Chapter Text
“So how come we've been called to big boss’ office?” Stede shrugs adjusting the collar of his jacket. He keeps experimenting with different styles and currently looks like a cross between Elton John and Kiss. It’s not working but he seems to think he is pulling it off. Will is in his normal attire, a worn pair of jeans and well loved leather jacket that is basically a second skin.
Both of them came from wealthy families but unfortunately Wills is still alive, it’s not likely he will see a penny of inheritance being the blemish on their perfect exterior. Stede on the other hand being an only child inherited his father’s fortune when he passed several years ago. His outfits are always designer no matter how exuberant they are while Will scours second hand shops and other cheaper stores. But both are very happy with their lifestyles, Will never had expensive tastes and takes great joy in putting outfits together from what he finds.
Stede lives in a large town house which he did share with his wife and children. They parted on very friendly terms when Stede came to terms with the fact he was gay. He and Mary speak regularly and share custody, she recently got engaged and Stede was incredibly supportive. Will shares a house with three friends his known since university. The only decent thing his parents did was pay for his education, couldn’t have a blemish on the impecable family name. So Will was able to study music at his favoured university. Though they practical act like hes dead. His fathers last book had detailed chapters on his older brothers with only a brief mention of him ‘following your heart in a pursuit of the creative’
The lift opens and Stede flounces out smiling warmly at the two already waiting outside Zheng’s office. Will recognises them from posters and around the studios as Edward and Israel from The Kraken a semi popular rock band. Stede's band, which Will is lead guitarist, The Revenge has a similar following. Both are funded and managed by Zheng’s company. “Good morning. Lovely day isn’t it?” Ed nods once while Israel gives a look of annoyance. Will offers them both a nod and awkward smile while Stede bounces over to the vacant sofa. “You're Edward Teach are you not? From Kraken? Excellent music, big fan.” Edward smiles tightly nodding in response before resuming his hushed conversation with Israel.
Finally the office door swings open Zhengs’ assistant smiles warmly making her way to her desk by the lift entrance “She’s ready for you now.” Stede breezes into the office first greeting Zheng warmly “Zheng wonderful to see you again. Two of our band members are yet to arrive if we could post phone…”
“Shut up and sit down.”
“Righto.” Edward and Israel saunter in after you slumping down in the two spare seats. Zheng is leaning back in her seat ankles crossed, feet resting on the large oak desk. “So, I have a problem. And I don’t like having problems, so I am making it your problem,” she stares at all of them “We are having to have some cutbacks, budget and such. Ivan and Fang have expressed a wish to persue something different. So as of today, you are no longer two bands. You are one and will perform under one name, you can sort out who does what between you. But you have two months. No more no less to create a set list that works. I want a full set list on my desk at the end of the first month. Olo’ is handling marketing, Jim will be handling the technical side. Any questions?”
Edward is staring wide eyed “What do you mean under one name?” Zheng looks bored
“As in you are now one band. If you can’t work as one then I will find others. But I like you so I suggest you make it work or you’re all out of a job.”
Stede smiles looking perplexed “Let me just make sure I’ve got this right. You want our two groups to merge and in only two months perform a concert under a new name?” Zheng grins throwing her arms wide “Got it in one. We market. Get your faces everywhere and make me a shit ton of cash. Three nights, three shows, If it doesn’t work you’re all out. Now get out of my office.”
They are met outside by Archie who is holding a stack of files grinning broadly “Rehearsal room 3 is yours for the coming weeks. These are for you.” they hold over the files which Stede takes almost dropping them in the process “Someone will be checking on your progress every few days. Your bandmates are already down there. Have fun.”
Lucius and Frenchie are both sat in the rehearsal room both instantly on their feet when the four of them walk in. Lucius looks at the two in disgust “What are they doing here?” Stede sighs “Well we are too become one band. Apparently, it’s this or nothing.” Ed scowls crossing his arms “We’re not particularly thrilled about this either.” Izzy remains silent leaning up against the wall.
Smiling Will joins him "Its Izzy right?" he nods sighing glaring at Stede "Does he always talk like this?" Will grins nodding watching as Stede takes some control over the room reading over the papers Archie handed him while gesturing with his free hand. "This is going to be interesting."
The first week of rehersals is mildly painful to say to the least, several arguments breakout between Lucius and Izzy. Stede tries to remain neutral but also has what he describes as 'heated discussions' with Edward which Lucius puts down to repressed attraction. Will remains in the background watching as after several days of consistent arguments they slowly begin to make progress. Izzy and Lucius reach some what of an understanding where they make snarky comments but focus on the music when required. Stede and Edward on the other hand can't seem to agree on anything. Stede groans loudly grimacing "I do believe I should take lead vocals, I have a broader range." Ed rolls his eyes glaring "That does not make sense." Releasing a long breath Will moves to the back of the room placing his guitar safely back in its stand making a 'can you belive this argument is happening again' face at Izzy. His lips twitch slightly as he rolls his eyes in response.
