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

[suomi_thunder]

Tom and Robert had decided this would be the most effective way to keep everyone together and happy, rahter than multiple cars. It would be more chaotic but also more contained.

Aarne heard Joe and screamed from inside. He was in the long seat at the back staring out the window. He might just steal this as the place to sleep since he liked windows. "We have all tour."

Aarne came up and dragged Joe over to the little kitchenette which had a full bar stored under the sink area. Tom fully expected to have to hear sex which was why the front cabin area had a wall that could be pulled closed to block out sound and chaos if they wanted to. The two older men understood that sex was one of the less damaging ways the mass of rowdy rockstars could burn off energy. With so few interested in groupies a lot of the mess attached to sex wasn't an issue.

Torden tickled Lars as the younger drummer took the steps in front of him. He was interested in seeing what a band bus was like since models usually traveled solo on regular planes and trains.

Rekker shrugged from where he was sitting up front talking to his brother. "This is an average tour bus when you get money." Not that he meant the bands didn't have money but you need quite a bit to buy a bus like this and enough shows to make it worthwhile. Ziggy had taken a seat inside to relax and try to stay calm. He could sense Damien up on top of the bus. The watchful Dog had climbed up there because of his instinct from all the time in Hunger City. Damien still on edge after hearing what happened to Erik.

Aside from Torden, the Danes came out together, perhaps with their partners, no doubt at least Billy and Sigurd tagging along. Dee and Vars were talking quietly, the Norwegian still relying on his cane and slower than he'd like even if the therapy was helping things along.

[helland_damnation]

Joe practically jumped onto the seat next to Aarne before he was being dragged over to the kitchenette where all the booze was kept. It was fucking fantastic! Tom and Robert had thought of everything! The Brit giggled and then squeezed the Fin's ass, wondering how the interview would play out.

"I'm wondering when I should bend over and moon the fucking cameras, babe. It has to happen."

The bassist now sliding his arms around Aarne, kissing the taller drummer and enjoying the whole experience of travelling inside a luxury touring coach with his Peachy. Mick just noticed the two at the bar area already with a smirk as he came to sit down beside Ziggy hopefully trying to relax.

"Are you ok, love? This reminds me of when I walked into my bunk and you were already there hiding from screaming groupies. I never wanted to leave that compartment."

Mick just musing as he kissed Ziggy on the cheek, watching more and more band members file onto the large coach. The Harlots were now boarding with Ivar carrying what looked like some of his gut rot bottles. Oh god. How many of the tour group would get smashed on that?

Zack the quiet one was now gazing upwards because he had spotted Damien on the top of the bus before climbing inside. Was the Dog guarding everyone in case of ambush by scumbag press or media? Maybe. That or assholes who would seek to hurt any of the band members. Fuck them. He loved the Dog and even though he hated violence he loved Damien for what he did.

[suomi_thunder]

"I'll bite it!" Aarne threatened while rummaging through the bottles tucked away. He came up with a bottle of whiskey and leaned into that arm around him. "Let's go sit in the back."

Aarne really loved the seating a long the back of the bus. Ziggy was watching the people file passed and helping Robert keep count. It looked like everyone was in, except Damien on the roof still. He could only giggle at Mick, stroking his leg as he sat down beside him. "We can sneak into a bunk later."

Ziggy winked at him because surely all of them would eventually be in bed with partners in this thing. It was inevitable, especially on the longer overnight drives. Damien watched Zack go inside and gracefully climbed down into the stairwell of the bus, right behind the drummer. Silent before grabbing him around the waist. Damien thought Zack was the last of them but a second count might be worthwhile. Vars and Dee came up behind him and inside. Surely this was everyone.

[guitar_voodoo]

"Bite me, babe! I'll bend over nicely for you while the cameras roll and get my fucking mooning ass in the shot!"

Joe just laughed and then grabbed a few more bottles of whiskey for himself and Aarne, moving to the back with his Fin hoping to get comfy and trashed. This bus was perfect. Beds, booze and chaos! Mick enjoyed the stroking of his leg as he leaned into Ziggy, gently caressing the Anthean's face with his knuckles.

"I'd love to sneak into a bunk with you later, love. Just like on the train I want your pussy."

The blond guitarist then noticed everyone had finished filing onto the bus, most of whom had sat down with their respective partners or band mates. This would be a fucking hilarious adventure for sure.

