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Under A Colourless Sky [cOLOURLESS]
A vibrancy was stirring in the colourless Scottish mist – smiles and laughter building quietly behind a thick fog. Inside four men were stood looking critically at one another, amused smiles on their lips despite the draining colour outside.
“If you didn’t have the purple jacket, I would think we were promoting something…” Gary remarked, shaking his head and chuckling. Mark grinned, tossing his top-hat up and catching it before looking up at Gary.
“Don’t start complaining or I’m demoting you!” he countered. Jason, who had been fussing with the buttonhole on his jacket, looked up at that, a frown creasing his forehead as he laughed.
“Demoting him? You’ve ranked everyone at your wedding?” he asked.
“How else am I going to shut Gaz up! You know what he’s like when you put him in suit – when you put him in matching suits he just gets even worse!” Mark replied, his eyes sparkling playfully.
“Only coz he knows me and Jay put him to shame,” Howard grinned, dusting his shoulders jokingly.
“Eh! I’ve been reliably informed that I’m the best looking one in this band!” Gary protested.
“By who, Dawn?” Jason teased, making Mark splutter with laughter.
“Nah – by Mark!” Howard put in quickly, sharing a mischievous smile with Jason.
“This is why none of you were invited to my wedding,” Gary retorted dryly.
As the four men’s laughter washed over the colourless Church stones, various members of Mark’s family were hovering tensely in the background, unwilling to interrupt the brightness of the four friends’ chatter. Eventually it was Mark’s sister who decided to approach them, reluctantly agreeing to encroach upon their vibrant banter with the colourless practicality of the rest of the world.
“We’ve sort of…lost Elwood…” she said slowly, deciding that the direct approach was best. For a moment the four men looked at her steadily and Mark simply blinked, amusement and worry playing across his expressive face. Jason shook his head with measured amusement and Howard raised his eyes to the sky whilst Gary bit back a chuckle and rolled his eyes amusedly.
“Lost him?” Mark repeated at last, raising an eyebrow.
“The apple never falls far from the tree does it,” Gary smirked and Mark attempted to glare at him through his own amusement.
“How do you lose a three-year-old in a tiny church?!” Howard questioned no one in particular.
“Give him Mark’s genes?” Jason suggested thoughtfully, laughing as Mark slapped him on his stomach, looking at him pointedly though his eyes glittered with laughter.
“So no one has any clue where he’s gone to then?” Mark asked his sister after a moment and she shrugged, biting her lip guiltily. Mark’s brow furrowed in thought, then an idea came to him. Jason became aware of Mark’s gaze slowly turning onto him and Gary and Howard quickly following suit. He pretended he hadn’t noticed their expectant looks but his resolve soon broke.
“Ok, I’ll go! But I’m making no promises mind!” he said, pointing a warning finger at his friends.
“Thank you Jay!” Mark grinned back and Jason waved a dismissive hand at him, winking back.
“What would we do without him eh?” Howard said fondly and Gary tilted his head.
“Lose our kids, not have a ‘cool’ babysitter and never, ever have to witness impromptu head-spins in the street again!” he joked, making Howard laugh.
“And on that note – I’ll go see what’s happened to Emma and see if we can hold her off ‘til Elwood’s found. Back in a min mate,” he smiled, giving Mark a kindly pat on the back before heading off towards the back of the church, Mark’s sister in tow.
Suddenly finding themselves left to their own devices, Gary and Mark let their minds wander. As a colourless dusk fell across the church, the vicar lit candles which glowed soft hues of gold in Mark’s sparkling blue eyes. He was happy to be where he was, excited and contented all at once. And he was glad to be here with his friends at his side, there with him in this a most colourful weekend just as they were there in mundane Monday mornings when nothing really happened at all.
“Gaz…you know this doesn’t change anything don’t you?” Mark asked suddenly and Gary stared at him a moment, a little confused at where the comment had come from.
“Well of course it doesn’t – you’re only making official what we’ve all known for ages…” he replied, looking into Mark’s twinkling eyes with a warm smile.
“No, I know that! What I mean is…I still love you three more than the earth, I still belong to you and Jay and Howard and I’m still here for you all too. Emma knows she’s marrying all of us – I’ve been warning her for years now,” Mark explained softly, grinning quietly at Gary.
“I knew mate, course I knew. But it’s nice to hear…very nice to here,” Gary murmured thoughtfully.
