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]

The interviewer wouldn't know what hit them when the forty or so rock stars and entourage walked into the studio for the interview of a century. Mick squeezing Ziggy's hand as they walked off the bus and towards the large studio entrance ahead. People running around with clipboards and guys with sound equipment outside heading in, trying to organise everything.

This was it.

"I'm feeling so nervous now, love. Fuck. This is the day we've been talking about for over a year now. We're finally going on air to liberate ourselves."

Mick kissing Ziggy's cheek as Joe ran past laughing, pinching Aarne's ass as they walked into the studio. Weird walking behind Mick and Ziggy, while Gilly gripped Hunter's hand tightly. He was feeling the pressure too.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Most of the people were holding hands which would certainly get a lot of stares. Ziggy knew this as he squeezed Mick's hand.

"We're not alone." Ziggy whispered as he led his partner to the middle of the seating. Was there even enough seating. Aarne ran past, running across the seats of the couches so he could sit on the back of one. If that was the way maybe everyone would fit.

[guitar_voodoo]

The squeeze of the hand did help Mick who was dressed in an open white silk shirt, tie up silk pants which Ziggy liked and his trademark bat loafers. He had his make-up donned up onto his face with his shade of blue eye shadow. Ready to face the world and not alone.

"Yeah, you're right. Let's do this."

Joe jumped onto the seat in front of Aarne, laughing while pulling the Fin down quickly for a kiss. Karl bounded in next but made sure Raev was close, grabbing the Dane's hand and guiding him towards the couch. Would it be big enough for everyone? That would be the question.

"Chair big enough for all?"

Harald now walking in with his throwing axes strapped to his back, dressed in reindeer furs and leather boots with large metal spikes. What a motley crew indeed.

[oprorsk_sode]

Ziggy went over to the couches and waited for Mick. He was going to have to sit in Mick's lap for everyone to fit. It was sweet to watch Joe sitting between Aarne's legs while they kissed. The Anthean did wonder what the crew, and whomever else could see the set, was going to think.

Mikkel came in behind Harald, dragging Fredrik by the hand. He had been using the big Norwegian to hide from the stuck ups that didn't want to let him off the bus in the thigh high boots, black panties, leather garters and a sheer shirt. No one had seen him. He and Fredrik had even made it without Sigurd seeing.

Raev was getting used to Karl dragging him around and he took a seat on one of the couches, patting his knee for Karl to sit on it. Korppi was there too but he had a much larger black bird on his shoulder, a raven named Enne.

[guitar_voodoo]

Mick sat down onto the couch and waited for Ziggy to slide into his lap so he could wrap both arms around the Anthean. It would be romantic as would many of the other band members with their partners. Sigurd was walking with the rest of Blixt aside from Bjorn who was latched onto Rekker, pulling at his ginger hair as they walked. Bjorn, dressed up to the nines like a cathouse whore with body glitter, heeled boots, tight spandex pants and a ripped shirt of sorts.

"Bloody hell---look at that lot!"

Mick's eyes bulging slightly at what the youngest Dane was wearing. Mikkel. Fuck! Sigurd hadn't seen yet but he soon would, surely. Fredrik giggling, while kissing Mikkel's cheek while Harald took his seat. Karl was only dressed in leather pants and no shirt since he said he was hot.

"I feel over dressed now."

Gilly giggling as Hunter kissed the drummer's cheek, sitting down so he could sit in Hunter's lap. Of course the leopard print was a must for the singer.

[oprorsk_sode]

Ziggy sat on Mick's lap and instantly started giggling at what people we wearing. No interviewer could be prepared for this at all. Mikkel playfully pushed Fredrik into the seat beside Harald and instantly sat in his friend's lap burying his face in hair to try and stop the giggles. He could hear Sigurd talking with someone as he came in. The expression he had to see.

The rest of Hexed was with Rekker, and maybe Ulrik too, They were all dressed in their standard stage gear. The band slightly mismatched with Devon and Rekker in jeans and tees, Dee in her punked out gear with combat boots and Missy in her usual skin tight black leather pants and studded bra. Rekker gave Bjorn a slap on the ass before sitting down with the rest of the band on one of the couches. This was a lot of people.

