Mick had just put up the Christmas tree which looked very Scandinavian and for good reason since much of the tour was made up with people from those countries. He had worked with some of the others to create a thing of beauty inside the hotel which they were renting out as a tour group. It was pride of place in the communal area by the bar so everyone could see it when they came in to drink and relax. It was better to have it here at the hotel than try to squeeze a small tree inside one of the touring coaches.

"It doesn't look half bad, does it?"

Mick now smiling towards Erik, who had come in carrying a cup of spiced wine from the bar area. Niko was also here, happy to see the tree finally finished with all the baubles and trinkets on. Everyone would love it! Hunter sitting down in one of the soft armchairs, holding a large glass of red wine, sipping on it in peace. No doubt the screaming would soon start as the loud ones came into the bar to get trashed and merry.

"Merry Christmas, everyone. We bloody deserve it."

Mick now please and happy that the tour was celebrating another Christmas together.

"Time to get drunk and be merry."

The guitarist going to the bar and spotting the mistletoe stuck up above the door, knowing someone would get grabbed and kissed.

Mick and the Spiders, Billy, Joe, Erik and some of the other tour members had been busy decorating out the communal area in the apartments transforming it into a festive space. A Christmas Party! There were decorations, baubles hanging from a make-shift tree that Erik had bought from a local garden centre. It looked really Christmassy and fun. Weird and Gilly had been putting up more decorations, including hand-drawn snowmen and other Christmas characters drawn by none other than Erik himself.

"Fuck yeah! It looks great! Wait until everyone else sees what we've done."

Joe jumping around the tree and swigging his bottle of Jack Daniels, happy to show Aarne once he sees him. Billy was just pinning up pieces of mistletoe around every high place so he could get a kiss on Rik once he saw him. No doubt everyone would be using the mistletoe as an excuse just to kiss their partners. Why not? It was fun.

"Ok, lads. We've got the food and drink table set up with loads of stuff on it."

Mick now adding a load of glasses, mugs, tankards to the table so people had enough to take. The food had been bought and some made by Elsie, Mick's mother, which included some nice little Christmas-themed cup cakes. Those looked so good! The Danes would surely devour them first.

"How about some streamers above the door?"

Erik now touting some streamers around the doorways when people walked in. Joe laughed and put some onto the Swede's head, which caused the guitarist to shove Joe away playfully. Mick nodded in agreement and wanted this to be a special time for everyone to let their hair down. It was for new tour members and those who had been travelling since the start, family members invited along with friends too. There was also a free table with some presents already wrapped for certain band members. Of course those would be given by their respective partners.

"Looks good, mate. Ok, lets message everyone to come in and have some fun."

Mick pulled his phone out and sent a tour-wide group message to everyone to get their asses into the communal area and have a party. Joe screamed and began filling up glasses full of booze already to get the evening started.

Mick couldn't believe he actually agreed to this but he wanted to test out a theory that he could tell who was Ziggy and who was Jack when they stood side by side. It couldn't be that hard, could it? The two were identical yes, but different in personalities and subtle hints gave them away. Mick believed he could pick out his fiance through methods of touch and other means.

Right now, both Ziggy and Jack were chilling out talking and drinking in the apartment complex whilst Damien was out with Zack doing bowling or some other fun thing. Now, would be the time to see if he could do it. Balthazar would probably be watching somewhere having a right laugh if Mick couldn't guess the right one. Walking into his room, Mick spotted both Antheans on the bed drinking and laughing at something which caused a blush to heat his cheeks.

Fuck, was he really doing this? Maybe he should get a drink first?

"I can tell you two apart. This is all your fault, Jack."

Mick smirking and looking at Jack, knowing they discussed this back at Bjorn and Joe's birthday party. Or, was it Jack he was looking at because they did look very similar.

For Nexus prompt; 1. "You can't scare me off that easily."

Mick had gotten together some glasses and cutlery on the kitchen table within his and Ziggy's apartment because he wanted to spend a romantic evening with the singer. Today was around the five year mark since he'd met Ziggy and become a Spider from Mars. That fateful audition day where the Brit had nearly run away and thrown his career down the toilet because of how his emotions had ruled him. One touch from Ziggy and the guitarist had taken off in flight out of the studio and back to the train station. That day had been filled with a torrent of emotion at just seeing Ziggy for the first time, not knowing if he was a boy or girl or both. Weird and Gilly had no clue either and it was just a tidal wave of confusion that had swept the young guitarist up.