“It’s been an emotional couple of weeks, eh?” Mark replied, looking carefully at Gary and studying his face. Of all the lads he knew Gary best and he was convinced there was some sort of invisible thread between their two hearts. If Mark’s heart soared, Gary’s smiled. But if Gary’s heart broke, Mark’s ached. As Mark studied those bright blue eyes he could feel the pieces of Gary’s heart taping themselves back together slowly but surely – but a broken heart is never an easy thing to fix and even Mark was unsure if Gary’s heart could ever be whole again.
“Yeah…yeah, I suppose it has,” Gary said at last, a note in his voice that made Mark just want to hug him tight and promise him it’d all be better. But he couldn’t make that promise and Mark refused to make a promise he couldn’t keep. So instead he placed a gentle hand on Gary’s arm, a silent promise to always be there for him that Gary felt immediately.
“Everyone keeps telling me ‘whatever you want, we’re ok with it, it’s your day’ but…well, you’re part of who I am, part of my life and my heart. So if you want to cry, you can. Don’t think it’s all about me, coz it’s not. It’s about family and friends and you’re both to me. If you want to cry then I’m gonna sit and cry with you, if you want to just scream…well I might not join in but I’ll hold your hand,” he assured his friend with a firm honesty that washed blue and amber in the colourless echo of the Scottish night. Gary raised his eyes from the floor, meeting Mark’s eyes once more as the smaller man reached out his hand to squeeze Gary’s own hand tightly.
“You know mate…that is simply the most gorgeous thing anyone could possibly say to me right now,” he smiled softly after a pause, his eyes shining a little with held-back tears and his smile glimmering with gratitude for the incredible fact that he could call this beautiful man his best friend.
“Give over, it’s what mates are for. That and making sure you get home safely when you’ve had one glass of wine too many,” Mark grinned, but he gave Gary’s hand another comforting squeeze.
“You’re something else Marko,” Gary replied, brushing self-consciously at his eyes.
“So I’ve been told…mostly by your dad actually,” Mark replied, casting a careful glance at Gary.
“Yeah…he could never quite believe you were real,” Gary chuckled sadly.
“You know, when I heard…I stopped the car and I just sat there completely speechless. But it only lasted about a minute, coz something else in me took over. My heart reminded me that I had to be there for you, so I just drove and drove ‘til I managed to get to you. And that’ll always be the same Gaz, you know? My heart wouldn’t let it be any other way. You could break down in the middle of Shine and I’ll just sing at your feet ‘til you’re smiling again – that’s a threat not a promise!” Mark smiled. Gary looked back at him, a soft smile now firmly in place on his lips, his tears gathering in his eyes, unable to be spilled as he looked at Mark’s sweet, caring face.
“You know mate – that’s just the kind of thing I need to hear on a colourless day. You’re an angel sometimes you know…and I won’t have anyone say otherwise,” he smiled back at last.
Elsewhere in the church, Jason was receiving no such friendly support. As he wandered through the vestry he felt certain that he was close, but no matter how many times he called Elwood’s name, the small boy refused to appear. Jason supposed this impromptu game of hide and seek had been sparked by the kilt that Elwood had taken a good half hour to be persuaded into – this was all just revenge in three-year-old terms. But if Elwood was anything like his father, then he couldn’t stay still and silent for long, that much Jason was certain of. But still the boy didn’t appear.
“Jesus, how can one little ‘un hide this well?!” Jason muttered before turning his eyes skyward apologetically. “Sorry,” he added sheepishly. Blasphemy aside, he realised that a plan was needed. He was sure Elwood was in here but he was also sure that Elwood had inherited a stubborn streak from his father that would not be easy to conquer. However, Jason, so used to acting the part of big brother in his family as well as with Mark himself, was one of a select few who didn’t have to give in to Elwood to win their battles. Jason could work his unique brand of enchantment over those he met and that meant he was granted the luxury of rarely having to put up with much protest, even from the most stubborn of three-year-olds. Jason stroked his chin thoughtfully, eyes narrowed. Time for some of that Orange stardust; he sat down cross-legged in the centre of the room and, although he was sure he looked quite ridiculous, threw his arms open wide. If there was anything in the world Elwood found irresistible it was cuddles, especially Take That cuddles. It only took a second for the prospect of Jason’s arms to tempt the small boy out.
“JASON!” an elated shriek erupted from nowhere, and before Jason knew what was happening he was being bowled into by an over-excited little boy.