The rest of the Danes were arrived, loud and a couple of them obviously a little drunk. Torden was worried Hjalmar would stumble going up the few steps to the stage, Ulfen in the same predicament with Ansgar. Rik was nervous and held tight to Billy's hand as he stepped up to sit on the back of the couch with Aarne. He'd done a couple of interviews with the Hammers but they were always nervewracking. Ollie intended to sit with the other Danes and assumed that Hans would find his way to sit with them too.

[basmastare]

Mick wasn't surprised at all with Ziggy giggling at everyone's outfit. Fucking hell! Some were hardly dressed at all while others were wearing revealing outfits suitable for a strip club. Mikkel's literally just that.

"It's amazing, love. Everyone just being themselves, like."

The Brit just kissed the back of Ziggy's neck and slid a large hand down to touch the singer's cool thigh. Sigurd finally walked into the studio and it was then when he saw the couch he froze. Mikkel's "outfit" completely taking the bassist by surprise.

"Fuck! Mikkel---what the hell are you wearing? That outfit is so fucking obscene!"

Sigurd now noticing why Fredrik had been giggling for the last fifteen minutes or so because he knew about the outfit. Of course he did. Both boys using Harald's large stature to hide themselves from the bassist. Sigurd loved it though. Fuck, did he.

"You're going to rile me up wearing that, brat."

Sitting down next to Mikkel and Fredrik, Sigurd wanted brat to sit in his lap while they had questions thrown at them. Viktor walked into the room next with Vars and Zack. He was dressed in his usual punk leathers with a white t-shirt reading "FUCK YOU" in large letters. Subtle of course. Hans just snorted a little at Viktor's t-shirt as he want to find Ollie in amongst the Danes.

"Ollie? Do you boys have room for a Swede to sit in between you?"

Hans waving to Ansgar and the other Danes, wanting to snuggle up next to Ollie best he could. Billy kissing Rik's cheek, squeezing his smukke's hand wanting him to not feel so nervous. Johan dressed in his tiger striped pants and a light ripped shirt, sliding onto the couch close to Ulfen. Ulrik was with Dee and Weird was with Gloria. Bjorn was squealing at the ass slap given to him by Rekker. Hjalmar was holding onto Torden for support because as usual he was totally drunk. Smashed. He might even fall asleep during the interview. Sven and Ivar knew this as they both walked in to the studio dressed in bright neon clothes and tight spandex. The usual glam metal clothing.

[oprorsk_sode]

"It is." Ziggy shivered from that kiss but leaned back against Mick to relax.

Mikkel gave Sigurd the finger while laughing until he could barely breath. When Sigurd sat down Mikkel stretched his legs out over his lap. It was perfect, his back against Harald's huge shoulders, sitting in Fredrik's lap with his long legs stretched out on Sigurd. Torden sat down on the other side of Sigurd, helping Hjalmar.

"He could wear a dirty potato sack and you'd get riled up." Torden was all for teasing the Swedish bassist. Ansgar sat down at Torden's feet and Ulfen sitting on the arm of the couch beside Hjalmar.

Vars came in looking like he was from some futuristic sci-fi movie, all black leather with a trench coat that had fur over the shoulders and a huge growling wolf painted on the back, matching his black wolf head cane. He's wearing sunglass, never overly fond of the bright stage lights. He sort of matched Korppi's all black attire. The other Fin took up standing behind the couch like a sentinel with a bird on his shoulder.

Ollie scooted over closer to Billy so that Hans could squeeze into the edge of the couch. It probably squished Billy over closer to Joe but they were bandmates so that shouldn't matter much.

[basmastare]

The shivering always got Mick a little riled up but knew that would have to wait while they were in the interview. Still, it didn't stop the guitarist from inhaling Ziggy's perfume---Miss Dior and loving the closeness they shared.

"I can't wait to get you back into our bunk on the bus to fuck you senseless after."

Hunter giggled loudly because Gilly was kissing the singer's neck, being a show-off and not caring who saw. This interview was about being open and being themselves. Erik, came in a little after the main group due to his leg, hobbling along on his crutches, while looking for a space on the couch to snuggle up against Robert.

