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1.) Simon
Many people assumed that Simon was the most physically affectionate of the band, based on what they saw on stage and in interviews. And while the frontman was certainly a touchy-feely guy, it was actually Roger who took the title of most affectionate member of Duran Duran. The drummer had never been one for words, so he expressed his love for his bandmates through touch. The rest of the band ate it up, all suckers for Roger’s touchy-feely nature. It was especially endearing to them that Roger was, admittedly, a somewhat awkward person, due in part to his shyness, meaning he tended to show affection very unexpectedly and seemingly out of nowhere. Luckily, his bandmates found his random displays of affection utterly adorable.
The band was on tour when they were gathered in the hotel lobby, waiting to depart for soundcheck. The tour company had arranged for two cars, one slightly smaller than the other, meaning that three had to go in one car and two in the other. Simon was content to let the rest of the band figure it out until he felt a pair of strong arms wrap around his own left arm. He looked down to see that Roger had wrapped himself around the singer’s arm and was looking up at him with a sweet smile. Simon smiled back down at the drummer as he greeted, “Why hello, there.”
“Hi,” Roger greeted back, giving Simon’s arm a small squeeze, “Do you wanna ride with me?”
“I’d love too,” Simon answered, inwardly delighting in the fact that Roger wanted to be in the same car as him. The drummer sometimes got into really cuddly moods where he just wanted to snuggle up with someone. The singer admittedly felt more than a little smug that the drummer chose him today.
As soon as the two were in the back of the limo, Roger buried himself into Simon’s side while Simon wrapped his arm around the drummer and gave him a small kiss on the forehead. The two sat in a comfortable silence for a while as they simply enjoyed each other’s presence. Eventually, Roger untangled himself from Simon just enough to pick up one of his hands and started rubbing his hand with his thumb. Simon quirked an eyebrow in confusion, that was certainly new.
“Whatcha doing there, Froggie?” Simon asked in a teasing manner.
Roger answered in the most indirect way possible, “You have nice hands.”
When he heard that, Simon couldn’t help but laugh a little. He had never really thought about his hands like that. That was the kind of thing only Roger would notice. Part of Roger’s charm was that he didn’t know how to flirt. At all. It tended to result in him giving compliments that didn’t always make sense, but they still appreciated nonetheless as they knew it came straight from the drummer’s heart.
Simon told the brown-eyed man, “Well, that’s a new one. I certainly haven’t heard that one before.”
Roger didn’t respond verbally. Instead, he just shrugged a little and lifted Simon’s hand to kiss each of the singer’s knuckles one at a time, and Simon’s heart melted a little. Roger really was the sweetest. Too sweet for his own good. Duran Duran really was lucky to have him. It was moments like this that made Simon truly appreciate him. The singer hooked his free hand under the drummer’s chin to pull him in for a loving kiss.
Roger held onto Simon’s hand pretty much for the rest of the day. And Simon certainly wasn’t complaining.
2.) Nick
The band was in the studio, working hard on their new album. John and Roger were figuring out the rhythm, Simon and Andy were laying on the floor as they worked on the lyrics, and Nick was sitting at his keyboard, trying to figure out what exactly the hell he was doing for the track. Normally, Nick had a very clear vision for what he wanted for the song, but for some reason, he was really stuck on this one. It was quickly becoming frustrating for him and the rest of the band was certainly catching on to that. The keyboardist had never been good at hiding his emotions, so when he was in a bad mood, people knew it. With an annoyed huff, Nick continued plucking away at his keys, hoping something would click, when he received a surprise kiss on the cheek.
Despite his frustration, Nick couldn’t help but smile at the gesture, butterflies fluttering in his stomach. He didn’t have to look over his shoulder to know that it was Roger. The keyboardist had learned the differences in each of his boys' body language rather quickly, being able to tell who it was without even looking. Of course, he did peak over his shoulder just enough to see the drummer had perked his head adorably on Nick’s shoulder. Nick smiled at Roger as he asked cheekily, “What was that for?”
“Just felt like it,” Roger answered back with an equally cheeky smile.
Nick dropped his head a little to rest against Roger’s, and Roger responded by wrapping his arms around the keyboardist’s waist. For a moment, Nick simply enjoyed Roger’s presence, the drummer’s presence being able to relax him. Roger had a calming presence that always helped to put Nick at ease when something got on his nerves. Which was often, to be honest. Nick was a stubborn man, and didn’t like when things didn’t go his way. Luckily for him, he had Roger to help make those stresses go away.
“Thank you,” Nick said after a moment, “I needed this.”
“Of course,” Roger said, following the words with another press of his lips against Nick’s cheek, “You’re gonna figure it out. You always do.”
The drummer was right, of course. Nick had been in slumps before with his music, and he always was always able to work through it. He just needed the nice little reminder. Nick turned his head a little to give Roger a proper kiss on the lips, which the drummer happily reciprocated.
And sure enough, Nick figured out the keyboard section later that night. All thanks to a certain brown-eyed drummer.
