Avery's Desire Pt. 09

That was the appeal of being a rock sensation, at least from the perspective of three teenage boys. The reality of it though wasn't quite as glamorous; unless they were lucky enough to sign with a major studio and cut an album. But for a newly formed band that was just starting out, the road was long and hard, with more disappointments than triumphs. Money was scarce, and good paying gigs were so hard to come by that they would settle for just about anything that came their way, no matter how lame or demeaning.

One of the first gigs that Avery had ever played once he'd joined the band was at a bar in a particularly bad section of town. The owner wanted a band that played heavy metal to accommodate his regular customers. A buddy had told him about Desire, and while they weren't exactly hard core, he did like their sound so he hired them.

The minute they walked out on stage to set up though Avery had realized he was out of his element. They managed to get through the first set unscathed but half way through the second set things started to turn ugly. They had just finished with a really hard song that seemed to have the crowd riled up pretty good, but they were still having fun which was what mattered. The next song though was a bit softer and had more a love ballad feel to it. This did not go over to well with the crowd.

At first they started complaining and booing. A guy in the back was yelling "Play some real music!" The guys just ignored him though and continued with the song which apparently pissed the heckler off because the next thing they knew, he was standing right in front of the stage yelling obscenities at them and threatening them. He started calling Avery a 'faggot' and 'fairy boy' along with making some lewd remarks to him. Avery remained professional though, he was used to assholes like that, and it really didn't faze him. Not at first anyway.

When the jerk in the audience realized that his insults weren't getting him anywhere, he encouraged some of his buddies to join him. Avery was getting pretty nervous at this point but luckily the song was over so they decided to pick up the pace a bit and play something heavier. Most of the audience was satisfied with that, but not the asshole and his jerk squad. They continued to insult and belittle Avery, as well as the rest of the band. The guys took it all with a grain of salt and just played through the torrent of abuse; that was, until they started throwing empty beer bottles at them.

Avery managed to dodge the first three, but the forth one hit him on the right side of the head just above his ear. That was officially the end of the gig. They packed up their equipment and cut out early, and with only half their pay. Avery ended up with four stitches and a concussion, but he never complained. He just laughed it off and called it his 'battle scar' but ever since that incident, the guys had been a bit more picky about which gigs they accepted.

For the most part, their gigs haven't been that terrible, dividing their time between playing at school dances, birthday parties, weddings, and the occasional bar or nightclub. However, the battle of the bands concert was something none of them had ever played before, with the exception of Cole. It was something new and exciting, but also a little scary, and they had so much to do to get ready for it.

Boomer was working on the application, and he had a buddy with a small recording studio who agreed to help with the demo. After that, they just had to wait for a call back. Only ten bands would be chosen to play, with a total of two songs each. Each set had to be no more than twenty minutes, and that included the time it took to set up and tear down their equipment. Every band who applied was required to have at least four members, and each band was responsible to bring their own equipment except for the microphone which would be supplied by the event coordinators.

To even be considered though Desire had to be good. They had to have something that made them stand out from the other bands that were applying. Everything about them would be scrutinized, from their look, to the skill of each member, as well the songs they played, and how well they worked together as a group. One mistake and they would be passed over for a group with more experience.

It was stressful, but they were determined to do it, and they were determined to win. That determination was what made Cole initially want to help them. They reminded him of himself at that age, and the band he'd played with back then. They had so many wild dreams and aspirations. They were going to rise to the top and become famous. Life got in the way though, and those dreams never came to fruition.

Now, he was a husband and a father, but the love for playing music was still there, deep inside of him. He knew he wouldn't be able to relive his glory days, but if he could be a mentor to these kids and help them realize their dreams, and have a little fun while doing it; then it would be worth the time and effort that he was going to have to put into shaping this band up. First though, it was time to buckle down and get serious.

Whether or not they would be chosen was all up to how much they liked the demo. That meant figuring out what song to perform, then practicing till they could give a flawless performance that sounded over the top amazing. He had his work cut out for him, but at least the kids were willing to put in the time and effort needed to sharpen their skills. "All right," He said as he looked around the room. "Now you all know what I can do, so let's hear what you can do. We're going to put this together and see if you got what it takes to blow the roof off this place."