"No tarting!"

He giggled and aimed the words towards Hunter and Gilly. The tarty drummer offering Erik the finger while Joe bit Aarne on the ear, seemingly high as fuck and full of energy. Korppi though---Gilly was still fascinated by the man's birds and the raven was such a beautiful animal. Sigurd pulled out a pack of smokes and lit up while leaning back on the couch.

"A potato sack would be more decent than what he's wearing right now. We're about to go live on fucking air and he's dressed in a skimpy outfit."

Fredrik nudged Sigurd playfully and even noticed Harald smirking somewhat at the bassist's response to his brat.

[oprorsk_sode]

"You and most of the rest." Ziggy grinned at the emotions he's feeling off of the others. It was a good thing they were staying in a hotel tonight.

Torden went into full giggles. "You're dating a stripper and expecting decency?" Thankfully he got to say it before Aarne screamed from being bitten.

Mikkel slid his legs across Sigurd's lap suggestively while the remaining stragglers came in. Robert with Erik and last, taking up the rear, Damien. The tall dog in his usual boots and tight black, laced up pants and sleeveless tee that read "I'm a Dog." The shirt was a gift from Ziggy who couldn't resist the pun on it.

Damien goes to find Zack and sit with him somewhere among the people gathered.

[rockandroll_swede]

"Yeah, you're right, mate. It's a good thing we've got a hotel room so we can make as much noise as we want. I near forgot and thought about the bus bunk."

Mick's nerves were showing as his mind wandered now that they were all mostly seated on the large couch. Glancing across he noticed Erik hobbling in along with Robert, Damien and Zack. Erik had to sit down slowly and carefully, something he'd learnt to do over the five or so weeks he'd had his crutches. Another week or so and he'd be able to walk without them.

"Let's get a seat, Sötnos. I might fall asleep early though because of my medication and leg."

The young Swede leaning into Robert as they walked. Zack was dressed as Spider-Man in his costume, minus cowl so he could see what was going on. He was holding Damien's hand and loved his t-shirt from Ziggy.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"My father plans for everything." Tom knew that this was going to stir people up; sexually, anger, and who knows what else. They'd need more space than the bus offered.

Robert went to sit beside Vars and Viktor, slowly helping Erik to sit in his lap. "I've got you. Sleep if you need to."

Robert knew the injury was still making Erik sleepy as he healed. He finally has a moment to look around and just outfits alone were crazy. The questions were likely going to be a riot. Robert hoped he didn't have to restrain his brother or the punks.

With the limited space, Damien sat on the floor by one of the couch arms, legs folded to give Zack somewhere to sit if he wanted.

[guitar_voodoo]

"Yeah, he does. A good man is Tom. My future father in law now."

It sounded a bit strange to Mick using those words but that was what Tom would be once he got married to Ziggy. Everyone was sat down and settled, well almost, since some couldn't sit still if their life depended on it. Joe was high and was fidgety with Aarne and Bjorn was all over Rekker, pulling his hair and giggling high pitched.

"I know you have, Fluffig. I love you."

Erik placing his crutches down at the side of the couch as he leaned into Robert. Viktor slumped down onto the couch and slid an arm around Vars, almost possessively. He smirked and offered a finger at Joe, who kept his eye out on the cameras. Which one would he moon first?

"Where's the interview guy? I'm going to moon the fucking camera soon."

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"I love you." Ziggy was glad that Mick and his father got along so well.

Aarne was about to scream from being bored and leaned down to bite Joe's neck. Mikkel was squirming too because he didn't like sitting still much either. Robert wrapped his arms around Erik so he could rest comfortably on his shoulder and chest. He glanced over and saw Vars give Viktor a hard punch in the thigh. All he could do was shake his head and laugh at some of the things going on.

Rekker yanked on Bjorn's hair and growled a little at him. "Turn around and sit still."

The screaming in his ear was going to cause a headache at this rate.

[metallhuvud]

"I love you too."

