Time to Be Seen

[ziggyplayedguitar]

It was almost time for something that had started, or been planned, long ago. Now they were here, the morning after the London show and the Anthean was standing on the mezinine, in the hotel, that overlooked the dining room. The bands were filtering in to find friends, bandmates, and lovers. The scene was rowdy, unpredictable, chaotic. Ziggy watched, leaning on the railing, and felt deep down that this is what he was meant to do. One of the messages that he had set out to send was the need for putting aside differences, crossing cultures and boundries. He knew that was needed to save humanity, to save the Earth.

He smiled guessing at the number of music generas now on the tour. 5? Glam rock, glam metal, punk. thrash, Glam..folk... what the hell genera were the Hammers, anyway? Ziggy suddenly realized he didn't know and no one had really ever defined them either. Maybe turning from labels was the point of it all. Seven countries represented the people below and, if he could be honest, two planets. That part had to remain quiet but seven countries was a hell of a lot.

All of his thoughts about grand ideas and prophecies easily became overshadowed by what he saw. Near thirty of them now, people who felt as outsiders, people who were lost, grieving, broken, hurting, traumatized... lonely... brought together into a family. One insane, gigantic family that had him laughing as he heard the morning scream of Aarne who never greeted anyone at less than his full vocal capacity. This had started with six; the Spiders, Robert and Ziggy's father. They weren't yet close, Mick bolting, and everything disjointed. Three years ago.

Ziggy's mind drifted, two years left. They had two years to save the world, to save it from the horrors that Jack and Damien lived because Ziggy knew that was one of the possible futures, one of the possible outcomes. Thomas had finally divulged that detail to him months ago. None of them knew, or well most of them didn't know, they were the saviors of this Earth, or trying to be. Maybe in their hearts they did know and he doubted them because it was subconcious, a natural drive. Was that what he had picked up on when he put these bands in proximity to each other? A drive to tell everyone and everything to fuck off and show the world a better way?

Ziggy had a lot of questions on his mind, but not a lot of answers. Life worked that way. Rekker had once told him that; “Hindsight is the only place with answers. If you were looking toward the future it should be like you are deep in a fog and fumbling toward the sound of your goals. Never knowing what was going to come out of it, no clue what you would stumble into. If you knew exactly how the future was going to go then you weren't risking anything at all. You weren't doing anything new.” Those words had been the older singer's advice to Ziggy when he started with his first band. Even with two prophetic aliens running with this crew the future was unknown. How true the Brit's words were now that they were kicking around in Ziggy's head with years of hindsight to give them meaning. For Ziggy, and the Brit himself.

Over all his thoughts was a layer of emotions and language from below. His Anthean senses picking up on it even if he was barely paying attention to the concrete world, lost in an internal dialogue. There was love below, a whole room full of it now that they had taken over the hotel's entire dining hall between the bands and the crew that were staying at the same place. The Anthean couldn't even tell them all how this one act protected him from the hostile environment of humanity. The environment that had nearly driven Thomas insane when he was trapped in it alone, lesson learned. He rolled his eyes at the older Anthean sitting beside his father, suspicious that he knew.

Thomas told Ziggy he needed to encourage the most hidden he encountered to be themselves and to love without reservation. The singer had thought that was a grand word of prophecy from the Anthean who was more in-tune with his abilities. Ziggy doubted it now. Hindsight, Rekker's heavy London accent intruded in his thoughts while the Anthean's eyes focused on Gilly. He was the one that started this. One diner conversation where Ziggy pulled him aside and told him to go to Hunter. A string of events rippled out from that moment which drew in each of the others one at a time. Stepping back from that moment with Gllly was Mick and his courage to finally say enough hiding. Ziggy was trying to weave a line of threads between people. He and Mick, to Gilly, to Gilly's older brother, the Hell's Angel's, Hunter, The Hammers, Hunter to Erik, to Robert, to Rekker and Hexed, to Bjorn and Blixt to Hans, and Ollie.. and back to Rik in the Hammers, twice there, to Billy to Viktor and Vars and across to Dee and Ulrik and on and on stitching back and around though the heart of the bands.. then he had to backpedal.. somewhere in there existed Jack to Zack to Damien and himself to Gloria and Weird. The spider web of connections.

