. I'm so sorry to hear that."

Both Weird and Gilly's eyes went wide and the news. They might have read it in the papers but hearing it from the man himself and reading about it was a whole other thing. It was more of a shock to hear it from Ziggy himself. Shit. There were a lot of bastards out there who were against Ziggy just merely existing within their world.

"If I found him I'd punch the bastard into the ground."

Weird nodded and Gilly just looked shocked. They could protect their band leader now, making sure no thug would take a pop at the singer. At least Ziggy had some protection around him now. Then there was Robert the driver. Mick sort of guessed the guy wasn't just a mere chauffer.

"You won't have to be tired and scared anymore, mate. We're here to protect you as your friends as well as your band mates."

Mick put an arm around Ziggy just briefly, as did Weird and Gilly patted the singer's back softly. Getting shot was awful.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"True about my hand too." Ziggy glanced down to rub at his scarred hand. He does look over and Mick, grateful for the support.

"You'll have to get in line behind my father." He's glad to feel the way they all were uniform in thought. The touch though felt the best. He was worried about being rejected after Mick's behavior.

"You'll get the same from me." Ziggy gave them all a hug in turn. "I just couldn't let you walk into this without knowing."

[guitar_voodoo]

Mick's eyes glanced towards Ziggy's hand and found himself frowning. That was just awful. Being shot at for one and knowing that there was a distinct possibility that it could happen again. Not wanting to think about that, Mick just smiled at Ziggy, patting his shoulder. Weird and Gilly leaning into the hug and nodding.

"Thanks, mate. We appreciate that and we're not leaving you no matter what shit gets thrown at us. We're the Spiders from Mars. Ziggy's band."

No truer words were spoken. Both the lads and Mick were now heading out of the studio with Ziggy, walking towards the drinking venue. Leading at the front, Mick knew the directions just down an alley not far from where they were now. If anyone stared or swore at them he would just ignore them. They didn't deserve anyone's time.

As they all approached the pub, Mick opened the door to let them all in, Weird and Gilly both waiting for Ziggy to go first since he was the girl of the group. It was a polite gesture. There were a few blokes outside talking, drinking and smoking but most were absorbed in their own business.