Mick caressed Ziggy's upper thigh as he watched Joe and Aarne become restless from across the couch. Oh god he were go. Those two weren't going to last five minutes sat on a couch while waiting for the host to show up. Erik rested his head against Robert's chest and sighed in contentment.

"Fuck, don't be a boring cockhead."

Bjorn stuck his tongue out at Rekker but stilled himself for the time being because he could see Rekker getting pissed off. It was so fucking boring though! Joe and Aarne had the right idea. Karl was almost hopping off the couch in boredom too because he was a bit high but making sure Raev was ok.

"Can you see ok in this studio, sweet cakes?"

[rage_rekker]

Rekker slapped Bjorn's ass cheek and smiled at the reaction for Bjorn. "I'll make it worthwhile later."

The ginger wrapping both arms around Bjorn's waist and pulling him close. Aarne looked to Ziggy and couldn't stop the yelling that burst out of him. "Where the hell is the interviewer?"

His voice was so loud that some of the crew stopped to stare at him. Raev didn't mind waiting and nodded to Karl.

"The lights are almost too bright, but I can see.

[helland_damnation]

"You'd better, you ginger bastard."

Bjorn leant forwards, grabbing Rekker around the waist while biting his lower lip. This was bullshit so far. Where was this cockhead interviewer anyway? The Swede could be back at their hotel being fucked by Rekker instead of sitting here like a total moron. Karl caressed Raev's cheek before kissing it. Joe yelled out loud before getting up and pulling his leather pants down to his ankles, showing off his naked ass.

"Fuck this! Where is he? I'm mooning the cameras---"

Mick burst into giggles while Hunter just gasped as did some of the others. Most just laughed though because surely the guy should show up soon.

[rage_rekker]

"I got a room with a jacuzzi." Rekker whispered to Bjorn. It was nice that the Swede liked water almost as much as Rekker did. The screaming had him looking over and laughing. Of course the crazy twins were getting rowdy sitting still. It was like telling a three year old to sit still.

"Get your ass out here." Aarne yelled and then slapped Joe's naked cheek. Of course this was all going to hell.

[helland_damnation]

"Oh yeah? I want to lay in it with you."

Bjorn nuzzled into Rekker's neck and then kissed the ginger's lips just as he heard Joe scream. Those two were getting into crazy shit already and the guy hadn't even shown up yet! There was also a live audience who were still getting to their seats and settling down. Oh god---what the fuck would even happen?

"Fuck yeah, Peachy. Smack my ass! Oh, I think the guy is coming. He's walking this way."

Joe bent over so Aarne could smack his naked ass, giggling before pulling his pants back up and jumping back onto the couch. A bit of fun couldn't hurt, right? Mick just wondering what this guy would be like.

"Ah, what a motley crew we have here indeed. How many of there are you? Goodness, so many! What nationalities are you all?"

The guy taking his seat and getting his question cards ready while the set guys pinned his mic onto his chest and the camera guys got into position. Then, it was camera rolling time as the audience stilled and the lights dimmed a little.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

"Why do you think I got it?" Rekker rolled his eyes at both Bjorn and the screaming. Though he does have an amused smile since he used to be the one that went crazy in the interviews, might still be.

Aarne gave Joe a bite on the ass instead and sat back on the back of the couch again. Aarne was ready to cause chaos and saw some of the others grinning. This was going to be fun.

Ziggy turned away from nuzzling against Mick when that question came. "Oh... "

The Anthean took a moment and then answered. "11 Brits, 12 Swedes. 3 Norwegians, 2 Fins, 7 Danes, 4 Americans and 1 Mexican....?" Ziggy thought that sounded right before glancing to Robert and Weird to see if they might agree. 38 people, was that how many there were? Ziggy scooted around farther to get a look at everyone.

[guitar_voodoo]

Mick got a look at the guy and hoped he wouldn't be too much of an asshole asking intrusive and rude questions. The audience seemed quite shocked regarding some of the other band members behaviour. Joe and Aarne's to start with.

"There are quite a few of us, mate. Started off as us four then we grew in number since starting our New York tour a year and a half ago."