Ziggy froze and then laughed thinking of Newton when the young Anthean had his heart set on his band being known as the Spiders. Newton had this knowing little smirk the entire time he sat quietly in that café while Ziggy prattled on with glorious intentions and optimism. It was before his father had met Newton, before the first band, long before this. The Spiders were a web, or created one anyway, that culminated in this. Thomas knew. And Ziggy laughed at the idea that his people thought he was the prophetic one.

The Anthean finally pulled himself away from his thoughts when he saw Mick staring up at him with love. He waved and moved toward the steps that lead below. They all needed to get food and get it together. This evening was to be an interview for the ages. He wondered if the silent Anthean, Thomas, had an inkling of what was about to happen. The more he thought about it the more the answer to that question was a resounding yes.

Comments

[guitar_voodoo]

Mick saw that wave from Ziggy and began walking up the steps to meet the Anthean in the middle. They still had several hours before they were all due on set to be recorded live for the interview. Oh god. What the hell would happen? The blond guitarist had even written out answers on pieces of card just in case he got stuck and fucked it all up. Was he nervous? Of course. But he knew this was important for Ziggy and everyone else to show the world their true colours. To go live on air and admit he was in love with Ziggy and everyone else would bring their partners along and break down social norms.

That, or cause a fucking shit show live on air.

"Zig? Shall we get some breakfast? Some of the other lads have already gone to the breakfast room. A few of the girls from Hexed have gone too along with some of Blixt. The tarty drummer and the guitar kid."

Ulrik and Lars. Mick was still trying to learn all their names and it was hard.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy paused on the stairs to take Mick's hand with an unstoppable smile. He knew things were going to go crazy today but no matter what happened the world would never be the same after. Tomorrow would be a different world, hopefully, even if it started in turmoil. Different was good, hopefully.

"I think everyone is downstairs." He hadn't been thinking about food yet but he should eat something. More importantly spend some time with Mick whose emotions were quaking with nervousness. "We got this. There are too many of us now to worry."

He was hoping his guitarist would calm down a little but Mick was naturally nervous.

[guitar_voodoo]

Taking the Anthean's hand Mick squeezed it gently and tried to cool off some off some of his nerves regarding the upcoming interview. Fuck, they were going to do this and it would be tonight live on air. The blond had thought about this day for what? Nearly a year? Ever since the Spiders and Ziggy had decided to out themselves live on air in front of millions.

"Yeah, I think they are, love. I can hear Joe and Aarne screaming and Gilly's loudmouth tarting from halfway across the hotel."

Too many? Ziggy's words were true as anything with what four bands now? Five including Rekker's band, Hexed. Bloody hell! A travelling carnival almost. Pressing a quick peck to Ziggy's cheek, Mick walked down the steps offering glances to the Anthean as he did so.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy reached out and stroked Mick's soft hair. "Imagine all this chaotic energy focused to one goal."

He walked down the stairs with Mick and grinned, whispering. "You know, my uncle is going to keep them from turning us off. The world will have to deal with us for near a half hour."

That got the Anthean giggling, presence bubbling up with mischievous cheer. He leaned into Mick while whispering like a conspirator. "Who do you think will hit someone first?"

[guitar_voodoo]

That stroking of his hair got a soft sigh out of the guitarist who loved it when Ziggy touched him anywhere but particularly in his platinum locks. Giggling to himself softly, Mick nodded and knew the interview would end up as an almighty shit show especially if Joe, Aarne or any of the other crazies started shit. Let the fireworks begin.

"Thomas? That's bloody brilliant, mate. That'll stop the bastards from turning off the feed or shutting the whole thing down. The whole world will have to watch it then."