“Hello mate,” he laughed, wrapping his arms around Elwood and making sure he kept a firm grip.
“Everyone was being boring so I thought I’d play hide and seek with them,” Elwood grinned up at him, making Jason laugh.
“Right…well I’m afraid mate, that everyone’s going to have to be a bit boring for a bit longer. Tell you what though, if you promise to be good, I’ll let you ride on my shoulders back to the others, how’s that sound?” he offered, hoping that bribery would be a successful course of action. Elwood’s face lit up immediately, sightseeing from Jason’s shoulders being one of his favourite weekend past-times, something else the boy had definitely inherited from his father.
“Yay!!” Elwood beamed up at Jason, snuggling into Jason’s chest as Jason himself tightened the hug. He couldn’t help but smile with affection as he quickly pulled himself to his feet.
“I’m definitely going to hell – bribing a kiddie in a church?! Not good Jason,” Jason chuckled to himself as he lifted Elwood up onto his shoulders.
When Howard saw Jason appear, with Elwood having the time of his life up on his broad shoulders, his face immediately broke into a grin. Jason’s magic fascinated Howard and he enjoyed watching Jason unwittingly weave it on woman and child alike – even the odd man could be seduced, Howard himself included. There was a quiet shimmer to Jason that pulled him in every time, especially on a colourless day like today. Just as Elwood was being returned to Mark’s family, Howard came up to Jason, planting a firm hand on his shoulder and giving his friend a quick pat of congratulation.
“All went well then?” he asked and Jason smiled mischievously.
“Depends if he does as he’s told and tells every woman here that I was the one who found him,” he replied making Howard chuckle.
“What are you like?!” he teased, giving Jason a small shove to his head and rolling his eyes.
“You’re just worried I might find someone more attractive than you to love,” Jason shot back.
“Not possible mate,” Howard said confidently as the two men headed back towards Mark.
“Found him then?” Gary smiled as they approached and Jason grinned broadly.
“Piece of cake,” he said, pulling on his jacket in a playful boast.
“Right then, now we just need a box for Mark to stand on and we’re away,” Gary replied, getting a smack on his arm from Mark.
“Yeah, come on Gaz – have you seen his heels?! Course he doesn’t need the box!” Howard added and he too was given a playful smack from Mark. Jason laughed and shook his head, putting an arm around Mark’s shoulders and squeezing him close in a brotherly hug of comfort. The colourless day had slowly turned to colourless night, but the four men hadn’t noticed at all, the light of their laughter dancing too brightly in their eyes.
By the time they had moved on to the reception, every colourless cloud had been well and truly shut out in the cold. Jason was sat with a bridesmaid on one knee and someone’s distant cousin on another, charming for England with an effortless swagger. Howard was joking around with various uncles as they stood about in their slightly dishevelled suits, clutching merrily at glasses of champagne. Gary entertained a few of the aunts and played air piano with some of Emma’s friends, glass of champagne in one hand and plate of cake in another. All the while Mark danced and laughed with Emma, his family and friends coming and going, his three best mates in the corner of his heart and the corner of his eye, never out of mind for long.
Soon the four were stood together again, being cajoled by the masses into taking to the stage. Jason concluded that they were all just about drunk enough and the bridesmaid whom he had successfully seduced had seemed eager to agree with him. Unable to say no to a bit of a sing song, Gary too was quickly persuaded and Howard was never one to spoil a party. And so it was that Mark was all but carried to the stage by his bandmates, Emma laughing softly at him and shaking her head before coming closer to the stage to watch the show.
“Ladies and gentlemen – soppy beggars that we are – this is Rule The World,” Gary announced tipsily and Emma smiled, cheering for them delightedly before falling into step with the gathering crowd’s gentle sway. At first the song went surprisingly smoothly, Gary was pleasantly surprised as they hit the right notes and Jason resisted any urge to head-spin. Lost in the song and a little bit lost in each other, the four men sang rich blue into the colourless night, content to simply sing together. But what good showman could resist putting on a show? Not these showmen, certainly.
“All the stars are coming out tonight, they’re lighting up the sky tonight – for you!” Gary sang, eyes locked on Mark as the smaller man grinned back, laughing softly as the words ‘for you’ left Gary’s lips and he pressed his finger playfully onto Mark’s nose. At Mark’s chuckle, all semblance of order was officially lost and all four decided seriousness should be dispensed with. Jason had soon picked Mark up, slung him over his shoulder and reduced him to fits of laughter before he was set down and engulfed by Howard’s arms to be kissed and hugged and teased mercilessly by his three best mates. As the song neared its end, Gary went down to one knee, Jason and Howard standing behind him as they all serenaded Mark, who happily sat himself down on Gary’s other knee.