But those days were far behind him now and Mick was moving on with his life with Ziggy. A life which now included being engaged to the singer and wanting to spend the rest of his human life with an alien, with an Anthean. It caused the blond to smile internally as well as feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Of course Mick still got nervous around certain aspects of Anthean culture, more because he wasn't used to it or didn't understand. Yet, Aletayria and Tom would surely help with that part as the couple eventually got married and move forwards in their relationship. There was also Tommy, who was more Anthean than anyone, aside from Aletayria. All those cats he had. The thought alone caused Mick to giggle softly.

"Ok, now it's time for me to get some drinks for our meal tonight. Wine? That sounds like a good option."

Mick now talking to himself as he pulled out some red wine from the fridge in the kitchen and checked the label. It was one Hunter had given some band members because the flamboyant Swede always liked to keep a well-stocked fridge himself, stuffed full of wines from all over the world. Californian wine was good and tonight Mick and Ziggy would share a bottle or three.

"Hope you like this, Zig. It's for us. For sticking with me and putting up with me being a daft bastard at times. No more running though. Never again. You can't scare me off that easily now. You're stuck with me."

The guitarist grinning because he knew Ziggy would eventually come back to their room and find the table set out with two plates and two glasses of wine with a red scented candle set in the centre of the table. It was a romantic dinner because Mick had been cooking but with Hunter's help of course. The guitarist couldn't be allowed to cook alone because he'd blow up appliances or set the place on fire so the Swede had assisted in a majority of the cooking. Mick, peeling the vegetables and putting them into pots to cook.

"No blowing up things tonight, Ronno. This will be a perfect evening for Zig. Am I forgetting anything?"

Looking around, Mick placed some napkins next to the plates so they could wipe their faces after eating. Something his mother had always taught him was good table manners. What was the time even? Mick now checking his watch noting it was around nine O'clock. Ziggy should be in soonish because he'd been talking with Aarne and Joe downstairs about something. Mick had opted to dress in his white silk shirt and matching pants because this was a romantic dinner. No scruffy t-shirts and jeans tonight.

For Nexus prompt; 3. Focusing so hard on the details that you miss the big picture.

Mick was currently sitting in Hunter's room drinking copious amounts of gin with the Swede because he was mulling over thoughts. Important thoughts that had been playing on his mind of late. His upcoming wedding to Ziggy Stardust. Mick thought that talking to Hunter, who was also getting married himself, would help in the grand scheme of things. It was a lot to take in but Mick wanted to get married in the upcoming year. Probably in either Denmark or the Nexus. Somewhere safe at least. Or have the actual ceremony in Denmark and then the reception/party back in the Nexus with all his friends.

"What should I do for a clothing theme? Or colours? Ice? The food---that and the drink---"

Hunter stilled Mick's mouth with a finger over the Brit's lips, hoping to calm him for a moment or two. The guitarist still hadn't decided on a date for the wedding with Ziggy since he'd not said anything to the singer.

"Shh, blomma. Calm down. The wedding isn't until next year, yes? At least this is what you have told me. Next year in Denmark perhaps and then the reception in the Nexus? This sounds a good plan. Does Ziggy know? How about Tom?"

The Swede knew Mick should probably consult Tom before making any plans set in stone because he was the leader of the tour and Ziggy's father. An important player in the grand scheme of things. Mick downed his gin rather quickly and felt his nerves flutter inside of his stomach.

"No, I've not said anything to Ziggy about dates or anything. Tom doesn't know either. I don't know, mate. Denmark sounds like a good place for two men to have a wedding. Just like for you and Gilly. No prying eyes or hateful thugs to ruin things."

Mick nodded and tried to still his racing heart. Joe was off in Finland asking Aarne's parents permission to marry and this made Mick think about asking Aletayria permission to marry Ziggy. Did he even need to do that? It was the honourable thing to do, wasn't it? But then, he was already engaged so the wheels were already in motion...

"So much to think about. All the guests---we'll need to send out invites and stuff. Minoru did mention that. This is when we've decided on a date."

Hunter nodded at Mick's words. Truth be told, the Swede hadn't thought about a date for his and Gilly's wedding yet so there was that.

"You are focusing so hard on the details that you are missing the big picture. You're in love and this will be the happiest day of both your lives. Embrace that fact. Don't get caught up on the ins and outs already before you've even discussed any of this with Ziggy. Breathe, blomma. It'll be ok."