[suomi_thunder]

Aarne leaned over and bit Joe's neck. He did ask for it after all. He's excited to go in the back and lounge around drunkenly with Joe. He'll stretch out right on top of Joe if the Brit lays down.

"We're going to have to beat everyone else." Ziggy giggled as he looked around the room. "You're not the only one with that idea." Ziggy could feel it all over the room but he didn't mind. This was healthy as far as the Anthean was concerned. All of these people in love with each other and wanting to share pleasure, of whatever sort they might crave.

Once Damien secured the door Robert pulled away to get them all to the studio where the interview would take place. He couldn't help but feel like he was driving a circus, a very loud, crazy and destructive circus to someone else's doorstep.

[guitar_voodoo]

Joe let out a pleased scream and then pulled some of Aarne's hair, laughing as they retired to the back of the bus. The Brit could lay down so the Fin could lay on him if he wanted. It sounded perfect.

"You're probably right about that, love. There aren't enough bunks for everyone to be in them at the same time so we'll have to time it right. Reserved bunks maybe."

Mick grinned and then kissed Ziggy's neck softly, enjoying how this would be similar to their time on the train. Except with other rock stars and ever more craziness than groupies screaming and chasing them. Zack watched Damien secure the door and then felt the bus pull away as the entourage began their way towards the interview. Erik wondering if there was enough room for him to sit next to Robert if Damien wasn't already.

"Is there room next to Sötnos at all?"

The dark-haired Swede popping his head around slightly.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Aarne wanted Joe to lay down so he could lay on top of him and pour booze into his mouth in between kisses. It was the perfect way to get wound up before this interview.

"12, doubled up that is most of us, but not everyone." Ziggy figured the night owls would be out here, plus the driver and whomever was keeping them company. It was a reasonable set up for being on the road.

Damien went to join Zack because he could already see Erik heading up to sit with Robert. Damien would take his own turn at wheel later on and was going to enjoy the back's more comfortable seats. It would take about 30 minutes, at least, to drive to the studio.

[guitar_voodoo]

Joe would most certainly lay down so that his crazy Fin could pour booze into his open mouth. What a way to travel in style! Even if the journey was short he would be making the most of it just like everyone else.

"Twelve? How about we sneak into our bunk now before we get to the studio? I'm a bit wound up and nervous, mate. We could---relax a little."

Mick just shooting a coy glance to Ziggy while sliding a hand up the Anthean's thigh. Removing his shirt the blond was now ready to lay down, cuddle and relax with Ziggy if he wanted. Zack was happy when Damien joined him because he was feeling nervous about the interview. All the people watching. He'd never been on live TV before and it was all a bit daunting.

There was a loud crash from behind the mini-bar as Hjalmar had now fallen and pulled a few bottles of booze with him.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"You want a quickie in the bunks?" Ziggy started to laugh until he nearly snorted. The ride was only going to be twenty or thirty minutes.

Damien wrapped an arm protectively around the young drummer. He could see and feel the nervousness at various levels in the bus. "I'll be there with you." Damien whispered before kissing the Brit's temple and playing with the ends of his hair.

Torden glanced over the back of the couch area at the drunken guitarist and sighed. Getting up from one drunk, Ansgar, Torden went to help the other one.

[guitar_voodoo]

"Well, I mean we could but---our make-up and stuff. We'd have to put it on again and that would be a right pain. Maybe we could wait until after the interview's finished, eh? Then, we can spend as long as we want in one of these bunks. We don't want to miss our stop again do we, love?"

Mick giggling a little as he pressed a kiss to Ziggy's lips softly. Oh, they couldn't miss this stop. The world was about to be shocked. Zack nodded when he felt Damien's guarding arm around his shoulder. The young drummer just trying to get his bearings.

"Thanks. I'll be fine just---yeah. We're going on TV together."

Hjalmar was now getting up to his feet and holding onto Torden's arm because he was well and truly smashed. Right before the interview too.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy starts laughing. "No, Aarne will drag your naked ass right out of the bunk. He's been a terror all afternoon."

The Fin had been wound up earlier and still was apparently. Ziggy could hear him and Joe in the back. Damien knew Zack took time to deal with changes and other aspects of situations. It didn't matter how long he needed. The Dog would be there for him.

"Come on." Torden hefted the Swede to his feet, wrapping an arm around his waist so he didn't fall over again. "Let's get you ready for the interview."