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The next several hours were spent rehearsing, going over songs, creating a set list, and then working out a schedule for the rest of the week where they could all meet up for rehearsals without disrupting work schedules or other responsibilities. Trash could handle taking some time off of work if he really needed to but for Rick and Cole, that wasn't an option. Cole had a family to think about, and Rick wasn't about to lose his job and allow Avery to support him.

Kat assured everyone that she was good with whatever times they could meet. She told them that she was pretty much self employed and she worked when she wanted to, though she was reluctant to reveal to them what she actually did for a living. Trash jokingly asked her if she turned tricks on the weekend to which she responded by threatening to rip his nuts off if he didn't shut up. Rick imagined her as a bounty hunter, or a bouncer in a biker bar. Whatever it was she did, he was sure that it was something that involved weapons of some sort.

Kat and Cole questioned Avery about his schedule and he shrugged, saying he was free most of the time.

"You don't work?" Kat asked him.

"Hell no he don't work!" Trash laughed. "He's a trust fund baby."

"Fuck you." Avery sneered. "I earned that money! If you ever get the displeasure of meeting my parents you'll see why."

Rick wrapped his arms around Avery and kissed the top of his head. "Calm down baby, he was just joking."

"I know." Avery huffed, "I just hate when he throws that in my face."

Rick glanced at Cole who was watching them curiously. "Touchy subject." He said, and Cole nodded in understanding.

"Well," Cole stood up and stretched, yawing some. "I think that's good for today. Go home, relax, and we'll get back at it the next time we meet here. You all did great by the way; we got a real shot at winning. There's some real talent here and I'm honestly proud to be a part of this band." He grabbed his gear, gave them a farewell nod, and then headed out to the bar to have a coke with his dad before heading home for the night.

Kat and Trash were the next ones to call it a night. Kat was eager to get home and soak in a hot bath, the thought of which left Trash drooling. "Dream on lover boy," She laughed at him. "This bird's flying solo tonight."

Trash frowned. "Yeah, that's okay. I promised the old man I'd help him strip an engine tonight anyway."

"No hot date tonight?" Avery asked.

"Nope, not tonight, I had to break a few hearts but I needed the break. All these women are wearing me out." He chuckled as he grabbed his coat. "You two have fun tonight." He winked at Rick and Avery. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"Trash, there isn't much that you wouldn't do." Rick laughed.

Trash smirked. "Yeah, you're probably right about that."

Kat rolled her eyes. "Alright guys," She grinned some. "Have a good one, I'm outta here."

"Night Kat, enjoy your bath." Trash watched her walk away, "Picture me in there with you."

"Never!" Kat laughed as she disappeared through the open doorway. "No way in hell!"

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Rick and Avery were exhausted, but they couldn't help but be a little excited too. So many things were slowly coming together and it looked like the bad times were finally behind them. With Cole now playing bass for them, they were a shoo-in to win, and that prize money was as good as theirs.

Walking back to apartment, the two raved about their good fortune, as well as other band related things. Rick liked seeing Avery so excited and happy, it was a huge improvement from how his mood had been a few days ago. When Avery smiled, it was like Rick's entire world lit up. Avery had that effect on him, no matter what Rick was feeling, seeing Avery smile, looking into those beautiful emerald eyes, holding him close, was enough to chase away even the darkest of moods. He couldn't help it, he was in love, and Avery was his life.

As Avery rattled on and on about Cole, and the band, and winning the concert, Rick was thinking of other things. He suddenly got a smirk on his face as a mischievous thought entered his mind. Without warning, Rick wrapped his arms around Avery's waist and lifted him up off the ground.

"Hey! What the hell?" Avery Squealed. "Put me down!"

"Nope!" Rick laughed. He spun around in a circle with Avery in his arms, laughing at Avery's protests.

"Rick, come on man! I'm gonna puke!"

