Semester recital

[riff_razor]

Rik was near the end of the recital being near the top of his class and entering his final year of the program, that is if he passed. It wore his nerves thin as he roved around in circles in the halls behind the stage and the music rooms behind. He felt like he was going to vomit. Somehow this was worse than the stage, even worse than being recorded on stage with thousands of people screaming.

The music of the earlier musicians was making him crazy too. It wasn't that he blamed them. He probably made the same mistakes earlier in his career but while he was nervous the missed beats or notes were like the nails on chalkboard effect. It was madness. Then it got closer and he went to check on his harp, checking the tuning one last time. It gave his mind something to latch on to that wasn't nerves.

Then they took the harp away to the stage. It was now or never, teeth to the bit and Rik tried to calm himself. Things went to a blur when he stepped out on the stage. This was like going out to play guitar. The world faded away and it was just the music, the performance and his fingers on the strings. Walking to his harp he played one of the most technically beautiful harp pieces that had been written. It was challenging and beautiful. Vltava was a piece he turned to on the harp when he wanted to almost meditate which made it perfect for this situation.

The second piece he chose to play was Avant Garde by Phillip Glass. The piece was maddening in its speed and repetition with variation. On a technical level it mirrored the kind of layering he loved to put in his guitar playing. These were fine and Rik let his mind fall into the music, the tempo. Nothing else existed.

Rik stops and gets up from the harp to get a microphone abruptly.

"These recitals are supposed to show your talent and innovation so I decided to pick up a different kind of harp to write my own music on." Rik walks over and sets up the microphone at the harp stool and then pulls out a case to remove a 24 string harp guitar. "I had wrote something else for the harp but.. Uh.. I wrote this song for someone that's here tonight."

Sitting down he focuses on the the instrumental he wrote but unlike many of the other students he had put lyric to the music. He didn't have the voice of a lead singer but it's reasonable. He's calm until the music is done and then panics. Without it soothing away his nerves he breaks a little and stands up. The thank you is rushed and he leaves the stage.

Once he's behind the curtain, guitar still on his shoulder, he leans against the first stable wall and tries to get his nerves under control. His whole body is shaking enough that he's afraid to walk. His mind is on the fact that he may have screwed his chances of progressing to the next year with this stunt of using a non-traditional harp. That seemed less nerve shattering than the idea that he had sung the song at all.

Taking a breath he smiles when the recital crew hands him the case for his harp guitar. The full size harp they would take back to storage. He couldn't tote that around the world with him like some of the other instruments. Rik sat on the floor to put it away, afraid he might drop it. Then he went into the back knowing full well he would have to go out to the reception that they always held. To be honest he's not sure whether he dreads facing the professors who are going to ask what the hell he was doing or the people that he hoped, until this moment, had made it to the auditorium from the airport.

Stowing his instrument and bag in a locker behind the stage he made his way out into the public still in his tux with tails. There were some traditional things that he enjoyed about classical music. He wants a drink first and looks to the beverage counter, maybe they have wine or something stronger to settle his nerves.

Comments

[shutyour_frettingmouth]

Hey, guess who's already at the beverage counter? The Brit had spoken to Ziggy just earlier and the recital? It was magic. Billy's eyes and ears had been glued to the Dane's performance, just watching his fingers glide over the harp strings as he played. God, the boy was good. Currenly, he'd seen Hunter around somewhere with the rest of the Hammers because they were in Denmark now. Just to see Rik do what he did best, that being to wow everything with his skills. Sucking on the straw of his drink, Billy sidled up to Rik, nudging him gently with his hip, as he saw him approach the beverage counter.

"You were amazing, smukke. I never thought anyone could play like you. Also, you looked fucking hot too."

Oh, was his boyfriend pleased? Hell yes was he.

[riff_razor]

Rik squeaked, startled by being bumped into. His nerves are completely shot and as much as he missed the Brit over the past few days, between coming here himself to practice and everyone else arriving, he's panicky about it. Mostly because of the song he wrote.

"I hope the judges agree." He's horribly nervous but smiles and leans in to give Billy a kiss. "Maybe we should get you a tuxedo." He teases, letting the humor relax his nerves.

[shutyour_frettingmouth]

That squeak had the Brit laughing a little into his drink before he gave his straw a good suck. Did Billy enjoy sneaking up on his Dane? Oh yes he did. Glancing up and down at Rik's tux, he smirked and let his fingers play with the bowtie a little.

"Me in a tux? I'd look like a right fucking ponce. Viktor and the band would make fun of me forever, mate. It looks good on you though."

He playfully pulled Rik in for a soft kiss on the lips, knowing that they were in public and people might be looking. At least they weren't in Britain right now, otherwise he wouldn't dare kiss the Dane. Social norms were much more relaxed in Rik's country.

