How Much Pain Do You Need to Feel

This was all last minute, not that Rekker had intended that. He had decided to donate to the Paralympics this year, having his students, and Raev, and now Dee around had influenced his choice. Of course, they had then asked him to fly in to Paris for the opening of the games, to encourage and do a speech or something. He had been discussing logistics with Tom when Dee came up. From there, it was mostly a blur. Dee's interest, Ziggy's interest, the original invite turning to looking for a band to open.

Now, they were stepping into Stade de France. He glanced at Ziggy who looked unphased by any of this. Rekker had no idea how the Anthean was so stable right now. He glanced at the others and saw the whole range of emotions one could imagine. The ginger was feeling the pressure because he was in charge of all of this. Tom had the foresight to send Martyn along. His brother was there with him as they walked toward the stage. It was incredibly early in the day and they needed to get to the stage, learn cues, and find out the day schedule among a million other things that were starting to overwhelm the guitarist. He was shouldering getting the stage set up. The others had some time to do their own thing before they would be called up on the stage to play.

Eventually, Rekker and Martyn would return. For now, Ziggy and the others were in the dressing room. They needed the time to get stage ready, rehearse the song, and for some, deal with the nerves of an international recording of their performance. Ziggy prepared to be moral support while he dressed and is thankful to see Rekker ensured everyone's comfort foods had been laid out. Even Ziggy felt the long flight, long drive, and shorter than usual night of sleep and rest. Maybe some would end up napping in the two hours they had before they went on stage.

For 101 Ways to Say I love you #1 "You don't have to do this alone."

( A bitch in the parking lot )

3. Gratitude for something small.
A few weeks following this <-- Trigger warning for mental health

( Happiness for once )

For Writer's Month 2022 Day 13: Fairy Realm

( Happy Birthday Brother )

Writer’s Month 2022: Day 8: Enemies to Lovers

Rekker felt like he'd been hit by a truck when his eyes opened. It left him groaning from aches and the pounding in his head. One thing was for sure, he'd drank too much the night before but that didn't explain why his body was hurting, the burning on his forearms especially. Rubbing his eyes he rolled onto his back, or tried to. There was someone in his bed with him. For a moment he couldn't remember who was there and then he heard the sleepy grouching.

The Brit froze and got wide-eyed. The last time he'd seen this Swede they'd fought until they were in tears and screaming at each other. His mind slowly came around to the previous day and night. He hated the pale haired Swede. Even yesterday he remembered fighting in the elevator until they were both sunk to the floor having meltdowns. This was a new low in his life, bringing an enemy into his house, into his bed.

He shifted when he realized he was naked. They were both naked. He covered his whole face with his hands as he realized what the scratches on his arms and the aching meant. Rekker wanted to get up and run but the groaning beside him turned into mumbles as the Swede curled up beside him. He felt the arm slip around his chest and the face nuzzling into his hair and neck.

Mentally he hated the singer. He hated the way he screamed and demanded and drove Rekker over the edge mentally. There was a real fear that the singer would trigger him so badly he'd end his life. He had felt that briefly both times they fought and could only imagine it would happen again.

All of that aside, the way the singer clung to him in his sleep felt so good. His soft skin and the way he kept pressing in closer. Rekker cracked and wrapped his arms around the thinner Swede. He hated him so deeply but the way their bodies fit, the way his felt there beside him. The brit sighed heavily and turned over to face the Swede, closing his eyes and wrapping his arms around him. Bjorn pressed in and buried himself in the embrace. Rekker gave up in that moment and decided to risk his mental health and survival for the whisper in his heart that said he didn't hate this singer.

For "What are we?" 1. prompt sparks when skin brushes skin

( a little NSFW )

Note: Linked threads, prompt, and replies deal with homophobia, violence, mental health collapse, and other subjects that might be triggering to some.

For Nexus prompt 5. "Everyone chooses which mask to show the world. What's beneath yours?"
Related to this thread and the Follow up thread(Potentially NSFW)

( My Mind is Like a Freight Train )

For SMUT prompt 17) “When I get home, I expect you to be undressed and waiting on all fours for me.”

( Day at the Studio )

For Nexus prompt 5. "Wait, hang on. Did you say snow day?"

( Not in L.A. )