After the third spin Rick finally stopped and set the boy down again though he kept his arms wrapped securely about his waist. Avery was trying to sound angry but he was smiling and laughing along with Rick.

"You're crazy." He told Rick as he wrapped his arms around his neck and pushed their bodies closer together.

"I'm crazy about you." Rick said. He leaned forward and kissed Avery on the lips, not caring that they were on a public street. He just wanted to feel Avery's lips pressed against his. He wanted to feel Avery against him, and in his arms. He wanted to savor every second that they were together and commit it all to memory. There wasn't anything, not one second of his time with Avery that Rick didn't cherish. Avery was the single most important person in Rick's life and he swore, now that he had him, he was never going to let him go.

Rick wasn't the dominating type like Mikey; he wasn't the crazy possessive type either, and he didn't want to lock Avery away in a safe little box and never let him fly the way that Brian did. Rick just knew that he couldn't live without Avery. It was as if his very existence depended upon Avery's love and without it, he would wither away and die.

Avery pulled back, breaking the kiss. He smiled up at Rick and then took Rick's hand in his. Rick brought the boys hand to his mouth and kissed it. Avery blushed some.

"I'm kinda hungry." Avery said. "How about you?"

"Yeah, I could eat." Rick put his arm around Avery and pulled him against him as they continued walking down the side walk. "How about I take you out to eat?"

Avery grinned. "What, like on a real date?"

"Yeah, like a real date. What do you think?" Rick's eyes lit up as he imagined the two of them together, on a real date, having a romantic meal as a real couple.

"You're not worried about what people might say?" Avery asked, his expression showing more concern than excitement over the idea.

"No, I don't." Rick said sharply. "If anyone has a problem with us being together then it's their problem, not ours. Babe, the world isn't the same as it was twenty or thirty years ago. People are more accepting now than they were back then. It's really not that unusual to see two men together anymore."

"I know, and you're right, things have gotten a whole lot better as far as acceptance and tolerance. I just...Rick, I'm still a little scared. There are a lot of people who wouldn't care one way or the other, but there are still a lot of people who aren't as accepting yet. I don't try to hide who I am, but I don't like to flaunt it either. I've just always tried to be really careful when I'm out in public, not to be too 'out.' You understand what I mean right?" Avery touched the spot on the side of his head above his right ear. He could still feel the scar left by the beer bottle that had been thrown at him.

"That guy was an ignorant, in-bred, backwoods moron that probably goes home at night and jerks off to 'Deliverance.' I know the worlds a scary place, and you're right to be cautious, but don't let it change who you are Avery. You're the sweetest, kindest, and most caring person that I've ever met, even despite that sailor's mouth of yours." Rick chuckled when he saw Avery roll his eyes. He hugged him affectionately.

"I just don't want to see you hide yourself away from the rest of the world just because a couple of assholes couldn't see beyond their own misguided prejudices. And for the record, I've never seen you flaunt anything. Being you isn't flaunting it, and going out to dinner with your boyfriend isn't flaunting anything either. We have as much right to be happy and enjoy ourselves as any straight couple. Denying ourselves that feels like were admitting that we're doing something wrong and frankly, I don't feel like what we're doing is wrong at all; in fact, I've never felt more 'right' in my life."

Avery looked up at Rick with tears in his eyes. "I love you so much." He whispered. "You have no idea."

Rick wiped the tears from Avery's eyes and kissed him. "I love you too baby boy. I want nothing more than just to love you, make you happy, and keep you safe."

"You already do that." Avery Blushed. "You do that and so much more." He smiled through his tears. "I'd love to go to dinner with you." He said.

'Damn he looks even more beautiful when his eyes sparkle like that.' Rick thought. He pulled Avery into another warm embrace and kissed him once more. "Okay, let's get cleaned up and changed, then I'll take you anywhere you want to go. This is our first date so we should make it special."

Avery nodded, he was beaming. "I can't wait." He gave Rick's hand a squeeze then sharply pulled him along the side walk as he increased his pace, eager to get back to the apartment. Rick laughed as Avery dragged him back. The boy was small but he wasn't weak, especially when he was filled with impatience and avid determination.