[riff_razor]

"I'll bust his mouth again." Rik says with a smile. "You'd look good in one too."

The kiss was hard to pull out of after they'd been away from each other. It had only been a few days and Rik wondered how he would deal with weeks or months when the tours separated. He pushed it aside and chuckled before putting his top hat on Billy's head so he could take the braid out of his hair.

[shutyour_frettingmouth]

"I know you will, smukke. But I don't want you getting your knickers in a twist because of blockhead."

Rik's anger was justified at the right time but now he just wanted the Dane to relax after standing up in front of lots of people. It was always nerve wracking doing these sort of recitals and Billy just wanted to spend time with his Dane since it had been so long since he'd seen him. Too long.

"I missed you, mate. A lot. So fucking much it hurt."

There were times when he wanted to cuddle up next to Rik instead of using his pillow as a substitute. Of course it wasn't the same.

"My pillow turned into you for a while. But it lacked the hair."

[riff_razor]

"I don't want him harassing us." That was the truth. Rik had been harassed too much of his life as it was.

"I missed you too." He smiles with a hint of sadness as he slips his arm around the Brit. What were they going to do? It did hurt.

"Should I buy it a wig?" He teases gently then leans in to whisper. "I have to stay a couple days more. Should I sneak you into my dorm room?"

They weren't really supposed to have overnight visitors but the dorm he stayed in with the older students, some married, it happened a lot.

[shutyour_frettingmouth]

"He won't. I won't let him, mate. Viktor is a nice enough bloke when he's not being a complete ass-head."

Billy knew the man was rough around the edges but he was their band leader and could be a decent bloke to those he cared about. Just because he opened his big mouth at the wrong time sometimes didn't mean everyone had to hate him. He just needed to adopt a little more decorum at times.

"Fuck off does it need a wig."

That just got Billy giggling at how stupid that sounded as he playfully tickled Rik under the chin. Not for long though since he knew the Dane would collapse into a giggling fit and that wouldn't fit for manners. Not where they were.

"You bet I want in your room, smukke. It's been hard not having you with me and I don't want to leave you but----I know we have to separate again soon."

Billy's blue eyes fell to the floor a little as he knew they would soon be apart once more and it hurt. His heart ached for his Dane as well as the intimate side of things. Just snuggling into that mass of hair.

"We could try phone sex if you wanted? Once we're apart."

[riff_razor]

"We'll work it out eventually." Rik knew he had to show the singer he was strong enough and not girly. It was just his way.

The love of his hair gave the Dane and idea to work on for his lover. They had been together long enough now that he was starting to feel heartsick when they were away from each other. Luckily, Ziggy was keeping both bands on the tour with the spiders for awhile. He suspected the singer knew that their bands were getting more and more entwined. Maybe he even saw the heartache when they separated. Rik certainly saw it in Hunter and could only imagine the others noticed with him now too.

"You'll have to climb in the window. We're not supposed to have overnight visitors." He whispered to the Brit with mischief. It wasn't like the school would get rid of him or kick him out if he was discovered. He would probably get some sort of suspension or probation but it was worth it to have Billy back beside him.

"I just want to hear your voice when you're away." He sighed heavily and leaned into the Brit, arm around his waist and chin resting on top of his head. He was definitely needy and probably in love.

[shutyour_frettingmouth]

"Yeah, I know you two will. If you need help on Viktor I can try to aid you since I've known the bloke for over two years now."

Even if he could be a blockhead at times there was a caring human being underneath all the anger and anarchistic behaviour. It was just who he was and Billy had come to understand that whilst being in the band. To outsiders, he appeared more a rebel punk than anything else.

"The window? I'm not fucking Spider-Man. I will get in though somehow---don't worry. No way am I going to be sleeping on my own like a loser. I want you."

Billy nuzzled into Rik's neck and sighed. Oh, how he wanted his Dane. It had only been a week or so and he was already missing him when they parted. That part was always the hardest. Yet, he didn't want Rik to get in trouble so would try to be discreet. As much as he could anyway.

"I want to hear yours too. All that sexy Danish making me all hot and tingly inside."

Was Billy in love? Oh yes.

[riff_razor]

"I think it's better I take care of it myself." Rik knew Billy meant well but he had a feeling that Viktor was the kind that would demand someone stick up for themselves.

"I've climbed it after locking myself out." Rik laughed and nuzzled in return. A soft breath escaping as he kissed Billy's ear. "I missed everything about being with you."

The sex, the pranks, just having someone to be with had felt good. Rik was feeling it more keenly, aching for the other guitarist's presence. "Vil du have en anden, min smukke britiske?"