That was a genius move on Thomas' part because knowing the media they'd turn the cameras off at the first male on male kiss probably. The time Ziggy slipped his arm around Mick live on air that time during a performance the world went mad just for that. Wait until they see this.

"I'm going for either the punks or that ginger bastard. Unless Weird cracks and slugs someone first."

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"Thomas believes there is humor in forcing humans to see universal love and acceptance."

Ziggy could understand the kind fuck you from the older Anthean. The amusement was there for both of the aliens in ways the humans wouldn't. Ziggy started leading Mick down into the dining area to look for a seat.

He nodded in amusement. "I'm thinking one of the quiet ones; Weird, Rik, Harald, Vars, maybe Aarne but you might be right." Ziggy assuming someone was going to break. He bumped his lover gently with his elbow. "Maybe you?"

[guitar_voodoo]

"Thomas has a point there and I really hope that the cameras stay on because the world needs to see this whether they want to bloody see it or not. We're coming out, love."

Literally. Mick was still so fucking nervous because of people back home; his parents already knew but the people living down his street, in the pub, the locals in his home town. He feared for the safety of his parents but knew the world would have to know sometime and let them know. Fuck those ignorant bastards anyway. If anyone took a go at his parents then Mick would slug them all in the face.

"Weird, I'm guessing him, mate. Or maybe Rik, yeah. It could be any one of them or me. I've wanted to slug bastards in the face for having a go at you for such a long time. Three years or so."

Mick swallowed his nerves and now felt a bit more hungry as they headed into the dining room.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"I think it is more than us, coming out." Ziggy glanced at the rest of the musicians, family, friends, lovers. Everyone here with a common goal.

He felt Mick, had felt similar worries from the others too and grinned. "Don't worry. My father and others will have eyes on our families for a few weeks."

It was a consideration for something of this magnitude, one of many, and one that Robert had brought up. He trusted the military leaning among the group to figure out protection and safety. They all did, day in and day out.

"Dad thinks the ginger. He told me Rekker's temper is even worse than his." Ziggy had to giggle because Tom had a legendary temper. The idea of one even worse was terrifying but then the ginger was like his father in Ziggy's experience. He only blew up when needed. He pulled Mick toward one of the empty booths and smirked. "I hope it is Gilly and they get a tarty slap to the face."

[guitar_voodoo]

"You're right, mate. It is more than us because all of the others in our group are going to come out live on air too in their own way. Hunter and Gilly, Joe and Aarne, even the punks. All the rest too."

Mick was ready for this even though his nerves were fraying and Ziggy could probably sense this a mile off with his Anthean empathy. Then, the blond was snorting out a giggle. Gilly tarting off live on air sat in Hunter's lap giving it all his snark to the interviewer, poor bastard, and then slapping the man right across the face. Fucking epic.

"You know I think he might, mate. Gilly slap the poor bugger across the face if he asks personal questions. The whole are you a boy or girl thing really fucks me off regarding you. I'd slug the bastard if he asks you that."#

Sitting down, Mick offered Ziggy a seat next to him and wondered who would walk in next.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"I think it will be harder after on some more than others." Ziggy imagined those who had assumptions about them. widespread thoughts on who they were, would have the most problems. Those like Rekker, Mick, Vars, Viktor, and others that were assumed to be straight and now obviously weren't might catch more hell in the fallout than someone like Aarne or Bjorn that everyone knew was fast and loose with everyone.

Ziggy sat in the booth, slid up close beside Mick while they spoke. "I don't mind that question. I hate when they ask about whether or not you're gay." Ziggy glanced around and started laughing until he snorted. "You know, they might tick off Robert and that won't go well at all."

[guitar_voodoo]

"It bloody will and I know that my parents are going to watch this so----I'll have to be ready to face whatever shit is thrown at me. They believe in us though, love. Trust what choice I make with you and everyone else. Society can fuck off."