“Take it away Markie,” Jason offered with a smile and, beaming, Mark ended the song solo, collapsing with laughter into Gary’s shoulder before the four men made themselves scarce.
It was not long after that that they’d ended up under the top-table. None of them could really remember how it had happened, but none of them really cared. They were happy there – content to behave like children for a while. Howard and Gary had fallen asleep in no time and Mark was content to sit in silence with Jason, his arms wrapped around Jason’s middle as Gary napped on his shoulder and Howard snored softly to himself on Jason’s arm.
“You’re the best big brother in the whole world,” Mark mumbled tipsily into Jason’s side.
“And you’re the gentlest drunkard in the whole world,” Jason chuckled, looking down at Mark with affection as the smaller man wrinkled his nose slightly.
“I’m not drunk, I’m just happy!” he protested unconvincingly.
“How about we say you’re both and call it quits? Now come on, we ought to get you back to that wife of yours,” Jason said quietly, nudging Howard off him to rub at a kink in his neck.
“Don’t be silly Jay, he’s right here,” Mark grinned, patting Gary’s thigh and making him jolt awake.
“I meant your other wife!” Jason laughed and Mark smiled cheekily as Howard too began to stir.
“You need to be more specific now you know,” Mark said with a grin. Jason simply shook his head before turning his attention over to the bleary eyed Howard and Gary.
“Come on lads, we’ve got an early start tomorrow,” he sighed, and they sleepily agreed with him. Mark crawled slowly out from under the tablecloth and dusted himself down and Jason and Howard quickly crawled after him, glancing around to make sure no one had spotted their odd emergence. Then; crash. Gary hit his head against the table with a jangle of glasses and cutlery and the other three men shook their heads in amusement as he grumbled and moaned, rubbing his head gingerly.
“I don’t see why we can’t just leave later, have some breakfast, say bye to Mark…” Howard sighed through a loud yawn and a stretch.
“Stop right there Dougie!” Gary said suddenly and Howard frowned.
“What?” he asked.
“You had me at breakfast mate!” Gary joked, making Howard and Mark laugh. Jason smiled, rolling his eyes and folding his arms.
“We’re not missing our flight just so you can have some bacon and egg!” he said firmly.
“Our private flight – come on Jay, you brought bacon and egg into it now! I can’t leave early!” Gary protested and Jason couldn’t help but laugh.
“Gaz, you could live for a week off the amount of cake you’ve had tonight!” Jason shot back.
“Don’t remind me – I’m going to pay for that later!” Gary winced, clutching his stomach as Howard and Mark smirked at him.
“You think you wanna hit ‘im now, just wait ‘til tomorrow morning when you’ve got a hangover and he’s sitting there with his bloody apple!” Howard pointed out, shaking his head in amusement.
“I can’t help being perfect,” Jason joked smugly.
“You aren’t half full of y’self Jay,” Mark laughed and Jason shrugged.
“Nope, just honest,” he smiled playfully and his three friends all shot him steely looks before breaking into laughter and falling into a boisterous playfight. It was colourless morning that was touching the sky before any of them got to bed.
As the time of their flight rapidly approached, Jason was the first to make a move. It was not the best of starts – he awoke groggy and with Howard sprawled on top of him. Hungover as he was he still smiled quietly to himself, aware that another colourless day was stirring slowly outside.
“Get off me you big lump, I thought you had your own room!” he grumbled, shoving Howard off him.
“Oi!” Howard protested sleepily as he landed on the floor with a thud.
“Sorry mate,” Jason shrugged, yawning and pushing himself up out of bed. Their banter was already tingeing the morning air with faint rainbows and Jason let a grin grace his lips. No, there were no such things a colourless days. Not with friends like these.
The walk of shame was all shades and hats. Howard and Gary clutched Starbucks cups close and tried to ignore their spinning heads long enough to get them into the waiting car. Meanwhile, Jason clutched some fruit and some water, a little worse for wear but not in too much need of the aspirins, much to the irritation of his bears-with-sore-heads bandmates. Ever-prepared he cheered them up by presenting them with the aspirins he didn’t need and each mumbled their thanks through a mouthful of coffee. Vibrancy still stirred in the colourless Scottish mist and as his three friends’ car pulled away, in his sleep Mark blew them each a cheeky kiss goodbye.