Torden used his free hand to wrap some ice from the bar in a towel and then laid it across the back of the guitarist's neck. It would help bring him around.

[avlagsen_stjarna]

"I don't fancy Aarne bloody dragging me out of our bunk stark bollock naked. We'll have plenty of time after the interview, love. Just you and me in this bunk being all intimate, like."

Mick sliding his hand low to squeeze Ziggy's thigh while giving the Anthean a kiss on the lips. The guitarist's nerves were showing but he knew this was it. The world would soon find out and the flood gates would be ripped open. No going back.

"Hnhgh---what?"

Hjalmar let out a drunken groan as he felt someone pulling him to his feet. Ivar? Sven? No, the voice was different as he opened his eyes, groggily and saw the Dane. Torden? The ice to the neck had the Swede gasping a little and his eyes snapped open because the sting of the cold got him more awake.

"Interview? Oh fuck---I nearly forgot about that. Are you going to get me ready?"

That part had the Swede giggling a little.

[tordenvejr]

Ziggy leaned into Mick and that kiss, especially when he felt the nerves. Slowly, he stroked Mick's soft, blonde hair. "It's not like it used to be, when it was just the four of us against the world."

Now it was 40 or so against everyone, a clan of like minded musicians. Ziggy imagined that the world was not even close to being ready for this crew.

Torden sighed and rubbed the ice wrapped cloth on Hjalmar's neck and shoulders. "What do you still need to do?"

Torden glanced over the Swede wondering what he would have to do but the Dane was a natural caretaker. He couldn't resist it.

[avlagsen_stjarna]

"I know, love. It's more I keep forgetting it's not just our band now---me, you, Weird and Gilly. Back then it was and the idea of outing ourselves to millions scared the crap out of me to be honest. But now with everyone else I feel a bit safer and less nervous than I did."

Mick kissed Ziggy's lips softly and sighed into the hair stroking. He loved that so much. Forty people against the world now instead of four. A big difference.

"I don't have a fucking clue. Ungh---I feel bad."

Hjalmar knew he shouldn't have gotten trashed right before the interview but then he was a drunk and didn't know when to stop. Was Ansgar the same? The Swede appreciated the ice cloth on his neck as he went to pull out a smoke.

"Maybe get dressed into something more presentable for the cameras. My hair is shit too."

[tordenvejr]

"We're not going to fail." Ziggy reassured Mick but he was also talking for himself. He had a lot of worry still too. He felt the clock inside ticking.

"Let's get you in a chair." Torden gave up and picked the drunk Swede up to carry him over to one of the seats back by the bunks, especially if he was going to have to dress him. Torden gave Hjalmar a cold Faxe Kondi, a Danish lemon-lime drink with extra sugar and caffeine. One of the Danish go-tos for hangovers or too much booze, which was why there was some in the bus.

"You drink, I'll take care of your hair." Torden got out his brush and sat down with the Swede to brush out his hair. Torden had done this so many times for Ansgar, especially early on when he was a mess after being in jail.

[avlagsen_stjarna]

"You're right, love. We're not. We'll show the world and Ziggy Stardust will save humanity because he's a hot girl."

Mick giggled a little and kissed Ziggy on the neck, slowly peppering kisses down the Anthean's cool skin beneath his ear. How he loved being with the girl he thought the universe of.

"Yeah, ok."

Hjalmar didn't really want to talk much since his head hurt and he felt like someone had punched him hard all over. Had he fallen over so many times last night? Sometimes, he woke up with bruises from being so trashed and injuring himself. The hazards of being a drunk.

"That feels nice, you brushing my hair."

The Swede sighed and just smoked in peace whilst enjoying having Torden dote on him like this. The Dane really was a kind and loving man.

[tordenvejr]

"All of us." Ziggy brushed back Mick's hair with his fingers, glad to feel that Mick was relaxing some.

"Drink." Torden encouraged to help the Swede feel better. The Dane was a very caring man naturally, a caretaker. While they sat there, he slowly and gently removed all the tangles from the Swede's hair.

"How about we make a deal?" Torden mentioned while brushing. "I'll brush your hair every night, if you come and ask me before you fall down from drinking."

Torden had pulled sly things like this on Ansgar in the past and it worked. He did drink less than he used to.

[avlagsen_stjarna]

"Yeah, all of us. They'll think he'll blow their minds."