Mick squeezed Ziggy's cooler smaller hand with his own larger warmer one and sighed. A kiss to the Anthean's cheek and the blond knew the more straight looking blokes would find it harder than the girlier feminine ones. It would rock the world though--literally. Sliding an arm around Ziggy, Mick then kissed his lover's lips and nuzzled into that red hair he loved.

"Are you gay, Mick?"

The guitarist mocked the interviewer's voice and giggled somewhat, knowing he might feel anger once the question is asked live on air. But for now he was trying to calm down his nerves.

"Fuck off am I gay you perverted bastard."

The response from Mick in his own voice and the blond was leaning his head against Ziggy's shoulder, trying to focus on what answers he could give the interviewer that wouldn't involve a fist to the face.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"I'm sure your parents will support you." Ziggy leaned into Mick to offer some comfort too.

He just leaned there against Mick's shoulder while holding hands. This was going to be hard on everyone, even Ziggy who was ready for this. On the bright side there were way too many here to even imagine it getting too aggressive toward any one member the way one on ones could. That was a good thing.

"I'm not a man either." Ziggy glanced up at Mick and giggled. "You're gay with a girlfriend." He was poking fun, less than serious but it was true.


He turned his attention to the others, watching them share breakfast, laugh, cuddle. The next few months were going to be so tough on them all. Who knew how long it would take to cool down after. "Damien and Jack are bringing some of the Dogs in and Vars some of the Norse, to be security for the next few shows. Jack's worried that our own security might turn on us."

It wasn't an unreasonable concern from Ziggy's own experience in the past.

[guitar_voodoo]

"I know they will. Even if the whole interview might be a big shock to them I know they'll be there for me and you since they've met you now. Tom and your mum have met my parents so we're all acquainted now."

Mick kissed Ziggy softly on the lips and then stroked his red hair gently before noticing all the others filing through into the breakfast area. Some looking more worse for wear than others. Hungover? Lack of sleep? Perhaps all of it. Partying all night before the big interview. Mick didn't blame them one bit.

"That's true, love. You're a boy and a girl and this will confuse the fuck out of whoever interviews us. Do you know who it is yet? What bloke will come at us with the fucking prying questions."

There had to be loads of those and Mick hoped he was ready for them along with all the other band members. Some might take more offence than others. Jack and the Dogs would be needed since there was always the threat of people turning on the bands. Their own fucking security.

"I hope it doesn't come to that, mate. Our own security blokes turning on us. I don't want you getting injured, not like last time with your old band. Fuck them."

Jack and the Dogs would protect them.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"Dad was thinking about going up to watch over your parents, and Gilly and Weird's families." Probably with some help honestly but his dad was pretty adamant about it so deterring him as unlikely.

Ziggy smiled against Mick's lips when they kissed and then rested his head on the human's shoulder. He was watching the others, wondering if those sleepy ones would be more likely to snap. Hungover punks were going to be a shit show probably, though the interview wasn't until a little later in the day so maybe that would wear off. "I don't know yet. I only have the studio address. They had to book us in a different studio because there are so many of us now."

Ziggy was mildly curious about who would be interviewing but knew whomever it was would be in for a madhouse.

"That is why we'll use our own security for a few months. It's better to just avoid the risk." Ziggy smiled and kissed Mick's cheek. "At least our crew is alright. I've been listening to their emotions and surface thoughts. I don't think any of them are risks."

The crew had been with them for a long time and knew the musician, likely by now if anyone didn't accept how they chose to live they would have quit. Security though was usually provided by the venues and those couldn't be screened. That was what lead to bringing their own, and to be honest it made it cheaper for the venues, so the venues made more money per show. No one complained when his father and Robert called the upcoming places with the changes.

[guitar_voodoo]

"He was? I mean it might me and the lads feel better knowing Tom was there looking after the families. I'm thinking things might get rough for a while after this interview. Shit going down about us being together and the other lads and their boys. The girls too."