Mick just stared at Hunter and knew the Swede was right. The Brit was getting worked up over it because he was finally getting married and getting married to Ziggy Stardust. An alien. It was nerve-wracking but at the same time magical and exciting. The guitarist was delving into the unknown and part of him was terrified. But then why should he be? He loved Ziggy and wanted to discover everything there was about being an Anthean and his heritage.

"I shouldn't worry I know it's just---I've had dreams of getting married to Ziggy and it makes my heart beat faster every time."

Hunter knew that feeling all too well, having proposed to Gilly live on air during the interview with Ziggy and all the bands.

"Breathe. Consult Ziggy somewhere privately then move forwards."

Mick knew coming to Hunter would be a good idea and he would indeed follow the Swede's advice as he finished his drink and calmed himself. Ziggy would probably be drinking with Damien or perhaps some of the others.

From the Nexus prompt; 3. Gratitude for something small.

(CW Warning: bad language)


Mick had just woken up having dreamt about Ziggy yet again. The singer with the red hair who was both a boy and a girl. The guitarist was still trying to get his head around it all as he got up and showered with thoughts still mulling around in his head. He'd auditioned over a month ago into Ziggy's band and was now a Spider from Mars. Weird, the bassist and Gilly the drummer. It all fitted but Mick was conflicted over his feelings because he was in love. It was simple as that. He was in love with Ziggy.

"Bloody hell."

The blond dried his hair off as he stepped out of the shower, changed and then made himself a large mug of tea. It was far too early to be hitting the booze, even though most rock stars didn't abide by time as a rule. Mick though, he was a stickler for not really drinking heavily until at least after lunchtime. Sighing, he made himself presentable as he prepared to meet up with Ziggy downstairs. Weird and Gilly were already out in town doing shopping so this morning Mick was spending it with the singer.

Then came the butterflies in the stomach. Mick had felt them ever since Ziggy had looked at him. Ever since he had run away and nearly never came back. His emotions were all over the place like a huge tidal surge threatening to overwhelm and drown him. Love was such a strange emotion at times. To be in love with your singer and band leader wasn't unheard of within the music industry but Ziggy---he---she--Ziggy was everything to Mick.

"Get a grip of yourself, Ronno. You can do this. It's just a trip out alone with Ziggy."

Mick downed the rest of his tea and then took the elevator down to the hotel lobby where Ziggy was sitting reading a fashion magazine at a table. He immediately swallowed hard and could feel his heart skip a beat at seeing that flash of red hot hair and those eyes. Those different coloured eyes. Oh god.

"Hey uh---Ziggy. So are we going shopping, like?"

Ziggy looked up at Mick coming down from the elevator and got up, moving instantly to hug his guitarist. Oh, how could he not? The singer was smitten with the blond and had been since clapping eyes on him. Mick took the hug with ease even though his skin was on fire and his heart was beating out of his chest. Could Ziggy sense that? What was he even thinking?

"I've got you something."

Ziggy's words caused the blond to stare and wonder what the singer meant. Got him something? A present? But they'd not even gone to the shops yet.

"Oh--you have? But we haven't even gone shopping yet."

Ziggy giggled and then pressed a long finger against Mick's lips, silencing the nervous guitarist. Pulling out a brown paper bag, Ziggy then offered Mick his present. It was a brand new guitar pick which had a lightning bolt carved onto it and painted red. The signature for Ziggy's band.

"Mate--it's so beautiful. Thank you. You didn't have to do this."

Mick blushed and loved it so much. Ziggy moved forwards to gently press a soft kiss to Mick's cheek, hoping he wasn't causing the blond to become too awkward.

"I just wanted to give you something small for helping me out the other night back at the club. Those fucking bastards wanted to attack me and you stepped in punching them out cold. You're such a hot boy, you know that?"

Those words instantly caused Mick to go wide-eyed and he was stunned into silence. Now, he couldn't even count how many beats per minute his heart was racing at. Ziggy liked him. Mick liked Ziggy. Yet, how could he even kiss Ziggy without people seeing? Society seeing two men kissing would cause a media frenzy as well as bad press. Fuck.

"I love the pick, mate. Those thugs deserved a sock in the mouth. No one will touch you."

Mick slid a hand onto Ziggy's shoulder and squeezed gently. He felt better for doing so and Ziggy felt a gush of heat deep inside close to where his heart was. This day was getting better each moment.

"Right, shopping for us. Let's hit the town. Watch out, bitches!"

Ziggy giggling more as he slid his hand into Mick's holding tight and near dragging the blond along, not giving two fucks at who wanted to hurl abuse at them in the street. Ziggy would cut a bitch and the world would soon know it.