“If you didn’t have the purple jacket, I would think we were promoting something…” Gary remarked, shaking his head and chuckling. Mark grinned, tossing his top-hat up and catching it before looking up at Gary.
“Don’t start complaining or I’m demoting you!” he countered. Jason, who had been fussing with the buttonhole on his jacket, looked up at that, a frown creasing his forehead as he laughed.
“Demoting him? You’ve ranked everyone at your wedding?” he asked.
“How else am I going to shut Gaz up! You know what he’s like when you put him in suit – when you put him in matching suits he just gets even worse!” Mark replied, his eyes sparkling playfully.
“Only coz he knows me and Jay put him to shame,” Howard grinned, dusting his shoulders jokingly.
“Eh! I’ve been reliably informed that I’m the best looking one in this band!” Gary protested.
“By who, Dawn?” Jason teased, making Mark splutter with laughter.
“Nah – by Mark!” Howard put in quickly, sharing a mischievous smile with Jason.
“This is why none of you were invited to my wedding,” Gary retorted dryly.
As the four men’s laughter washed over the colourless Church stones, various members of Mark’s family were hovering tensely in the background, unwilling to interrupt the brightness of the four friends’ chatter. Eventually it was Mark’s sister who decided to approach them, reluctantly agreeing to encroach upon their vibrant banter with the colourless practicality of the rest of the world.
“We’ve sort of…lost Elwood…” she said slowly, deciding that the direct approach was best. For a moment the four men looked at her steadily and Mark simply blinked, amusement and worry playing across his expressive face. Jason shook his head with measured amusement and Howard raised his eyes to the sky whilst Gary bit back a chuckle and rolled his eyes amusedly.
“Lost him?” Mark repeated at last, raising an eyebrow.
“The apple never falls far from the tree does it,” Gary smirked and Mark attempted to glare at him through his own amusement.
“How do you lose a three-year-old in a tiny church?!” Howard questioned no one in particular.
“Give him Mark’s genes?” Jason suggested thoughtfully, laughing as Mark slapped him on his stomach, looking at him pointedly though his eyes glittered with laughter.
“So no one has any clue where he’s gone to then?” Mark asked his sister after a moment and she shrugged, biting her lip guiltily. Mark’s brow furrowed in thought, then an idea came to him. Jason became aware of Mark’s gaze slowly turning onto him and Gary and Howard quickly following suit. He pretended he hadn’t noticed their expectant looks but his resolve soon broke.
“Ok, I’ll go! But I’m making no promises mind!” he said, pointing a warning finger at his friends.
“Thank you Jay!” Mark grinned back and Jason waved a dismissive hand at him, winking back.
“What would we do without him eh?” Howard said fondly and Gary tilted his head.
“Lose our kids, not have a ‘cool’ babysitter and never, ever have to witness impromptu head-spins in the street again!” he joked, making Howard laugh.
“And on that note – I’ll go see what’s happened to Emma and see if we can hold her off ‘til Elwood’s found. Back in a min mate,” he smiled, giving Mark a kindly pat on the back before heading off towards the back of the church, Mark’s sister in tow.
Suddenly finding themselves left to their own devices, Gary and Mark let their minds wander. As a colourless dusk fell across the church, the vicar lit candles which glowed soft hues of gold in Mark’s sparkling blue eyes. He was happy to be where he was, excited and contented all at once. And he was glad to be here with his friends at his side, there with him in this a most colourful weekend just as they were there in mundane Monday mornings when nothing really happened at all.
“Gaz…you know this doesn’t change anything don’t you?” Mark asked suddenly and Gary stared at him a moment, a little confused at where the comment had come from.
“Well of course it doesn’t – you’re only making official what we’ve all known for ages…” he replied, looking into Mark’s twinkling eyes with a warm smile.
“No, I know that! What I mean is…I still love you three more than the earth, I still belong to you and Jay and Howard and I’m still here for you all too. Emma knows she’s marrying all of us – I’ve been warning her for years now,” Mark explained softly, grinning quietly at Gary.
“I knew mate, course I knew. But it’s nice to hear…very nice to here,” Gary murmured thoughtfully.