Mick knew it would be an even more bumpy road to tread after the broadcast but it needed to be aired. People had to know about Ziggy and his boyfriend. That and all the other boys and girls who had their lovers. The band members and drifters all finding love one way or another.

"They'd better not be bloody risks because I'll soon let them know if they start any crap with any of us. No one is going to hurt you, love. No more broken fingers or fucking shit like that."

The blond knew about past shit that had gone down with Ziggy's past band and it wasn't pretty. Mick cared for Ziggy and would make sure no one would attack the singer or anyone else. Pulling out his pack of smokes, Mick put the pack on the table, taking one to light up because of his nerves. He always smoked more when stressed.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"Maybe. I think it will be easier on the families where the kids were open in the public before." He was thinking about Aarne but then there were some without families. There were a lot of people to keep track of but maybe Joe and Viktor's family too. He wondered about Viktor's father and paused to send his dad a quick text. Prisons were hard enough without this making it worse.

Ziggy kissed Mick's cheek as his nerves wound up. "Mick, there won't be any venue security for awhile, just ours. You don't have to worry." Ziggy rubbed Mick's shoulder to help him relax. Things would work out, hopefully. Ziggy was hopeful.

[guitar_voodoo]

"I know, love it's more me being a daft worrier that's what."

Mick drew on his smoke and then sighed, exhaling above both their heads. The interview had to happen and this was the time. Surely, it would be just as hard on the likes of Gilly and Viktor, just as it was on Mick. Everyone had their own stories and traumas behind their pasts.

"I love you."

Just as the blond was about to kiss Ziggy on the lips a shrill voice punctured the air just on the other side of the breakfast table. Lars had his hands on his hips and he looked pissed; his hair was in a state and he was obviously upset about something. Oh god. Mick just stared wondering what the fuck was going on.

"Someone's stolen my hairspray!"

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"It's ok to worry but we're not in this alone."

Ziggy leaned in and was thinking about the other musicians to make sure everyone's family's would be safe. He mused momentarily while staring at Rik if there was some way to make it worse for his family but nothing came to mind.

"I love you too." Ziggy's words trailed off at the yelling.

Rekker was just staring at Lars wondering if he was blaming Bjorn who hadn't even came down yet. He was going to take hours probably, until every hair was in the right place. Thankfully the Danes, always up early, were about and Torden came up behind Lars, tickling his side.

"Why don't you borrow some?" Torden asked. Most of the whole lot here used it. There had to be a hundred cans of hairspray in the hotel rooms.

[terte_trommeslager]

"I could but I want mine back! Which bitch stole it?"

Lars just tarting in front of everyone at the breakfast table. While some looked up, others just giggled and began pointing randomly at people. Who the fuck knew who stole the tart's hairspray. Mick just rolled his eyes and shook his head at the Norwegian tart. He was so much like Gilly!

"Bloody hell, love. That tart is just like a Scandi Gilly. I wonder if he listens to people having sex through walls too."

Mick just snorting out with laughter until Joe started climbing up onto the breakfast table in his heeled boots. Oh fuck----what now? The bassist shoving his hands on his hips and then giggling.

"You can borrow some of mine, honey. No need to get your hoe panties in a twist."

Joe then waving his ass towards Lars before hopping back down off the table and landing next to Aarne in his seat. Never a dull moment and this was before the interview had even started!

[suomi_thunder]

"We all have our own." Aarne yelled back because he wasn't up for this nonsense today. This should be a fun day. They were going to fuck with the whole world. "Did you leave it in your boyfriend's room?"

Aarne glanced at Torden who started to laugh. It was possible that he had. When was the last time Lars stayed with him? Torden wasn't sure if he left it or not.



Ziggy was watching it all and then leaned into Mick whispering. "He's sleeping with the Dane and chasing after Hexed's drummer. I don't think he has time to listen to anyone." On one hand they didn't need to argue among themselves but the high energy would be good for the interview later.