Mick was excited about getting a new camera ever since Aarne had mentioned it during their photo session together. Today was a day off from the tour and Mick was dressed in a usual t-shirt and jeans as he was about to knock on Aarne's door ready to meet up with the femmes; Hunter, Aarne, Mikkel, the tarts and whoever else. Walking around with Joe, Mick wouldn't feel out of place being one of the masculine men there.

"Aarne? It's me, Mick. How about that shopping trip then, eh? Are the other lads in your room ready to go?"

There was giggling coming from behind the door and some sounded like Gilly, which meant Hunter was there with Aarne. Joe had to be there too and Mick wondered who else was coming along. The Brit hoped he wouldn't be dragged into countless perfume and handbag shops along the way. Heels and perfume weren't really his thing.

"I'm excited about getting my new camera."

Lighting up a smoke, Mick was slightly nervous shopping with Aarne and the others since he only usually went out with the lads; Hans, Weird, Erik, Billy and some of the others. This would be a new experience.

Writing Prompt;
setting: roommates

Mick and Ziggy were now roommates now due to the fact that the band had formed together and were performing almost every night at clubs and pubs mainly with the odd big concert hall. Gilly and Weird shared the room next door in then hotel and Mick found it a bit awkward at first sharing with their singer because he harboured feelings for Ziggy. These feelings he couldn't fathom because he wasn't sure if it was love, lust or who knows what else. It was complicated.

"Could you hand me the hairbrush, doll?"

Ziggy now coming out of the bathroom dressed in nothing but a white bath towel wrapped tightly around his lithe waist. Mick looked up from reading his guitar magazine and nearly dropped the cigarette from his mouth. Fuck! Ziggy was near naked and looking so damn hot. What could he do but gawk for a few moments before pulling himself back to reality, passing Ziggy the brush.

"Sorry, mate. I was just thinking about something."

Ziggy giggled and loved teasing Mick when he had one of his "blond moments." They were so cute and he could feel the human's feelings but said nothing. What could he say? Risk losing his guitarist yet again? No, he couldn't.

"You look cute like that all open-mouthed and shocked. Is it my legs? Do they get you going?"

Mick near snorted on his mouth of gin at that. Fuck! What was Ziggy trying to do? Was he mind-reading the guitarist? Because that was exactly what Mick was thinking about. Ziggy's legs. His near naked body wrapped up in a towel showing off his lithe physique and those legs. Oh, those legs.

"Teasing bastard. I'm trying to read and have a bloody drink in peace here."

Of course the blond just gave Ziggy a wink as the singer brushed his hair, keeping his eyes close on the blond. Oh Mick, you cute man. The guitarist took a drag on his smoke and then found his green eyes wandering away from the pages of his magazine to stare at Ziggy brushing his red hair. It was so bright and beautiful. Was it soft? Mick wanted to find out but---how could he? It would look gay and---he wasn't gay was he? What the fuck was he even?

"Want to brush it? Come on, you can you know. I don't bite unless you want me to."

Ziggy winked and offered a devillish grin while passing Mick the brush. The blond swallowed hard and then decided to fuck it. They were alone and roommates now. Brushing hair was harmless enough, wasn't it? Getting up, Mick took a seat behind Ziggy on the bed and began brushing that shoulder length red hair. Oh, it was soft. Ziggy smelled so good too with his perfume Miss Dior on. Everything about the singer got to Mick in all the right places.

"You smell nice, mate. Miss Dior? I like that one. Your hair is soft too."

Ziggy giggled once more and turned his head slightly to gaze at Mick's handsomely rugged features. So masculine but then he was so beautiful for a man too. Long eye lashes and fluffy blond hair like a shaggy dog. Just a few inches further, closer and he could kiss him, touching those sexy lips---

"Want to go out for a drink later with the lads, mate? We could get Gilly smashed. He'll be a drunk tart then."

Mick's broad Northern voice snapped Ziggy out of his trance as he sighed a little forlornly and nodded. Turning back to stare at the wall he wished he could just throw social norms in the fucking trash and kiss Mick. Kiss the man he craved. Mick himself enjoying brushing Ziggy's hair much more than he should. They were in private so fuck the world.

Hunter and Aarne had been giggling most of the evening unbeknown to Mick who was still asleep on the couch inside the tour bus, having gotten trashed with some of the other band members during the day. The crazy Fin and Hunter had been busy in the small kitchenette area of the bus preparing something special for the birthday boy. That being Mick's birthday which was about to commence any minute now. What time was it? Hunter checked the clock on the wall hanging above the bunks and it said 23.58. So they had two minutes until it would be tomorrow. Mick's birthday.

