Archive of Our Own ^beta

Touring was a test of strength and endurance. Jeff knew that after the many shows they’ve put on. Still, he didn’t know what bad luck they ran across because this tour had been brutal . It could be the combination of most set dates and distance traveled so far in their career or maybe it’s because they wanted to get more theatrical in their performance. Either way, it felt like they were having accidents left and right. 

Gareth bruised his foot the week before after dropping a case on it. It required some finagling to his kit and they’ve avoided certain songs so the damage wasn’t exacerbated. Les pulled a muscle in his shoulder. It took two hours of whining from Eddie to learn it was because he and Jessica fell off the bed while having sex. Once they knew he was okay, they’d teased him for the rest of the week. Jeff was their first man down, after wrecking his voice during the first week. He thought he prepared himself for the grueling pace and back to back performances. He hadn’t and he couldn’t even convince the guys properly that he was fine since he couldn’t speak above a whisper. Thank goodness for the headliner who was with them on the first leg. He gave Jeff some advice and guidance and he’s felt better than even the last two tours.  

Jeff sighed and got on the tour bus, plopping down on the first empty spot. Gareth and Les were already there which meant they only needed to wait on Steve and Eddie. 

“Can you believe that happened?” Gareth began. “I mean, we’ve had shit go down before, but nothing like that.” He popped open a bottle of beer and took a healthy swig.

”Eh,” Les drawled out. “I think that one time with the drunk guy who wanted to fight us is pretty close.”

”Yeah, but—“

Gareth was interrupted as Steve and Eddie made their way through the bus. Dried blood crusted around Eddie’s nose with a strip of tape covering the bridge. The skin around Steve’s left eye was swollen and puffy. No doubt he’d have a hell of a shiner.

”He’s alive!” Les crowed.

Eddie grinned. “Of course, I’m alive. I can’t be killed!”

Steve rolled his eyes. “You weren’t going to get killed.”

Eddie gasped. “Excuse me good sir, there is no guarantee of safety when entering a scuffle.”

Steve scoffed. He sat Eddie down and gave him a wrapped towel with ice. “Here, put this on your hand.” He got an ice pack, wrapped it in a towel and placed it on his eye. “You weren’t going to get killed because I wouldn’t let that happen.”

Eddie preened and planted the sloppiest, wettest kiss to Steve’s right cheek. 

Jeff was glad they could joke about it. They’d been on their second to last song when it happened. He heard Eddie stop playing, watched as he took Sweetheart off, and then dove down into the pit. They stopped playing and the house lights went up as the staff tried to break up the fight. Jeff learned from Les that a fight broke out and Eddie saw someone fall. Steve joined in shortly after, presumably to get Eddie out of that mess. He hauled Eddie back up and they finished the song and said their goodbyes. Luckily, an off-duty EMT was there to look at Steve and Eddie. He motioned the rest of the band to work on break down.

Jeff groaned. “Eddie, I know you like to protect the underdog but you can’t jump in. Do you even know how to throw a punch?”

”Not properly since he almost broke his hand,” Steve chimed in.

Eddie scowled. “What am I supposed to do, just sit there and let people get hurt?”

”No, but you can get someone’s attention and we’ll stop the show. Did you think we would keep playing?” Jeff asked.

Eddie’s eyes widened slightly. “No!” His eyes drifted down. “I know I’m more bark than bite, but I just felt like I had to do something.”

Jeff smiled. “Well, at least next time let’s help you.” He gestured out to Gareth and Les.

Eddie rolled his eyes but smiled. “Fine, next time I try to join a fight I’ll bring my friends.”