New Beginnings and rekindling an old flame.

[swedish_rocker]

Hans had met up with Vars and his new boyfriend Viktor whilst in Norway. The Swede had been pleased to catch up with Vars since he hadn't spoken to any of the Hammers face to face for a long time. How long had it been? Now, Hans and his younger brother, Bjorn, were on the way to LA along with Vars and Viktor to meet up with the rest of the Hammers and to meet two other bands; Ziggy and the Spiders from Mars and the Hell's Angels, Viktor's band. It would be good to get back with other musicians after spending some much time in rehab and Hans knew he could use all the company he could get. The months and years hadn't been easy and he'd often felt lonely or isolated from society after his stay in hospital following his near death experience. He'd overdosed on painkillers and Hunter, his ex-boyfriend had found it too much and had ran.

Hans still ached for Hunter in a way, even though the spark they had together was no longer there. He still missed the man though and the soft warm touches at night. But people moved on after months apart and Hans suspected Hunter had found another man. It was to be expected and the Swede bore no ill will towards his ex lover at all. Glancing to Vars, Hans then placed a hand on the man's shoulder as he felt nerves constrict his insides at meeting Hunter once more. Bjorn giggled and poked fun a little before getting a surly glare from Viktor. The Brit punk had attitude and Hans found him a little intimidating but nothing to the point of not liking the man. If Vars loved Viktor then Hans would find a friend in the fire-loving Brit. All the bands were a family and Hans knew this more than anyone. The question regarding Bjorn though---the young man was a live wire and loved to cause chaos and trouble wherever he went. Hopefully, Hans would be able to keep his brother out of anything bad.

He hoped.

"Well, it will be nice seeing Aarne and Rik again. Hunter---I missed him."

Hans swallowed hard and wondered how the man would even react.

Comments

[suomi_thunder]

Aarne knew it would be hard for Hans and as the topped the escalator the Fin pulled the guitarist into a one armed hug.

"Det tog lång tid att tänka på någon annan." He would be there for Hans, as would the others. "Vill du hitta Rik och hans nya söta pojke först?"

"Han är en tårta!" But then there was that question which sent the drummer's heart fluttering and even Aarne blushed lightly across the cheeks. His head dipped down with his big hair hiding him shyly, a rare things for the wild drummer. "Han är perfekt! Hunter säger att vi är tvillingar."

Then the excitement flooded back at the thought of introducing Hans to Joe. He never really had anyone steady in his life but that had changed. Joe had changed that.

[swedish_rocker]

The reunion would be good for Hans but there was always the memories regarding Hunter that brought back some bad feeling mostly because of how the singer had left after the overdose. Hans had blamed himself for Hunter leaving and he knew some things had to be straightened out and put to bed. He would feel better in himself then hopefully.

"I don't mind. How about you surprise me?"

Hans slipped back into English since it seemed polite now that they were going to mingle with the Brits and non-Swedish speakers. The guitarist knew Rik would have someone by now since he was a sweet boy. A talented guitarist and would make someone very happy. Aarne said he had a sweet boy himself now.

"Your man sounds perfect. Is he as crazy as you?"

[suomi_thunder]

"Let's go find Rik." Aarne pulled Hans toward the elevators and thought it would do good for Hans to be in the best mood possible before needing to talk to Hunter.

Aarne leaned into Hans closer, the feminine parts of his behavior surging as he giggled. "Almost... and he's hot. Gods! I've fucked a lot of people but no one's ever been this fucking hot."

Joe was everything to the drummer and he's madly in love. Surely the guitarist would pick up on that.

[swedish_rocker]

"Good idea. I haven't seen the boy since he was very young. Has he grown into a fine man now?"

Hans knew he'd missed out on seeing the boy since he'd been out of the loop with the Hammeers for a long time now. People changed. He just hoped Rik hadn't changed too much because Hans had fond memories of the young boy he once knew. At least he wasn't alone and had a boyfriend now.

"He's that sexy? What a catch for you!"

The Swede laughed and patted Aarne on the back as they walked to the elevators. Glancing around he couldn't see Bjorn so assumed his brother was already upstairs with the others.

[suomi_thunder]

Aarne giggled even more. "He's still the same shy boy no one expects to cause the chaos he does. Painfully cute and he's learned a couple more instruments."

Aarne was catching them up as he gets in the elevator with Hans, basking in his usual close and touching nature with Hans. Aarne leaned in to whisper.

"He fucks enough to keep me happy." The Fin knew he was notorious for being all over the place. "He's perfect, Hans... so fucking perfect. I..." Aarne buried his face in Hans' neck like a blushing teen. "I.. think I love him, really love him."

[swedish_rocker]

"More instruments? I must learn about these since I know he is good on the harp and that beast of a guitar from what I remember."

Hans knew Rik was a skilled stringed instrument player and loved how the boy played his 18 stringed beast. Just watching him play it had the Swede mesmerized as to how Rik used his fingers to create epic riffs and crunchy sounds. Then Aarne had the guitarist laughing.

"He does? Well, that's good. I love a good fuck myself but I have not had one in too long. It has just been difficult for me. There hasn't been anyone else not since Hunter."

The Swede offered Aarne a fond smile and squeezed the Fin's shoulder. At least he had found love.

[suomi_thunder]

"Did you ever get him to play the flute?" Aarne was trying to remember which instruments Rik played before Hans left. "He's learning the Bass and Saxophone now."

Aarne was pulling Hans out of the open elevator door and toward the room Rik and Billy shared. "Do I need to find you someone? I'm good at it now!"

He was feeling good after getting Robert and Erik together. Surely, it would be easier with someone he knew well.

[swedish_rocker]

"No, I don't think I've heard him play the flute. The bass and saxophone? That boy is very talented. A multi-instrumentalist at it's best."