“It’s been an emotional couple of weeks, eh?” Mark replied, looking carefully at Gary and studying his face. Of all the lads he knew Gary best and he was convinced there was some sort of invisible thread between their two hearts. If Mark’s heart soared, Gary’s smiled. But if Gary’s heart broke, Mark’s ached. As Mark studied those bright blue eyes he could feel the pieces of Gary’s heart taping themselves back together slowly but surely – but a broken heart is never an easy thing to fix and even Mark was unsure if Gary’s heart could ever be whole again.
“Yeah…yeah, I suppose it has,” Gary said at last, a note in his voice that made Mark just want to hug him tight and promise him it’d all be better. But he couldn’t make that promise and Mark refused to make a promise he couldn’t keep. So instead he placed a gentle hand on Gary’s arm, a silent promise to always be there for him that Gary felt immediately.
“Everyone keeps telling me ‘whatever you want, we’re ok with it, it’s your day’ but…well, you’re part of who I am, part of my life and my heart. So if you want to cry, you can. Don’t think it’s all about me, coz it’s not. It’s about family and friends and you’re both to me. If you want to cry then I’m gonna sit and cry with you, if you want to just scream…well I might not join in but I’ll hold your hand,” he assured his friend with a firm honesty that washed blue and amber in the colourless echo of the Scottish night. Gary raised his eyes from the floor, meeting Mark’s eyes once more as the smaller man reached out his hand to squeeze Gary’s own hand tightly.
“You know mate…that is simply the most gorgeous thing anyone could possibly say to me right now,” he smiled softly after a pause, his eyes shining a little with held-back tears and his smile glimmering with gratitude for the incredible fact that he could call this beautiful man his best friend.
“Give over, it’s what mates are for. That and making sure you get home safely when you’ve had one glass of wine too many,” Mark grinned, but he gave Gary’s hand another comforting squeeze.
“You’re something else Marko,” Gary replied, brushing self-consciously at his eyes.
“So I’ve been told…mostly by your dad actually,” Mark replied, casting a careful glance at Gary.
“Yeah…he could never quite believe you were real,” Gary chuckled sadly.
“You know, when I heard…I stopped the car and I just sat there completely speechless. But it only lasted about a minute, coz something else in me took over. My heart reminded me that I had to be there for you, so I just drove and drove ‘til I managed to get to you. And that’ll always be the same Gaz, you know? My heart wouldn’t let it be any other way. You could break down in the middle of Shine and I’ll just sing at your feet ‘til you’re smiling again – that’s a threat not a promise!” Mark smiled. Gary looked back at him, a soft smile now firmly in place on his lips, his tears gathering in his eyes, unable to be spilled as he looked at Mark’s sweet, caring face.
“You know mate – that’s just the kind of thing I need to hear on a colourless day. You’re an angel sometimes you know…and I won’t have anyone say otherwise,” he smiled back at last.
Elsewhere in the church, Jason was receiving no such friendly support. As he wandered through the vestry he felt certain that he was close, but no matter how many times he called Elwood’s name, the small boy refused to appear. Jason supposed this impromptu game of hide and seek had been sparked by the kilt that Elwood had taken a good half hour to be persuaded into – this was all just revenge in three-year-old terms. But if Elwood was anything like his father, then he couldn’t stay still and silent for long, that much Jason was certain of. But still the boy didn’t appear.
“Jesus, how can one little ‘un hide this well?!” Jason muttered before turning his eyes skyward apologetically. “Sorry,” he added sheepishly. Blasphemy aside, he realised that a plan was needed. He was sure Elwood was in here but he was also sure that Elwood had inherited a stubborn streak from his father that would not be easy to conquer. However, Jason, so used to acting the part of big brother in his family as well as with Mark himself, was one of a select few who didn’t have to give in to Elwood to win their battles. Jason could work his unique brand of enchantment over those he met and that meant he was granted the luxury of rarely having to put up with much protest, even from the most stubborn of three-year-olds. Jason stroked his chin thoughtfully, eyes narrowed. Time for some of that Orange stardust; he sat down cross-legged in the centre of the room and, although he was sure he looked quite ridiculous, threw his arms open wide. If there was anything in the world Elwood found irresistible it was cuddles, especially Take That cuddles. It only took a second for the prospect of Jason’s arms to tempt the small boy out.
“JASON!” an elated shriek erupted from nowhere, and before Jason knew what was happening he was being bowled into by an over-excited little boy.
“Hello mate,” he laughed, wrapping his arms around Elwood and making sure he kept a firm grip.