Mick just glad the interview was finally going to happen after months of talking about it and worrying about what kind of questions would be thrust upon them. Hopefully, the set would still be standing after everyone had finished. The famous last words.

"You want me to drink? Has anyone ever said you're like a fluffy, cute uncle to everyone on the tour? Because I think you are."

Hjalmar did as he was told and drank slowly. His throat was so dry the refreshment was well needed after spending a night on the floor or wherever the fuck he'd passed out.

"I come to you and get my hair brushed so I don't fall down somewhere stupid?"

The drunken Swede didn't even register just how bad his drinking had got in the last few months. All the Harlots knew but didn't want to control their guitarist's life with needless mother-henning. Yet, they all worried about Hjalmar and where he might end up.

[tordenvejr]

Ziggy sat quietly with Mick, relaxing and trying to project that on the others. They needed it for sure.

"No one has ever called me an uncle." Torden chuckled as he worked on getting the tangles out of Hjalmar's hair. He knew that the Swede would start feeling a little better after the drink then maybe a little food to help if his stomach was up for it.

"You can always come find me. Ansgar does too when he's had too much." Torden leaned forward and kissed the back of Hjalmar's neck while he finished getting the tangles out. The Dane would mother hen anyone he really cared about, especially anyone who was a lover or close.

[avlagsen_stjarna]

"Well, now I have. You're a söt fluffig farbror. Cute fluffy uncle."

Hjalmar was starting to feel a little better now that Torden was looking after him, brushing his hair and genuinely being a nice guy. The drunk had been looked after by Sven or Ivar many a time but it was nice for a handsome guy like Torden to do it since the Swede fancied him.

"Is that an invitation?"

The kiss caused the Swede to shiver slightly because those lips on his neck felt really good. The interview was today and Hjalmar was no way in the mood to answer shitty questions if they were fired at him.

"I'm wondering who will show their ass to the camera first."

[tordenvejr]

"What are you like, Sigurd? It's kinky to start calling me uncle while sleeping with me."

Torden started laughing while he finished the Swede's hair. Torden set the brush aside and fixed Hjalmar's collar.

"My door is always open for you." Torden gave the guitarist a quick kiss on the cheek. "Do you feel better?"

Torden looked out at the bus laughing. "Joe. I would be surprised if it is anyone else."

[avlagsen_stjarna]

"I'm nothing like Sigurd. He's a fucking kinky bastard who's a dirty sugar daddy to his brat."

Hjalmar just laughed and ran a hand through his freshly brushed dark hair. The love and attention coming from Torden was addictive and the Swede found that he wanted more of it. Just like booze but this would be a healthier option for sure. As for this interview---what shitshow would go down once they all began answering questions.

"Yeah. Thanks. Joe? I reckon you're right. So, what happens now? Are we all going into the studio soon to be grilled live on TV?"

[tordenvejr]

Torden laughed as he set the brush aside. He liked taking care of others and it brought him a lot of joy.

"You're right. You're more like Mikkel, calling your sex partner an older, male, family figure." The Dane was teasing and glad to see the Swede feeling a bit better. He glanced toward the front of the bus.

"Soon. I think we're slowing down."

[avlagsen_stjarna]

"Fluffy uncle. That's you."

Hjalmar fondly stroked Torden's cheek and then leant in close to give the man a kiss on the lips. The interview would soon be upon everyone and then the shitshow would happen for real live on air. What the fuck would even happen? The drunken Swede had no idea since he just wanted to sleep all the way through and not answer any intrusive questions. Sven could talk for the band anyway.

"Yeah, we're slowing down. I can feel the rumble of the engine begin to wind down."

The Swede was good at hearing and detecting vibrations as it helped tune himself into sounds as a musician. Even trashed, Hjalmar's hearing was excellent.

[tordenvejr]

Torden shook his head because that sounded so much dirtier than it was probably intended to be. The Dane leaned into that kiss, pulling the Swede in to linger in the kiss just a little longer. Torden was many things, physically affectionate was chief among them. He stood and offered his hand to Hjalmar only to have Ansgar grab his waist from behind, giggling drunkenly. Of course. Torden just rolled his eyes but smiled because he didn't mind taking care of his "sex drunks" as Ulfen had teased him about a few days earlier.

"Are you ready for this..." Torden just motioned at the people on the bus with his free hand. Craziness for sure.