unholyterror | Unsolicited Introductions

Continued from here

Of course, Jake had not warned Davy, or Jerry, or any of City Charms or anyone else that he was bringing people backstage. He could apologize later if there were problems with it. He did get caught up with Niko though and then had to rush to get ready and down to the venue. He pulls up on his chopped out motorcycle right behind the black car. He can see that security is talking to them and pulls the bike around the car.

"They're with me." Jake calls over the sound of both the car and the rumble of the motorcycle. He's obvious, even in the dimly lit parking lot. Not many people look like Jake. Tall, white streaks in his hair, fangs, and all the leather. The motorcycle was iconic too for the red and silver bats painted on the tank.

Security does give pause and then waves the black car to park in the lot. They could park relatively close to the door in the back, clear by the light and exit sign above it. Jake was throwing around his family ties right now which was fine. That was a big part of any entertainment career. It was all about who you knew and were associated with at the end of the day.

He pulled up on the other side of the car and got off the bike. Walking over to greet Dee, and he assumed his partner, while trying to push his unruly hair into some sort of controlled mess.

Current Mood: cheerful
Current Location: Jerry's Bar and Club
Current Music: "Mean Man" - W.A.S.P.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

As they went down the hall, Jay had honestly expected to end up in the empty dressing room. He was actually surprised that Jake barged right in on City Charms, an expression still plainly visible on his face.

It was unlikely any of the band members would recognize them, except maybe a face in the crowd.

If so, Dee was the more memorable one, based on looks alone. Skinny jeans and layers of light scarves didn’t even attempt to hide his frame. And the chair made him stand out even if the rest didn’t.

In contrast, dressed in simple leather jacket, black shirt and leather pants, Jay practically blended into a crowd. He also looked a fair bit older than the one in the wheelchair - perhaps late thirties.

“Good evening.” Dee offered a shaky, but excited, wave.

Syn turned in his chair. "Who are the new people?"

He's feminine and thin, most of City Charms was tall and thin aside from Joey.

Jake realized he hadn't introduced anyone. "This is Dee and Jay."

Syn stood up and went to them. "I'm Syn, that's Joey."

Joey reached down from buttoning his pants to tickle thier drummer. Sam bolted up, crying out and slapping Joey.

Joey grinned. "And Sam who's always sleeping."

Sam scowled but relaxed when he saw the new people. Syn was laughing and reached over to pat the tall blonde on the bicep. Mikkel was so wary of strangers sometimes.

"This is my friend Mikkel from Denmark." Syn clarified.

As the singer approached, Dee straightened up. Not necessarily wanting to be looked down upon, he braced himself and carefully stood to shake a hand. The group seemed fairly light-hearted, so he felt no qualms about replying, “Charmed. Pun very much intended.”

He was steady enough on his feet, at least for now.

“Dee Ferguson. Also known as the Prophet.”

Jay followed suit, introducing himself as well. “Jeremy Andrews. Performing as the Mystic.”

“We’re fans of yours… and aspiring musicians ourselves.” Dee added, grinning. “With how much the band has improved since you took the mic… it would be an honor to… well, learn what we can.”

Syn shook Dee's hand and knew that look. They all spent time with Davy's mom when she had flare ups. Though Syn had no idea why this person needed a wheelchair, he did know that way of bracing and standing. Syn motioned toward the couch beside Sam who was now sitting up and throwing picks and drumsticks at Joey while he tried to finish dressing.

Syn hadn't heard of either of them yet but he was so busy with his own band recording right now that he isn't surprised.

"Most of it is Davy." Syn admitted. "He's been training his voice since he was a little kid."

Joey laughed and came over once Sam stopped. "He's a taskmaster when you're trying to learn something."

They both adored their guitarist but he was focused and wouldn't back down. Mikkel finally came over and sat on the far side of Sam, mostly in the drummer's lap. He's just watching and listening right now while he starts brushing Sam's long hair.

Once the chair was at least moved out of the doorway, they both headed over to the couch. Jay subtly offered an arm, but as excited as he was, Dee didn’t notice. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to need it either.

As Mikkel plopped himself practically in the drummer’s lap, Jay raised an eyebrow in Dee’s direction.

When in Rome, they say.

Jay wrapped his arms around his partner, and all too smoothly sat down with him in his lap. Clearly, not for the first time.

“Taskmaster… Sounds a little bit like you in a recording session.” Jay nudged.

“It would be easier if we had a full lineup committed to the music for the long term…” Dee lamented. “Not just for a session or two.”

Jake saw everyone getting comfortable and asked, "Do you want drinks? or food?"

Of course Joey wanted drinks and Mikkel and Sam were asking for appetizers. It was still almost an hour before they would be playing so there was plenty of time.

"He doesn't look like a grouchy little princess." Joey was laughing and sat down on the coffee table in front of the couch while Syn kept messing with his hair.

Mikkel finally felt safe while close to someone he trusted. Sam was another one who wasn't always ok with strangers, though much quieter than the Dane.

