Hey everyone,
This one is a collaboration between me and Scott. It's Scott's idea and we're rotating half chapters. This is Scott's first story, so be nice to him. :) My other stories are Affirmation and You Needed Me, so check them out. Enjoy! Amber silentkid@angelfire.com.
Write to Scott at SavageGardenBoy@angelfire.com
We both want to hear from you.
Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. It contains gay subject matter and does not reflect on the lives of the people depicted within. Do not read if you are underage or if it breaks laws in your community.
"Well boys, it looks like we've got a tour partner," Louis, Boyzone's manager said as he bustled into the conference room they were all sitting in.
"It's about time, we're cutting it kind of close!" Mikey exclaimed.
Louis ignored the comment as he sat down and pulled a mountain of papers out of his briefcase. He began looking through them, saying nothing to the Boyz.
"Uh Louis, the tour partner?" Stephen said quietly.
"Wha-- oh yes, the tour," Louis said, "You all know that we'll be embarking on a world tour in two week--"
"World tour?!" Ronan cut in. "America too?"
"That's what I said, isn't it? Apparently `No Matter What' is doing quite well," Louis informed them.
"Wow, we released that one a bit back," Shane commented.
"It's the only one we released!" Keith said. Louis cleared his throat and continued talking.
"America is on the last leg of the tour, and things will change then, but we'll get to that later. I'm sure you're all anxious to know who you'll be touring with."
Before they could say anything, he went on. "Instead of booking two small opening acts, we've booked a major artist. He'll not only open the show, but also perform in between some of your numbers. Oh, and you'll also be recording a song with him tomorrow to perform for the tour. How does all that sound?"
"It sounds fine. But who is he?" Ronan asked, exasperated.
"Robbie Williams, of course. Didn't I tell you?" But the Boyz were no longer paying attention to him. They were excitedly talking amongst themselves about the impending tour. He chuckled to himself and gathered up his papers.
"Boys, boys, one more thing." He had to say it a few times to get their attention, but they calmed down in time and listened to him. "You have the rest of the day off, but you'll be here bright and early tomorrow morning to learn and record the song. I'll see you then!"
With that, he got up and attempted to leave. Stephen got up and went over to him as he reached the door.
"Will Robbie actually be there tomorrow, or will he record at a different time?" Stephen asked.
"I don't know. There wasn't a clear response from his record company. But we'll see tomorrow! If you'll excuse me, I've got some work to do." As he left the room, the Boyz started questioning Stephen.
"Wait, wait, I don't know anything. Louis didn't know when Robbie's to record. If he shows tomorrow, he records. If not, he records some other time."
The Boyz headed out to spend the rest of the day relaxing with their families and just be themselves. Just as Ronan was getting into his car, Stephen stopped him.
"You want to go get a drink or something?" Stephen asked hopefully.
"Uh, no, thanks. I'm gonna go take a nap. Maybe some other time, all right?" Ronan said gently.
"Sure, that's fine. See you tomorrow then." Ronan got into his car and drove off.
"Hey Stephen, you walking home?" Shane called from his car. He was driving Stephen home, because his car was in the shop. Stephen didn't say anything as he walked over to the car and got in.
"You okay?" Shane asked.
"Yeah, I'm just thinking." There was silence again as they drove. "You want to go grab a bite to eat or something?" Stephen finally asked.
"Now?" Shane asked, with a smile.
"Yeah, why not?" Stephen replied. Shane looked at the clock in the car then back at Stephen.
"Sure, where to?" The two eventually found a small diner to get some coffee and have a small snack.
Stephen waved good-bye to Shane as he unlocked the front door to his house and stepped inside. He was hanging up his jacket when he noticed that it was quiet in the house. A little too quiet.
"Eloy?" he called out. No response. "Eloy?" he tried again. Still nothing. Searching through the house, he couldn't find him. `That's odd," Stephen thought to himself as he went into the kitchen. There was a message on his answering machine, and it was from Eloy.
"I called your mobile, but you didn't answer, so I figured you had a meeting or such. I won't be in tonight, I'll crash at a mate's house. Sorry I missed you. Bye"
Stephen sighed as he erased the message. Another night to spend alone. More and more he and Eloy didn't see each other. He prepared to spend the night watching the television and taking to bed early.
The Boyz met up at the recording studio at 7:30A and prepared to work. They were running through their parts of the song, in which Stephen sang lead, when Robbie came in.
"Hey, lads!" Robbie yelled as they all gathered around him, grinning and clapping him on the back.
"Alright?" asked Ronan.
"Of course!" grinned Robbie.
"Up for a pint later?" Keith asked, glad to have his old drinking buddy back.
"Aye," Robbie nodded.
"You shouldn't drink, Robert," Stephen said quietly. "It's not good for you."
Robbie touched his heart. "Aww, still watching out for me, are you?"
Stephen shrugged. "Someone has to." He was a little embarrassed now that the others were looking at him.
"Stephen, Rob has his own mam," Keith chided affectionately.
"I know," Stephen said hotly. "I was just saying."
"What's this song, then?" Robbie asked.
"Well, it's either a fast ballad or a slow dance tune. We're not sure which," Ronan said.
"Ah, re-doing Picture of You, are we? I thought the first version was fairly sad. It was wise of you to bring me in," Robbie joked. Ronan pursed his lips.
"I won an Ivor Novello for that song!"
"It's still crap, mate. Why do you keep putting it on movie soundtracks?"
"I don't have anything to do with that," Ronan protested, looking to his bandmates for help. "Keith?"
"Sorry, Ro, I hate the song. Stick with And I." Ronan laughed, giving up.
"Anyway," he continued, "You and Steo are sharing lead vocal on this new one."
"Nice," Robbie said, looking at Stephen.
The technician pounded on the glass window, reminding the guys they had work to do. Stephen and Robbie put their headphones on while the others filed out of the booth. Robbie gave the music a once over then gave a thumbs up to signify his readiness. They taped for three hours before switching so the rest of BZ could record the background vocals.
Stephen plopped down on the floor outside the studio, exhausted. Robbie sank down next to him. They silently downed a bottle of Lucozade each, staring vacantly. Robbie looked at Stephen. Stephen looked at Robbie. They laughed.
"We look like walking dead," Stephen said. Robbie grinned and bared his "fangs" at Stephen, who did his best zombie impression.
"What are you up for tonight?" Stephen asked.
"Looks like Keith and I are hitting the town."
"Oh," Stephen said, trying not to sound disappointed.
"Unless you want to do something. You're right, I shouldn't drink," Robbie said kindly.
"I didn't have anything in mind. I just thought we could see a movie or something?"
"Disney?" Robbie asked, smiling.
"We could watch at my house," Stephen offered hopefully.
"Eloy won't mind?" Robbie said.
Stephen shrugged. "He won't be there."
"How is Eloy these days?"
"I don't know. I haven't seen him in 4 days." Stephen's tone was steady, but his lower lip trembled.
"Oh, Steo," Robbie put his arm around Stephen. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Stephen said, pulling back. "It just...gets a little lonely sometimes, you know? Having someone, but not."
"I know," Robbie said. "I know exactly what you mean."