He smiled and pulled away just enough to get a drink. They should probably stop blocking the drink counter.

[shutyour_frettingmouth]

"Ok, mate. If it's for the best."

He patted Rik's shoulder and then slyly reached down to grab the Dane's ass briefly. No one saw and Billy was in a playful mood after going so long without his lover. Was he deprived? Oh yes. It was hard to control himself right now but would do for Rik's sake. The man was dressed in a tuxedo. It was then Hunter walked towards the bar with Gilly, followed by Mick and Ziggy couldn't be far behind.

"I think that lot want some drinks. My tarty brother getting his sugar daddy to buy him drinks."

The last part Billy raised his voice so that Gilly heard. The drummer sticking a finger up and that got Hunter tapping his tarty boyfriend on the head. Behave, Gilly! As for Billy? He was looking up at his Dane, giggling and slowly moving away from the bar. The Danish flying over his head once more.

"You know I can't understand you. It's sexy though."

[riff_razor]

Rik let out a gasp at the grab to his ass. He turned in toward Billy so no one can see what he's doing.

"Save it for later, Luvvie." He whispered in Billy's ear as he ran his hand up the side of his lover's thigh. Rik stepped back a little smiling at Hunter and he could clearly see the tall red head heading thier way too. No surprise that the bar attracted them.

"I asked if you wanted another drink, min søde mand."

[shutyour_frettingmouth]

The gasp felt so satisfying to here, mainly because they were also in public so it offered that illicit thrill. Billy knew he had to try and behave himself since they were at a public event and not in the bedroom...yet. Then, Rik's hand was sliding up the inside of his thigh. Oh god.

"Oh---another drink? Yeah, I'd love one. Do they have any dirty cocktails with filthy names here?"

Because of course he was going to ask that. Billy saw the flash of red and heard the heels approach. Ziggy and Mick then Hunter and trashface. Of course. Weird and Gloria were around somewhere too. Shooting a glance to his brother, he then waved to Ziggy and everyone because it was polite.

"I want to buy you one too, smukke. I can't have you wasting all your money on me."

[riff_razor]

Rik knew they couldn't take it too far but he had to do a little after so long away from Billy. He laughs at the question and shakes his head.

"In this crowd?" He looked around at his fellow students. He was the wild one. Only one other here, a woman he met when he first started advanced music training as teen, played anything rock or more out there than operas and classical or jazz. "I'll get us something."

The dirtiest they were going to get was a dirty martini. However, Rik was set on taking Billy to the food table for pastries. Ziggy waved back and as is Danish custom Rik goes to greet Ziggy, and Gloria if she is there, first. Women were always greeted first. Then he gets to the others, Hunter gets a hug as will any of his bandmates if they show up. He's happy to see them all.

Coming back to the bar, the drinks are ready and he hands Billy one of the dirty gin martinis. "It's my turn. You bought all my drinks when we met."

[shutyour_frettingmouth]

"Are you saying this crowed are stuffy? Looks like you'll have to be the wild one then."

Billy smirked and was grateful that Rik was getting him drinks this time. Glancing towards the others, he waved to Hunter, Ziggy and Gloria then went up to shake Mick's hand and then Weird's. It was good to see the Spiders again since it had been far too long since Billy had seen Rik or anyone else. Especially his Dane.

"So, what are you buying me, smukke? Something filthy I hope."

He kissed Rik on the cheek and slid an arm around the Dane, whilst watching the other band members get their drinks.

[riff_razor]

"Everyone knows I am." Almost every student, and definitely all the professors, knew he was in a rock band.

Rik collects the drinks while Billy greets the others. Smiling he leans into the arm around his waist. "Martini, extra dirty like you are."

Rik winked and then glanced at Ziggy who was staring at them hugging then looking around. He could see the singer relax and wrap an arm around Mick too. Ziggy wasn't going to pass up the chance for snuggling in public. Rik didn't see Aarne but he could certainly hear his rambunctious voice. Probably found the percussion players and having a time of it. Vars was around too. He's sure they would make their way to him, or the bar, eventually.

[wherewere_thespiders]

Billy was about to reply back when he felt his brother sidle up to him, digging him in the ribs playfully and smirking towards Rik. The drummer's sugar daddy was now talking to Weird and Gloria it seemed so Gilly wanted to see how his brother was getting on and his tall Dane.

"Billy likes filthy drinks because he's a tarty whore."

The younger blond just snorted in amusement as he sucked on his pink straw, sucking up his strawberry daquiri that Hunter had just bought him. Gilly and his girly drinks. Billy just stared and then poked Gilly in the side, laughing at the stupid comment.

"Gilly, you're a bitchy tart mouth brat. I'm surprised Hunter hasn't asked for you to suck cocktails off his naked body yet."