"There are a few at the apartments that don't have bands either." Mikkel mentioned. The voice that came out had a heavy Danish accent and sound more boyish than the extremely feminine looks. Mikkel wasn't sure if any of them would be interested but surely all those musicians at the apartments had to know some people who could play and needed a band.

If food and drinks were being offered, they’d happily join in.

Dee turned toward Mikkel. “Do you know what instruments they play? We’re looking for a drummer and bassist…”

“And a second guitarist.” Jay added. “Preferably lead.”

Jay recorded most of the guitar parts, but if they were going to perform live, they needed someone else. He couldn’t play that and the violin at the same time.

“…It would be hard to play both guitar and violin at the same time.” Dee snickered softly. “Though I’d love to see you try one day.”

“They’re going to need to offer a lot more drinks before I think that’s a good idea.”

Jake is happy to take drink and food orders, partially to go and harass Jerry.

Mikkel shrugged. "I don't know all of them. My brother played drums before."

Mikkel played bass, drums and guitar but he didn't think he played it well enough to be in a band, nor did he want to be in a band. The Dane started giggling.

"My cousin can do both. He plays harp and guitar at the same time." Mikkel had seen Rik do a lot of crazy things on stage but the Harp Guitar stuck with him because of the sounds.

"Joey probably ordered an entire bottle of tequila." Sam accused.

"I didn't." Joey protested like a teenager. "Davy will have my head if I get drunk before we go on."

That got Jay’s attention. He’d only seen video of such a feat, never in person. but he could easily imagine the range of tones that created.

“Unfortunately, that wouldn’t quite work the same way with the violin. The bow would most certainly get in the way.”

And no, he never mastered any stupid human tricks, like playing with his feet. He was classically trained, from a young age.

“If I gave you some copies of my demo… would you mind sharing it with the ones who are looking for work?” Dee asked. It would be easier than trying to describe and define their sound.

"I've seen him play the harp guitar with a bow on stage." Mikkel didn't think they were stupid human tricks. Like many he thought what Rik did was crazy and magical. It was family though and that meant biased.

"You could see who's out in the bar for the show." Syn suggested. At least one of them was going to have to go out there and collect Davy at this rate anyway.

“With a bow? Live?” Jay asked, most certainly intrigued. “That, I need to see.“

With Mikkel being from Denmark, the chance this was an artist he actually could see live might be slim, but he asked anyway.

“Would he happen to be playing any upcoming shows in the LA area?”

Dee, meanwhile, nodded in Syn’s direction. Tonight was all about introductions. And hopefully, getting recording balls into the hands of as many fellow musicians as possible.

“… who should we be looking for?”

"My cousin plays ten instruments and can sing." Mikkel was boasting on Rik's behalf because he knew his cousin never would. He deserved it.

Mikkel looked to Syn for the question and the other blonde shrugged before replying. "I don't know anyone else's schedule. Maybe ask Tom?"

Mikkel nodded. They could easily find out from Tom or Robert. They kept track of all of that.

"Rekker's out there." Mikkel mentioned because the ginger had brought him down to the venue.

"Isn't Missy a promoter or a manager or something?" Joey asked the others.

"Did she come down with them?" Syn asked now that he was finally happy with his hair. No one really knew and it showed that they were young and didn't keep track of these things as much as Dee did. None of them realized what this kind of name dropping might do to others either. While they were all chatting, Jake came back with the usual bar fare, wings and loaded fries, as well as a bottle of tequila and a pitcher of beer with glasses.

This was very much worthy of bragging, Jay would agree with Mikkel wholeheartedly. “I doubt I’ll find myself in Denmark anytime soon, so now you’re just teasing me. Which ones?”

Dee was paying closer attention to the names of those who were here, or perhaps would be here. Before the night was over, he needed to find someone named Tom. And also someone named Missy. Possibly someone by the name of Rekker too. (That wasn’t the same Rekker in the assault case, was it? Probably not.) If Jake or one of the others didn’t introduce him, at least he could mention Joey or Syn.

Getting your foot in the door was hard. And most doors, Dee had learned the hard way, are very, very heavy.

Edited Date: 2023-10-19 05:04 pm (UTC)

Mikkel had to stop and think what all Rik could play. "Rik's in LA." That was the first thing out of his mouth. " Um.. piano, harp, guitar, bass, drums, violin, cello... um flute.. harp guitar.. pan flute.. I think Vars was teaching him the Hardanger. And he's starting the saxophone."

Mikkel had to really think and he had forgotten to count. That list sounded right though. Syn butted in a little excited. "Saxophone is fun to play."

Syn wasn't very good yet but he was taking lessons. Sam was looking around and to his band members. "Is Davy ready?"

Joey shrugged and Syn rolled his eyes. "If Sven has lured him off again I'm kicking his Swedish ass."

Mikkel started to giggle because the idea of Syn, who was very thin, taking on Sven and all his muscles was funny.

Well, if Rik and Vars was local, then that was another couple of introductions that would need to be made.