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Mrs. Eldridge gave Avery and Rick a warm, welcoming, smile as she came down the steps from the second unit level.

"Good-evening, Mrs. Eldridge," Avery greeted her, returning the smile. "How's Mr. Eldridge doing?"

"Oh you know, about the same. He had it rough about the first week or two after the stroke but now he's back to his grumpy old self." The three of them laughed and exchanged pleasantries, and then Mrs. Eldridge excused herself so she could make it to the pharmacy before it closed.

As she headed down the stairs she stopped and turned to Avery and Rick once more. "Before I forget, you shouldn't have left your friend standing out in the cold waiting on you for so long. Next time let me know you're expecting company and I can let them into your apartment for you if you want. There's no point letting them freeze to death out here." She gave the boys a quick wave then hurried down the stairs to her car.

Avery narrowed his eyes and looked at Rick, confused. "What friend?" He asked.

Rick Shrugged, "I have no idea."

They hurriedly made their way to the second floor landing and stopped just in front of the bank of mail boxes as they looked curiously down the breezeway. There, in front of Avery's apartment, was a young man presumably waiting for Avery to return home. He was leaning on the guardrail directly across from Avery's door. He hadn't yet noticed the two men standing at the end of the landing because his attention was on the silly ghost decoration that kept brushing the side of his head every time the wind blew.

He swatted it away, causing the thing to erupt into a spooky chorus of over exaggerated and maniacal laughter. Even the Jack-o-lanterns that sat on either side of the door seemed to be laughing at him. "Stupid thing!" He growled as the wind once again blew the cartoonish specter into his face.

Avery couldn't help but giggle as he made his way to the stranger. "Ah, he just likes you." Avery joked. "He's a really friendly ghost, just like Casper."

The man looked at Avery and frowned. "I hate Halloween." He said, coldly.

"Really? Well it's my favorite time of year. I love the different colored leaves, the cool crisp autumn air. I love the decorations, all the spooky ones, and the haunted houses. Most of all I love the candy!" He grinned as he watched the man shake his head, obviously not impressed.

"I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that it's also your birthday, right?" Rick winked at him.

"Yeah, there's that too." Avery giggled some. He directed his attention back to the guy standing in front of his apartment and looked him over. He had no idea who the dude was. He didn't look like anyone of any real importance like the police or someone from the IRS. He was dressed in just a plain pair of blue jeans, a button-down shirt and tie, and a casual but nice looking thin jacket. His attire didn't even look dressy enough for a Mormon or Jehovah's Witness.

"Um...so, can I help you with something?" Avery asked him.

The man looked Avery over. "Are you Avery Duprey?"

"Yeah, that'd be me." Avery said, still wondering who the man was and how he knew his name.

The guy pushed himself off the railing and signed. "Thank God. I've been out here for over an hour waiting on you to come home. My name is Cal Mitchell. I'm Brian Mueller's personal assistant." Cal had an annoyed look on his face. It was clear from his expression that he wasn't exactly thrilled to be there. He probably felt that he had more important tasks to attend to, though Avery still wasn't exactly sure why he was there to begin with, though he had a sneaking suspicion.

"Um, okay." Avery wasn't sure how to react. It was more than a little strange that Brian would send his assistant to Avery's house instead of just contacting Avery himself. He was actually a little offended that Brian hadn't called or even texted. Instead he chose to send a complete stranger to discuss something with Avery that was totally personal and should be handled by Brian himself, not a glorified secretary with an apparent chip on his shoulder.

Still, Avery didn't want to seem rude so he introduced himself again, as well as Rick, and then offered his hand but Cal didn't appear to be concerned with politeness.

"Right..." He glanced between Avery and Rick, regarding each of them with mild indignation. After adjusting his black, wire rimmed glasses; he crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. "I'm a busy man and I don't appreciate being sent all the way down here for this non-sense so I'm going to make this quick. Brian is giving you another chance to accept his offer. He doesn't want to end things with you but he's giving you an ultimatum.