3.) Andy
Rehearsals were never easy for Duran Duran, especially for Andy. It was no secret that although he and Nick loved each other, they tended to clash a lot when it came to music. Although this bickering was mostly in the studio, it would sometimes follow them into rehearsals. This was certainly one of those times. The band was getting ready to play in a charity concert in London, and Nick started to get on Andy about playing too fast. This naturally annoyed Andy, who swore that he wasn’t playing too fast. Both being the stubborn bastards that they are, it didn’t take long for things to get somewhat heated. The two of them went back and forth about who was off tempo until John stepped in and suggested that everyone take five, which was more than fine with Andy.
After placing his instrument down, the guitarist took off towards one of the dressing rooms in the venue. Normally, he’d go outside for a smoke to calm his nerves, but even that didn’t seem like enough. He just needed to lay down and disappear into the sofa for a bit. The second the door to the dressing room closed behind him, Andy collapsed face first into the couch, feeling exhausted.
His momentary peace was interrupted by a knock on the door. Andy groaned in frustration until he heard Roger’s voice on the other side of the door asking, “Andy, can I come in?”
When he heard that voice, Andy couldn’t help but soften a little. It’s really hard to be mad when you hear the drummer’s kind voice. The guitarist lifted his head up from the couch just enough to yell, “Yeah, come in.”
Andy dropped his head back on the couch as the door opened, so he didn’t see the drummer walk in. He did, however, feel the couch sink as Roger sat right by his head as he asked the shorter man, “Are you okay?”
“I’ve been better,” Andy admitted, “Nick just knows how to get me worked up.”
“I’m sorry,” Roger said softly, which admittedly made Andy a little sad. Roger had nothing to be sorry for. He never did anything wrong. He was basically an angel.
Before Andy could open his mouth to tell Roger that, he was cut off by the drummer’s large hand carding its way through the guitarist’s mullet. That pretty much stopped Andy in his tracks unsure of what to do. None of the guys had ever done this to him before. He certainly wasn’t complaining, though. It was soothing in a weird way.
“Rog, what are you doing?” Andy questioned, in a much more relaxed voice.
Roger’s hand paused his action for a moment, “Do you want me to stop?”
“No, keep going,” Andy insisted, “It’s really nice.”
Andy scooted over just enough to rest his head in Roger’s lap, and the drummer continued to affectionately scratch the guitarist's head. Andy closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling. His nerves quickly melted away with the feeling of the drummer’s hands in his hair. He felt relaxed, content, letting out a soft sigh as he got lost in it. He heard Roger let out a small breathy laugh and lightheartedly asked, “What’s so funny?”
“This is cute,” Roger answered, “You’re like a dog.”
Well, if that wasn’t the most Roger compliment Andy had ever heard, he wasn’t sure what was. Truly the height of Roger’s adorable awkwardness. The guitarist chuckled a little as he teasingly asked, “Are you calling me a mutt?”
Before Roger could answer that, Andy sat up just enough to plant a quick kiss to Roger’s lips before settling back down in the drummer’s lap. As Roger continued to stroke his hair, Andy sighed happily. He could definitely get used to this.
4.) John
John needed a line. He really fucking needed one.
They were getting ready to go on stage in Chicago, and John felt entirely too sober for it. Everything felt too real. He felt jittery all over, his hands shaking. The bassist needed some type of escape just a little, something to get him through the show. Thankfully, backstage was always pretty hectic right before a show, so it was easy for him to sneak away in the chaos and get his fix.
The bassist snuck down one of the long hallways before ducking back into his dressing room. Thankfully, he had a bag of coke in his pocket. He just needed to do a quick little line, and then he’d be good to go. John poured some of the white powder on the vanity and began to cut a line when he heard a quiet voice ask behind him, “John?”
John jumped as he quickly turned around, worried that he had been busted. He did sigh in relief a little when he saw that it was Roger there. He moved just a little to make sure the line was hidden behind his back as he laughed a little and joked, “Geez Roger, we should put a bell on you.”
Roger took another step into the room as he said, “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
“No worries, you’re fine,” John ressaured him.
The relief the bass player felt that he hadn’t been caught was replaced with worry. The drummer had an expression on his face that something was bothering him. All the boys were so familiar with each other that they could pick up on each other’s cues like that.
“You okay there, Froggie?” John asked in a concerned voice.
Roger nodded his head, “Yeah, I’m fine.”
John wasn’t buying it, not even a little. The drummer was always one who struggled to communicate what he was feeling, when something was bothering him. The taller man knew that he had to keep asking questions, “Did you need something?”
“Yeah, I-” Roger started, but then cut himself off, “Nevermind, it’s silly.”
Roger started to turn to leave, but John walked up to him and put a hand on the shorter man’s shoulder to turn him back around, “Roger, talk to me. What’s going on?"
For a moment, the drummer looked down at his feet before turning his head up to meet eyes with the bass player. Roger said in a small voice, “I just-I just wanted a hug.”
John’s heart positively melted at that, “Aww, Froggie.”