"Have you two finished the cake yet? Mick's still snoring and I even got a sneaky kiss in and he didn't wake up."

Ziggy was now walking in carrying a glass of wine, sipping it whilst nudging Aarne and Hunter's sides playfully. All three had been secretly baking a special cake for Mick because the guitarist was going to be 28. Hunter wanting to reveal the cake but not until Mick awoke, which would probably be sometime in the late morning. That was unless Ziggy would wake Mick up so he could enjoy his birthday. No sleeping in this time!

"Shall we wake the birthday boy up once it's midnight? Does this sound good, blomma?"

Hunter now talking to Ziggy while Aarne finished hanging up guitar shaped bunting all around the bus. That and a few fairy lights left over from decorating Karl and Raev's bunks the night before. No balloons because Rekker didn't like them and nor did some of the others. Too risky with a bus full of rowdy rockstars since they might burst and cause unnecessary stress.

"Yeah, it sounds fine, doll. This is perfect. Mick will wake up be all "what the bloody hell is going on here."

Ziggy trying to imitate the Northerner's deep accent which caused Aarne to snort a giggle. It was so cute and Mick would surely love it! Everyone would get the same treatment when they had a birthday on the tour. It had to be done! Hunter refilled everyone's wine glasses and began getting some plates ready. Everyone was still awake on the tour bus talking and being themselves. So what if they would start the birthday at midnight? Time meant nothing to a partying rockstar.

"Alright, time to wake sleeping beauty."

Ziggy giggled and then slowly crept up to his sleeping fiance, who looked so handsome laid out on the couch snoring softly with his platinum blond hair fanned across the chair arm. The Anthean gently nudged the guitarist awake and then blew into Mick's ear.

"Wake up, love. We've got something for you."

Mick groaned and then felt cool fingers sliding along his cheek. He knew who those belonged to as the Brit slowly roused himself from his slumber, pushing himself up and yawning.

"What---what's going on? Zig? I was asleep. That bloody booze Ivar gave me knocked me right out."

Ziggy bit his lower lip and smiled coyly. Oh, this was going to be so good. Hunter and Aarne now pulling out the rather impressive cake, hoping Mick would love it. The guitarist wiping his eyes and immediately having a hot cup of tea thrust into his hands by Hunter.

"For you, blomma. So it will help wake you up. Because oh----look what the time is."

Aarne couldn't contain it any longer as he'd been near jumping up and down for a few moments trying to hold back his screams. The Fin now seeing the time and---

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY! AHHHHH! RONNO'S A BIRTHDAY BOY!!!"

Mick just stared wide-eyed and now clearly awake thanks to the Fin's loud screaming. Laughing softly, Mick got up and walked over to where the cake was. Hunter was giggling and pulling off the cover to the cake revealing it. The cake itself was shaped like Mick's guitar his '68 custom Gibson. Ziggy, Aarne and Hunter had collaborated together in creating the cake.

"Bloody hell! It's my guitar---how? It's just like it. Thanks for doing this, lads. Ziggy. It means a lot to me and I never expected this at all."

The blond now blushing slightly as Ziggy slinked his arms around the guitarist's waist sliding his lips onto Mick's neck kissing him. Oh, that felt nice. What a surprise! The cake was so good, Mick was studying all the detail.

"We made it together."

Aarne then gave Mick a hug as did Hunter. Ziggy was now grinning as he gently cut a piece of the cake, offering it to his partner on a plate.

"I've got another more intimate surprise for the birthday boy back at his bunk."

Mick could tell what Ziggy was referring to so just giggled and ate his piece of cake. The inimtate surprise would come later but for now he just wanted to thank all of his friends for doing this. Was he feeling a bit old now? Probably. At least compared to some of the younger boys on the tour. The babies like Rik, Zack, Ulrik and Fredrik to name but a few.

"I'm 28. Bloody old bugger, aren't I?"

Ziggy just snorted because 28 was nowhere near old for an Anthean. Of course he kept that quiet as he ate a piece of the cake, which had been specially prepared without sugar, and leant against Mick, nuzzling into his blond hair slightly. What a birthday indeed.

"Everyone else can help themselves to a piece because it's big enough."

Hunter had made sure the size of the cake would be enough to feed over 40 people. Aarne had enjoyed creating a cake that was friendly for Ziggy since he had food intolerance. Mick finished his cup of tea and then kissed Ziggy on the lips.

"Thanks for doing this, love. I really do love you."