Mick speaking up because he could see Ziggy trying to count everyone, making sure he got all their nationalities correct. So many. Then, there was Korppi with his birds making the newest member of the tour. The interviewer nodded, watching everyone carefully before pulling out his first question card to the top of the pile.

"So many Scandinavians and a rag tag bunch of musicians I see. Let's start with you first Ziggy and your Spiders from Mars. Tell me---what made you chose the name the Spiders from Mars to be your backing band and do you believe the rumours out there around your androgynous appearance? Are you a boy or girl? Many can't tell the difference."

Mick kept his eyes on the bloke. Oh, here we go. The questions he knew would come.

[oprorsk_sode]

Ziggy was busy counting while Mick was talking, happy that his count had the right number.

The first part of that question Ziggy was ready to answer but the second part had him glance back at Mick. By the time he was about to answer the young Dane had sat up, incredulous and ready to go at this because it was something he lived with too and hated.

"Can't you tell a girl from a boy? And why do you care? Do you want in Ziggy's skirt like a lecherous old man after someone who is engaged because they show a bit of leg?" Mikkel was sitting in Fredrik's lap staring daggers at this interviewer.

Ziggy gave the Dane a gentle, mental nudge to calm down, even if Torden and Rik were actively stifling giggles over the comment.

Ziggy took a breath. "I was thinking about my dad being an astronaut and an event he told me about involving a UFO when he was a younger."

Ziggy left out that it was most certainly an Anthean vessel and the rest he knew about it from Newton. No one needed to know that. The second part of the question though had him sighing. "Rumors are just that, hear say and gossip."

[guitar_voodoo]

Mick was about to answer the guy back too but Mikkel had beaten him to it. The sass on that boy's mouth! Karl and Joe started to snort in giggles while Fredrik kissed Mikkel's cheek to try and calm him down. Sigurd just rolling his eyes and pulling the brat close to kiss him on the lips. Fuck, Mikkel! Trust him to sass the guy already. The interviewer looked a little put-out by Mikkel's sass but none the less remained calm.

"I see. Well, aren't you a spirited young man? You will get your turn soon with your band. It's Ziggy's turn first."

Sigurd inwardly cringing because this guy had no idea who he was speaking to and the consequences of this. Still, Mikkel was being a little rude and Sigurd would try to control the Dane so Ziggy and his band could get some answers out.

"Mick, I hear you're engaged? Who's the lucky girl then? I'm sure all our young ladies in the audience are dying to know."

The interviewer turning to see some of the young girls waving and giggling to their friends, whispering. Oh god. Groupies. Mick swallowed dryly and composed himself best he could.

"No, I'm engaged to Ziggy here. He's my fiancee."

Heart pounding so hard, Mick steeled himself for what was coming next. The interviewer raising an eyebrow and looking a little shocked but intrigued at the same time. Oh? Was Mick Ronno admitting that he was gay on national television?

"So, you're gay then, Mick?"

[oprorsk_sode]

"So you can't tell a girl from a boy?" Mikkel shook off both Fredrik and Sigurd. "And don't know shit about the bands you're interviewing."

Ziggy glanced at the Dane and giggled because this guy was digging himself a trench early on. The Danes knew this was exactly what would happen. Mikkel was defensive and took no time filtering between his thoughts and mouth.

Ziggy took a deep breath and raised a brow. "Does that mean you believe I'm a man?" It was a serious question. "I'm not a man."

[guitar_voodoo]

Sigurd tried to reassure the brat but knew trying to calm Mikkel down when he was angered was useless. The interviewer would just have to take it on the chin just like everyone else. Had he even interviewed this many rock stars before and on this level? It was a curious question.

"The lad's right, mate. Ziggy is a girl, can't you see? He's got long feminine legs."

Mick finding his confidence to speak to the interviewer, making a point and sliding one hand up Ziggy's right leg stopping just shy of his kimono skirt.

"He's got an engagement ring on too which I bought him."

The interviewer shifting in his seat slightly, curious about this situation but wanting to push further with it knowing the viewers at home would want to know.

"Am I to believe that you've actually made love with one another on some level?"

Mick just going wide-eyed for a moment or two, frowning and swallowing thickly.