Izzy won't admit that he enjoys your silent interactions. Mostly you pulling faces which he responds to by rolling his eyes or nodding in agreement. He doesn't like the rich blonde, Frenchie is tolerable and Lucius grates him the wrong way but Will is... pleasent enough. Talented musician, all of them are really when the comments and arguing stop the music is actually good. If Edward and Stede could actually get on good terms he thinks the band could actually do well. But with only a month and a half to rehearse they have a lot of work to do.
Will and Lucius take the lead with writing the music altering both bands music to fit the new dynamic. A set list is underway with a lot of alterations to be made and the suggestion of new songs being floated.
This is the fifth time Stede and Edward had started arguing about the same thing. Lucius looks bored in the corner while Frenchie is scrolling on his phone leaning his elbows on the keyboard. After the third time everyone had given up interfering.
Wills phone buzzes and he glances down finding a message from Lucius who is grinning ear to ear waiting for a reaction.
Seriously these two just need to have it out!
Chuckling Will types out a response Stedes had a thing for Ed for years. If I have to hear how good he looks in leather one more time I may actually kill him.
Lucius grins speedily responding Seriously, they just need to go out for dinner and realise its not hate.
Finally they both grow quiet and Lucius sighs loudly putting away his phone "You know we could just re-write the music so you share vocals equally? Will you're good at the type of thing?" Will shrugs "Would take a day or too. You both are good at what you do but if we altered the key slightly it would be easier for everybody." Ed grumbles something under his breath while Stede beams "Wonderful idea. You know I have been thinking."
"A dangerous thing." Izzy mutters under his breath making Will smile, Stede either doesn't hear or ignores him
"I've been thinking we should install a rehersal room policy. Where if we have any issues, questions, queries we talk everything through as a band. And as our whole aesthetic is pirate I took the liberty of making a sign." he pulls out a printed poster that looks like it would be at home on a pinterest board with bold cursive writing reading 'We talk it through as a crew'
Will gives what he hopes is a convincing smile and turns away making eye contact with Izzy who looks both in pain and confused. Grinning broadly Will takes a second to compose himself before turning back around "I think that's great Stede." he beams Lucius also pitching in "Yes its great. Now can we get back to actually rehersing?"
Edward sighs and picks up the sheet music "Should we go from where we left off?" Stede nods putting down his poster "Alright."
Happily Will picks up his guitar giving Izzy an 'about time' look before turning back to his music stand. Overall its actually a productive day with several songs gone over and altered to fit the new bands dynamic. Stede and Ed settle into an almost friendly banter the arguments quieting down. Izzy remains quiet but Will manages to get a few words out of him every now and then.
Izzy has a good view of the room from his place behind the drums. Stede keeps giving Ed goo goo eyes which is not a pleasent view but he can stare at Will without drawing too much attention. He'd seen him around the studios and Jackies a few times always smiling brightly, often laughing at something Stede had said. Will is infuratingly positive but something about it intrigues him.
By the second week you've fallen into an easy rythm. Going over individual elements and group pieces. Edward has become good friends with everyone while Izzy remains at a healthy distance, Ed tries to encourace him to socialise and he does try but people have never been his strong suit. Of all of them Will tries the hardest cracking jokes where possible and making sure to include Izzy in conversations.
The third week comes to a close and Stede is practically beaming "Well I think that went very well. Will you can get those songs ready for Tuesday?" Will puts down his guitar nodding "No problem." Stede and Ed are first to leave with Stede chattering happily about a nearby resteraunt they are going to go to. Lucius and Frenchie follow shortly after waving goodbye. Will waves back "Have a good weekend guys." He finishes putting away his guitar and gathers up the sheet music that needs altering filing it into his bag "Got anything fun planned?" Izzy looks up from his phone looking like a deer in headlights "What?" Will chuckles picking up his bag "Any fun weekend plans?" He shrugs "Not really. You?" Will smiles "Going drinking with some friends. Then tomorrow is a super exciting trip to the supermarket." Izzy smiles slightly as Will walks out the door "See you Tuesday." Izzy murmers a bye and watches the door swing shut. Of the four new band members Will is the easiest to get a long with, warm smile, kind eyes, dark curls swept up out of his face. Shaking his head slightly he stands gathering together his belongings and making his way out to the car park maybe a drink will clear his head before he heads home.
Jackies is closest, a lively bar with decent drinks. Jackie runs the place with her husband who no one actually knows the name off but everyone just calls 'Swede.' Its popular with all of Zhengs employees. Izzy parks his bike and stores the helmet in the side pannier. Inside is busier than usual which he puts down to it being Saturday night as he manouvers his way to the bar.