The recital just got a bit rowdier.

[riff_razor]

Rik raised a brow at Gilly's comment and then laughed. "He's filthy but we all know you're the tarty one."

He prods back at the younger brother. He leans into Billy and slides his free hand around his waist. He was so happy that all of them are here.

"I'd be surprised if they didn't lick cocktails off of each other." Rik teases and then adds quietly so just the other two can hear. "I know you like your mouth on Hunter."

[rockin_thehousedown]

Gilly just scowled at that but was then smiling because he knew Rik was only teasing. It was more the fact that the drummer loved winding Billy and his Dane boyfriend up because he could. Slipping back to Hunter, the drummer was now being offered more girly drinks by his Swede. Hunter himself coming up to greet Rik and Billy.

"Oh, I loved your performance so much! Det var verkligen rörande och så känslomässigt. Som du spelade de där strängarna."

Hunter slipping into Swedish to congratulate his guitarist. He had enjoyed seeing Rik perform at what he was so passionate about. It really was moving. Billy just sipped his drink, oblivious to what the Swede was saying. It sounded like compliments.

"So moving, Rik. I loved it and so did Gilly here."

The drummer sticking a middle finger up to his older brother playfully.

[riff_razor]

Being around Billy had Rik treating Gilly more and more like his own little brother, and that meant teasing. When Hunter approached Rik glanced between Hunter and Billy and then sighed.

"Thank you. Jeg har savnet at spille på harpe." He said at first and then switched to Danish and the tone lost a little of its brightness. "Men .... Jeg tror ikke, han indser, at jeg spillede for ham."

Rik pressed his temple to Billy's for the compliment and sighed again though he rolled his eyes at Gilly, smirking playfully. "If you don't like the harp, show me your drum kit. Maybe I can teach you something?"

He's teasing and really thinks Gilly is good on the drums but this requires some playful prodding.

[rockin_thehousedown]

"Jag är säker på att han visste att du spelade för honom, blomma. Hans ögon var på dig hela tiden. Fast. Han älskar dig. Var inte så hård mot dig själv."

Hunter offered Rik a soft kiss on the cheek and a hug then went to grab his fruity cocktail off the bar top, sipping some. He smiled at the brotherly rivalry between both brothers and knew it would be like this for some time. It was refreshing to see Rik at his best while performing though and the Swede knew he had so much potential. The whole abandonment thing though---that was hard and Hunter knew some of it but not all of the guitarist's past.

Billy slipped his arm around Rik and kissed his other cheek, not wanting to get out-kissed by Hunter. Gilly shrugged at the Dane's question but then Hunter nodded and offered his lover some encouragement. He spoke up a little less bitchy then before;

"Ok then. I mean, we're both drummers and we could share some tips maybe."

This was a positive sign that Gilly was beginning to mature slightly emotionally. Possibly. He would still be a tarty trashmouth though.

[riff_razor]

"Jag är orolig att jag inte kommer att passera." Rik tells Hunter but his eyes drift to Billy. Schooling was only part of it. "....Och det..."

His eyes flicker away as he sighs. It isn't hard to see that he's in love and terrified by it. He knows Billy cares but his past makes it hard to trust in that. He's worried about abandonment.

Even with the worry, Rik grins at the cocktail that Hunter had ordered and even more at the arm slipping around his waist. However, he's focused on Gilly.

"When we're back on the road, we should all get together and play. Aarne and Zack too." Rik saw the more sensible behavior and wanted to make sure he knew it was appreciated though he hoped he continued to be a bitchy tart. He was fun to be around, like his brother.

[rockin_thehousedown]

"Jag vet, blomma. Oroa dig inte, du kommer att passera jag vet det. Du är väldigt begåvad och han älskar dig. Vem som helst kan se det."

Hunter offering his guitarist some support and some truthful words because he was very talented and Billy was most definitely in love with the Dane. You didn't have to look very far to notice that. It was adorable and the Swede was so happy Rik was being looked after and doted on in this fashion. Gilly wondered about Aarne and Zack since he hadn't even talked to them yet being quite shy really. Billy elbowed his brother playfully and then kissed Rik on the ear.

"Yeah, you'll love it, you tart. Drumming with the crazy Fin and the shy boy Zack. He's boyish but can play the drums really well. Just ask Joe or Viktor."

Billy liked Zack and saw him like a younger brother.

[riff_razor]

Rik just sighed but smiled at Hunter. He knew the singer was trying to keep his hopes up about everything, that he could be grateful for that even if his feelings didn't change much. He's a worrier by nature. The kiss to his ear brightened his smile to a giggle.

"We should all play together." Rik tells Gilly, more seriously and less teasing this time. "Aarne is insane on the drums."