[guitar_voodoo]

Lars huffed then shot a look at Torden instantly blushing and not being angry at all because how could he when he had a hot boyfriend now? Or whatever they were together. The Norwegian gently kissed the Dane's cheek and giggled girlishly. Mick just stared. He really was like Gilly.

"I think that Norwegian's got it bad for that Dane you know. He's sleeping with him and chasing after another bloke? Fucking greedy bitch."

Mick just smirking and wondering how the tarty drummer could sleep with one man and lust after another. Maybe he was an attention whore or just a whore in general. It was sort of amusing though. Joe now grabbing onto Aarne to kiss him on the lips giving the Fin a hair tug. It would soon get rowdy as more of the band members started arriving in the breakfast room.

"No sign of the punks yet. Maybe they slept in late after smashing up their room again."

[tordenvejr]

Torden gave him a hug and a bit of a tug to get Lars to sit beside him or in his lap, either way.

"I can do your hair after breakfast." Torden was a natural peacekeeper and this might get the Norwegian's mind off the lost hairspray.

Ziggy laughed at Mick's comment. "Are you saying I'm a greedy bitch then?"

It was true that Ziggy had more than one partner. "I do, why shouldn't he have more than one if he wants and they all agree?"

Aarne gave Joe a kiss and then started feeding both himself and Joe grapes.

"I saw Vars earlier. He came down for some coffee." Ziggy glanced around. "Viktor might be hungover?"

[guitar_voodoo]

Lars squeaked a little at the tug and ended up sitting directly on Torden's lap just because he could. Also, everyone at the table would see the tarty drummer sat on the hairy Dane's lap.

"Oh? I'd like that."

Mick just turning his attention back to Ziggy after noticing Lars and his new boyfriend. The blond took a sip of his tea and nodded. It wasn't much different to how Ziggy had his partners was it? If it worked for Torden then it could work for how Lars wanted his two different men. Mick was never one for sharing but he'd gotten used to how Ziggy loved and accepted it.

"I suppose you're right, love. I keep forgetting because I'm daft and in love with you. You're my rock and roll bitch."

The guitarist pressed a kiss to Ziggy's cheek and giggled softly somewhat. There was a loud giggle over across the table when Joe began eating grapes. They were feeding each other. Of course. It was cute.

"Oh yeah? Maybe Viktor is shit faced hungover after getting his ass kicked by the Mule."

[tordenvejr]

Torden wrapped his arm around Lars' waist and nuzzled him a little before going back to eating. "Maybe Mikki will let us use his shimmer spray?"

He's glad to see the drummer has calmed down.

Ziggy leaned into Mick and smiled. "You're perfect. If it works for the people involved why not love as many people as possible and spread the joy." He returned the kiss and worked on his own food while watching Aarne and Joe. They were so happy. Ziggy felt it every time he saw them, almost overwhelmingly happy. Aarne kissing Joe's cheek.

"None of you have learned to pass on the mule." Ziggy giggled because Mick had been there more than once in the morning. It was sweet to think of the Norwegian punk taking care of his partner. They were both so aggressive but Ziggy knew they had to be sweet sometimes when no one was looking.

[terte_trommeslager]

Lars made a pleased noise in the back of his throat when he felt Torden wrap his arm around his waist. Oh, that felt good and tickled a little. It didn't take much because the drummer was ticklish most places on his body.

"Shimmer spray? You have this? This sounds like a nice idea. Torden am I---your boyfriend now? Or one of them?"

The Norwegian suddenly became shy because he just wanted to hear the words come out of the Dane's mouth. The fuck they had that night it really meant something to Lars who couldn't help but dream about the hairy Dane. Devon was there too but Torden---he was sleeping with him right now. He kissed Torden's cheek and giggled girlishly.

Mick nodded, just listening to Ziggy's words. The Anthean had a point and it caused the blond to blush a little and slide a hand up the singer's thigh slightly. Nothing wrong with a bit of playfulness at the breakfast table.

"The fucking mule, mate. Gets me every time. I bet poor Viktor is feeling sick as a dog this morning too. Poor bugger."