“Everyone was being boring so I thought I’d play hide and seek with them,” Elwood grinned up at him, making Jason laugh.
“Right…well I’m afraid mate, that everyone’s going to have to be a bit boring for a bit longer. Tell you what though, if you promise to be good, I’ll let you ride on my shoulders back to the others, how’s that sound?” he offered, hoping that bribery would be a successful course of action. Elwood’s face lit up immediately, sightseeing from Jason’s shoulders being one of his favourite weekend past-times, something else the boy had definitely inherited from his father.
“Yay!!” Elwood beamed up at Jason, snuggling into Jason’s chest as Jason himself tightened the hug. He couldn’t help but smile with affection as he quickly pulled himself to his feet.
“I’m definitely going to hell – bribing a kiddie in a church?! Not good Jason,” Jason chuckled to himself as he lifted Elwood up onto his shoulders.
When Howard saw Jason appear, with Elwood having the time of his life up on his broad shoulders, his face immediately broke into a grin. Jason’s magic fascinated Howard and he enjoyed watching Jason unwittingly weave it on woman and child alike – even the odd man could be seduced, Howard himself included. There was a quiet shimmer to Jason that pulled him in every time, especially on a colourless day like today. Just as Elwood was being returned to Mark’s family, Howard came up to Jason, planting a firm hand on his shoulder and giving his friend a quick pat of congratulation.
“All went well then?” he asked and Jason smiled mischievously.
“Depends if he does as he’s told and tells every woman here that I was the one who found him,” he replied making Howard chuckle.
“What are you like?!” he teased, giving Jason a small shove to his head and rolling his eyes.
“You’re just worried I might find someone more attractive than you to love,” Jason shot back.
“Not possible mate,” Howard said confidently as the two men headed back towards Mark.
“Found him then?” Gary smiled as they approached and Jason grinned broadly.
“Piece of cake,” he said, pulling on his jacket in a playful boast.
“Right then, now we just need a box for Mark to stand on and we’re away,” Gary replied, getting a smack on his arm from Mark.
“Yeah, come on Gaz – have you seen his heels?! Course he doesn’t need the box!” Howard added and he too was given a playful smack from Mark. Jason laughed and shook his head, putting an arm around Mark’s shoulders and squeezing him close in a brotherly hug of comfort. The colourless day had slowly turned to colourless night, but the four men hadn’t noticed at all, the light of their laughter dancing too brightly in their eyes.
By the time they had moved on to the reception, every colourless cloud had been well and truly shut out in the cold. Jason was sat with a bridesmaid on one knee and someone’s distant cousin on another, charming for England with an effortless swagger. Howard was joking around with various uncles as they stood about in their slightly dishevelled suits, clutching merrily at glasses of champagne. Gary entertained a few of the aunts and played air piano with some of Emma’s friends, glass of champagne in one hand and plate of cake in another. All the while Mark danced and laughed with Emma, his family and friends coming and going, his three best mates in the corner of his heart and the corner of his eye, never out of mind for long.
Soon the four were stood together again, being cajoled by the masses into taking to the stage. Jason concluded that they were all just about drunk enough and the bridesmaid whom he had successfully seduced had seemed eager to agree with him. Unable to say no to a bit of a sing song, Gary too was quickly persuaded and Howard was never one to spoil a party. And so it was that Mark was all but carried to the stage by his bandmates, Emma laughing softly at him and shaking her head before coming closer to the stage to watch the show.
“Ladies and gentlemen – soppy beggars that we are – this is Rule The World,” Gary announced tipsily and Emma smiled, cheering for them delightedly before falling into step with the gathering crowd’s gentle sway. At first the song went surprisingly smoothly, Gary was pleasantly surprised as they hit the right notes and Jason resisted any urge to head-spin. Lost in the song and a little bit lost in each other, the four men sang rich blue into the colourless night, content to simply sing together. But what good showman could resist putting on a show? Not these showmen, certainly.
“All the stars are coming out tonight, they’re lighting up the sky tonight – for you!” Gary sang, eyes locked on Mark as the smaller man grinned back, laughing softly as the words ‘for you’ left Gary’s lips and he pressed his finger playfully onto Mark’s nose. At Mark’s chuckle, all semblance of order was officially lost and all four decided seriousness should be dispensed with. Jason had soon picked Mark up, slung him over his shoulder and reduced him to fits of laughter before he was set down and engulfed by Howard’s arms to be kissed and hugged and teased mercilessly by his three best mates. As the song neared its end, Gary went down to one knee, Jason and Howard standing behind him as they all serenaded Mark, who happily sat himself down on Gary’s other knee.