"A hardanger fiddle?" Jay asked, completely captivated. "I've always wanted to learn that. I wasn't aware there was anyone in the state who taught it."

Dee took a wing from the offered plate.

Neither of them had ever played the saxophone. Or anything like it. When you combined playing with blowing, it had nothing to do with an instrument... Dee was primarily a singer, but was a fairly decent pianist. He could write for far more insturments than he could play. Jay's primary love was and will always be the violin. But give him a guitar and he could easily hold his own.

"Vars isn't a teacher." Mikkel meant professional teacher though the man would teach friends everything he knew if he could. "He's from Norway and my cousin's bassist."

Once Dee took food the two blondes on the couch also started eating. Sam and Mikkel ate more food than most people despite being thin. Joey had forgotten about drinks and poured out beers for everyone.

"Is Vars that punk?" Jake asked curiously because he was still learning everyone and it wasn't going so well. Too many new people, too fast, but Mikkel nodded a yes. "He's out there with Rekker talking something about fighting styles."

There was that name again. Rekker. Talking about fighting styles with a self-proclaimed punk? Maybe it was the same man that was in all over the news, but he really didn't want to ask.

Instead, he just glanced up at his fiance, and patted him gently on the leg. "Sounds like a conversation best left... uninterrupted."

"Anyone is a teacher if they're sharing what they know." Jay added, taking one of the offered beers. "Thanks."

Dee decided to pass on the drinks for now. If it wasn't obvious, he was kind of a lightweight.

Mikkel shrugged. "We can. They're probably talking training."

Mikkel hung around both men sometimes. For an older man, like Rekker, to make him feel safe after his past with older men, the Dane had no fear of Rekker or his notorious anger.

Syn laughed. "At least he isn't teaching them to make firebombs."

Joey and Jake both looked confused and mildly interested. They could be be troublemakers, especially Jake. Syn noticed Dee pass on the beer and brought over one of the unopened water bottles for him. They could get more from Jerry later.

Dee took the water, but couldn't hide the shock on his face. "Firebombs?"

Even Jay kind of stopped at that one. As a nurse, he knew that could get bad quickly. "Thank goodness for small miracles?"

"He's a punk." Mikkel shrugged. "And follows the teaching of Fenrir. What do you expect?" To Mikkel this all made complete sense to him. Maybe that was from knowing Vars and Viktor together?

Joey started laughing. "Miracles. Jake hasn't bitten anyone either."

Jake shoved Joey off the table on to the floor for that one because he knew exactly what the bassist was teasing him about.

Syn knew to ignore the two who would probably soon be in some kind of boyish fight. "When we're done eating we can go out and find Davy."

Dee didn't know much about Nordic cultures. Or about making trouble, apparently, if firebombs and the like didn't even cause this group to bat an eye. It made things like streaking and skinny dipping look pretty lame.

Jay wrapped an arms around his partner when the shoving started. It was protective, but subtle.

"We'll join you." he volunteered. "Get a good seat for the show before it gets too crowded to push a wheelchair anywhere."

Mikkel knew that protectiveness because Sigurd did that to him too when people got too close. It wasn't for the same reasons, the Dane imagined, but it looked the same. Enough that it made him feel shy.

Jake gave Joey a hard shove so he could get a word in without it being cut off by the play fighting. "The band booth?"

Joey stopped too. "Oh, yeah." He agreed. There was an elevated booth to the side, by the sound board, that bands often sat at. It had railings to keep people away and a ramp because it was also where some of the equipment was taken to the stage. They could easily toss the chairs on the non-booth side for the wheelchair or maybe Dee would sit in the booth. Either way, it was a good option and the waitresses came to that area for drink and food orders.

"So, we're going out now?" Syn stood up and straightened his outfit. It would be better before things got busy. Doors didn't even open for another half hour.

Jay finished the rest of his beer, glancing over at the lighthearted wrestling match every so often.

Dee took a few more fries, and in return, left a few cubes containing his recording balls on the coffee table. Not knowing if they'd get backstage again after the show, he might not have another chance. If anyone wanted one, they were welcome to one.

When Syn decided to head out, Jay helped Dee to his feet. He took a couple of unsteady steps before his legs refused to cooperate and Jay caught him.

"Easy there."

"I'm fine..." Dee nodded weakly. He looked over at Syn, who was already waiting by the door. "Can you... bring the chair over, please?"

Sam and Mikkel were already up and ready to go, Mikkel carrying the rest of the plate fo fries along.

Syn nodded and brought the chair over. All of them had helped with Davy's mom. She was basically all of their mom's now too.

Jake smiled at the 'I'm fine.'. "You remind me of Jan." And it was said with affection but he had seen her do this kind of thing more than once.

There was a time that Dee would have forced himself to his feet, if only to prove that he could. Jay had been with him through all of that, and feeling his partner relax in his arms, to trust him that completely, was its own special kind of love.

“Jan?” Dee asked as Jay helped him get situated.