John pulled Roger into a hug and Roger practically melted in his arms. The drummer wrapped his strong arms around John’s lanky frame and nuzzled his face into the taller man’s shoulder, which he pressed a kiss into. When Roger did this, John felt himself tear up just a little. The way Roger was holding him, it was so tender, so loving. It gave John something to hold onto, keep him grounded, and make him feel safe. The bass player kissed the drummer’s temple and whispered to him, “I love you, Froggie.”
“I love you too, Johnny,” Roger whispered back, voice cracking a little, “So please promise me you won’t use tonight.”
That statement made everything click for John, and broke his heart in the process. This hug wasn’t for Roger. It was for John. Roger was doing this for him. Giving him something to hold onto, holding him safely away from the edge. The drummer was trying to keep the bassist from doing something he knew, deep down, was a bad idea. Roger did that for him. His sweet Roger. John pulled away from Roger just enough to look him in the eyes, and Roger naturally rested his forehead against John’s, not letting the bass player go without his comforting touch that he so desperately needed at this moment.
“I won’t, Roger,” John vowed, his voice cracking a little, “I promise I won’t.”
Roger then started to tear up at John’s promise, “Thank you.”
The drummer leaned in and gave John a loving kiss that he didn’t feel like he completely deserved, but he was extremely grateful for. John knew that he had a problem. He knew that it wasn’t an easy fix. But he was going to try. For his boys. For Roger.
+ Roger
To say Roger was tired was an understatement. He was absolutely exhausted. Touring was never easy on the body, especially for the drummer. Tonight’s show was definitely one of the best of the show, which also meant it was the hardest on Roger’s body, having played the drums the hardest he had all tour. Of course, Roger felt it was well worth it, but now he just wanted nothing more than to curl up and sleep for the next two days. The second he was backstage, the drummer peeled his tank top off his sweaty body and collapsed onto one of the couches backstage. He closed his eyes, not bothering to worry about how he was going to get out of the venue. His eyes had only been shut for a few minutes when he felt a hand run itself through his hair. Roger slowly opened his eyes and was greeted by the smiling face of his favorite guitarist.
Roger smiled back at him as he asked, “Ands, what are you doing?”
“Feels good, doesn’t it?” Andy responded.
Roger hummed happily, leaning into the touch, “Yeah, it does.”
“Who’s the mutt now?” Andy then asked teasingly.
Roger chuckled a little and closed his eyes again, letting Andy continue to stroke his air. This continued for a few more moments until he felt another hand rest on his shoulder, “Hey there, Froggie.”
The drummer once again opened his eyes to see that John had come over, and Roger smiled sleepily at him, “Hey Johnny.”
“Do you think I can get a Roger hug?” Johnny asked.
Despite his exhaustion, Roger couldn’t help but get the butterflies at that question. He sat up just enough for him and John to wrap their arms around each other, making him feel warm. Roger smiled a little. He loved hugs, especially from his boys. After a few moments, John moved to lift Roger up, causing the drummer to gasp a little in surprise. John chuckled a little at the shorter man as he moved him into a bridal carry position. The bassist said quietly to Roger, “Come on, let’s get you to the car."
As John carried Roger to the car, Roger nuzzled into the taller man’s chest, feeling safe and protected. Once they got to the limo, Nick and Simon were already in there, waiting for them. Andy and John both slide into the car, John being extra gentle with the sleepy drummer in his arms before placing him in between Nick and Simon. Nick immediately planted a sweet kiss on Roger’s cheek before telling him, “You were amazing tonight, Roger. You always are."
“Thank you, Nick,” Roger responded, followed by a quick peck.
Meanwhile, Simon was slowly taking off Roger’s leather gloves he always wore on stage, kissing each of his knuckles as he did. At this point, Roger was practically melting at the affection his bandmates were giving him. Sure, they were all very touchy-feely with each other, but it was rare that they all laser focused their affection to one member. Normally, Roger hated having attention on him. This was different, though. It was his boys showing their love for him on full display, and he couldn’t get enough of it.
Once they got back to the hotel, John scooped Roger up once again to carry him back to the hotel. The five bandmates all gathered in Roger’s room, where John gently placed him on the bed, giving him the kiss on the forehead. Luckily for Roger, he was the only one who didn’t need to change out of his concert attire. With this tank top already gone, that just left him in his sweatpants and sneakers, which Nick bent down to help him remove. Andy was done getting changed by the time Roger’s shoes were off, so he quickly snuggled under the blankets with Roger, hugging him from behind. Roger decided against making a quip about the irony of Andy being the big spoon. He’d let him have this.
Surprisingly, Nick was the next to join them as it normally took him a while to get out of his makeup. Nick laid down in front of Roger and laid his head on the drummer’s shoulder, allowing the brown haired man to wrap his arms around the keyboardist. Shortly after, Simon and John joined them with John settling behind Nick and Simon behind Andy. No words were needed at this moment. They simply laid there, wrapped up in each other, soaking up each other’s love. And Roger was right at the center of it. It was this thought that allowed the drummer to drift off to sleep.