“Take it away Markie,” Jason offered with a smile and, beaming, Mark ended the song solo, collapsing with laughter into Gary’s shoulder before the four men made themselves scarce.
It was not long after that that they’d ended up under the top-table. None of them could really remember how it had happened, but none of them really cared. They were happy there – content to behave like children for a while. Howard and Gary had fallen asleep in no time and Mark was content to sit in silence with Jason, his arms wrapped around Jason’s middle as Gary napped on his shoulder and Howard snored softly to himself on Jason’s arm.
“You’re the best big brother in the whole world,” Mark mumbled tipsily into Jason’s side.
“And you’re the gentlest drunkard in the whole world,” Jason chuckled, looking down at Mark with affection as the smaller man wrinkled his nose slightly.
“I’m not drunk, I’m just happy!” he protested unconvincingly.
“How about we say you’re both and call it quits? Now come on, we ought to get you back to that wife of yours,” Jason said quietly, nudging Howard off him to rub at a kink in his neck.
“Don’t be silly Jay, he’s right here,” Mark grinned, patting Gary’s thigh and making him jolt awake.
“I meant your other wife!” Jason laughed and Mark smiled cheekily as Howard too began to stir.
“You need to be more specific now you know,” Mark said with a grin. Jason simply shook his head before turning his attention over to the bleary eyed Howard and Gary.
“Come on lads, we’ve got an early start tomorrow,” he sighed, and they sleepily agreed with him. Mark crawled slowly out from under the tablecloth and dusted himself down and Jason and Howard quickly crawled after him, glancing around to make sure no one had spotted their odd emergence. Then; crash. Gary hit his head against the table with a jangle of glasses and cutlery and the other three men shook their heads in amusement as he grumbled and moaned, rubbing his head gingerly.
“I don’t see why we can’t just leave later, have some breakfast, say bye to Mark…” Howard sighed through a loud yawn and a stretch.
“Stop right there Dougie!” Gary said suddenly and Howard frowned.
“What?” he asked.
“You had me at breakfast mate!” Gary joked, making Howard and Mark laugh. Jason smiled, rolling his eyes and folding his arms.
“We’re not missing our flight just so you can have some bacon and egg!” he said firmly.
“Our private flight – come on Jay, you brought bacon and egg into it now! I can’t leave early!” Gary protested and Jason couldn’t help but laugh.
“Gaz, you could live for a week off the amount of cake you’ve had tonight!” Jason shot back.
“Don’t remind me – I’m going to pay for that later!” Gary winced, clutching his stomach as Howard and Mark smirked at him.
“You think you wanna hit ‘im now, just wait ‘til tomorrow morning when you’ve got a hangover and he’s sitting there with his bloody apple!” Howard pointed out, shaking his head in amusement.
“I can’t help being perfect,” Jason joked smugly.
“You aren’t half full of y’self Jay,” Mark laughed and Jason shrugged.
“Nope, just honest,” he smiled playfully and his three friends all shot him steely looks before breaking into laughter and falling into a boisterous playfight. It was colourless morning that was touching the sky before any of them got to bed.
As the time of their flight rapidly approached, Jason was the first to make a move. It was not the best of starts – he awoke groggy and with Howard sprawled on top of him. Hungover as he was he still smiled quietly to himself, aware that another colourless day was stirring slowly outside.
“Get off me you big lump, I thought you had your own room!” he grumbled, shoving Howard off him.
“Oi!” Howard protested sleepily as he landed on the floor with a thud.
“Sorry mate,” Jason shrugged, yawning and pushing himself up out of bed. Their banter was already tingeing the morning air with faint rainbows and Jason let a grin grace his lips. No, there were no such things a colourless days. Not with friends like these.
The walk of shame was all shades and hats. Howard and Gary clutched Starbucks cups close and tried to ignore their spinning heads long enough to get them into the waiting car. Meanwhile, Jason clutched some fruit and some water, a little worse for wear but not in too much need of the aspirins, much to the irritation of his bears-with-sore-heads bandmates. Ever-prepared he cheered them up by presenting them with the aspirins he didn’t need and each mumbled their thanks through a mouthful of coffee. Vibrancy still stirred in the colourless Scottish mist and as his three friends’ car pulled away, in his sleep Mark blew them each a cheeky kiss goodbye.