Hans was pleased for Rik and knew he would go far in his musical career picking up new instruments as he went. It was always good to fall back on another instrument just in case one didn't work out or if you wanted to diversify. The Swede loved guitar and that was his main passion.

"Not now but thank you anyway. I'm still unsure about getting involved with someone since I have things to work through."

He didn't want to mention the nightmares or PTSD he often suffered at night when trying to sleep. It was hard to get to sleep most nights and Hans just ended up wandering or drinking hot milk to ease himself back into bed.

[suomi_thunder]

Aarne didn't bother knocking. Who knew what Rik and Billy might be doing as he barged into the room. "RIK!"

He's excited and just drags Hans into the room with him. Rik does look up and sighs feeling the internal preparation to have Aarne and Joe in the room being crazy. Hans hasn't even registered.

"Ok, but you deserve to have someone." Aaren leaned in and kissed Hans' cheek not caring if Billy or Rik saw. "You're too sweet and sexy to be single."

[swedish_rocker]

The boundless energy of Aarne had Hans giggling and just glad to be back in the company of the Fin. He could feel himself being dragged into the room as he spotted Rik and another blond haired boy with him. That must be his söt pojke--his sweet boy. Hans waved at Rik then found himself smiling broadly.

"Well, thank you, Aarne. But I am old enough to find someone myself."

Hans, gently patting Aarne on the shoulder as he turned towards Rik. The boy still had amazingly big hair and that cheeky look on his face. The prankster. Or one of them. Back at Hunter's mansion, Rik often played tricks on Hans and Hunter as well as poor Vars. This was with Aarne of course.

"Are you matchmaker now, Aarne?"

The Swede just laughing and glancing towards the other boy who was with Rik.

[suomi_thunder]

Rik's eyes went wide when he realized who was there, stammering and his cheeks tinging pink. He's in shock a little which as Aarne laughing.

"I could be. I just succeeded." Aarne informs him before turning toward Rik laughing. "You can talk."

Aarne is giggling but Rik puts down his guitar, near tossing it on the bed, before heading toward the guitarist. "Hans?"

Rik feels his cheeks redden as tears threaten.

[swedish_rocker]

Hans just stood there a little nervous about meeting Rik once more after such an absence but knew it would do him good to see the young man once more. The Dane looked a little shocked but this was to be expected since it had been a long time and Hans had nearly died.

"Hell again, Rik. Det er godt at se dig igen."

He switched to Rik's own language in the little Danish that he knew. It might be a little more comforting for the boy since hearing his old friend speak his language could help ease the meeting.

"Jeg hører, du spiller flere instrumenter. Du har også en flot kæreste."

[riff_razor]

Rik doesn't respond. He's too shocked and can only hug Hans tightly as he starts to cry. Rik always ran emotionally high and easily moved to tears. It had been so long.

"Jeg savnede dig." He just holds on to Hans like he might leave or might not be real.

[swedish_rocker]

"Rik..."

Hans doesn't know what to say other than the younger guitarist's name as he pulled the Dane into a tight bear hug. It had been way too fucking long. Too much shit had happened and now the Swede was near crying alongside his young friend. The emotion was running high between both men and just seeing Hunter, Hans knew he might buckle at the sight of the other Swede.

"Det er alt for længe siden."

Ignoring glances from around him, Hans just held the Dane close and sighed, patting the man's back.

[riff_razor]

To Rik this is like seeing family that he hadn't seen in years. For a time he just lingers in hug for a bit before pulling away to wipe his face and push his hair back. A few breaths and then he turns to Billy with a smile.

"Billy, this is Hans. He used to be in the Hammers with us." Rik thought he better clarify so Billy didn't get the wrong idea. Maybe this would be good though to ease Billy in since Rik wanted to see Ollie and knew he was in the states. If their tours crossed paths they had made plans to see each other.

[swedish_rocker]

"Billy? Nice to meet you. I'm guessing you are British like Viktor and Joe? I'm Hans Larsson, past guitarist for the Hammers as Rik just said. I trust you are getting into trouble together?"

Hans just shooting Rik a glance and noticing Billy a little unsure but nodding none the less, holding onto the Dane's hand and being polite. The older Swede glad to know that Rik had someone to love him like Billy. Being alone was never any fun.

"Rik and me, we used to be close family when I was with Hunter a few years ago. Guitar buddies you might say."

[riff_razor]

Rik gave Billy's hand a squeeze of reassurance as soon as he felt it slip into his. "Not like that."

Rik gave Billy a gentle elbow to the side and laughed before kissing Billy's cheek. "Hans helped me out a lot right after I had to leave home."

[swedish_rocker]

"Rik was my close friend back when Hunter took him in."

Hans wanted to ease the young Brit because he could tell by the look in Billy's eye that he was fiercely in love with Rik. It was endearing and cute. The Swede smiled at the affection between the two and was glad there was love now being showered by the Brit towards his Dane.

"How has the tour been going, boys? I am guessing it's been a crazy ride so far? America is a much different place than Sweden."

The Swede had noticed all the scantily clad women on the curb sides out on the strip and the consumption of alcohol in the streets. He no longer drank at all but realised L.A was a liberal state to say the least.

[riff_razor]

Rik was in love too. Anyone who knew him and saw how close he stood to the Brit would know where his heart was.

"It's been amazing to be around so many musicians." He was happier than he had been the last time he saw Hans. "Are you going to stay and play?"

Rik would definitely pull him onto the stage with them for a song or two. He hadn't realized that Hans hadn't seen Hunter yet.

[swedish_rocker]

"I'm not sure yet but I'm here for the tour so possibly. To get up on stage again---it's been a while."

Hans wouldn't hesitate to get back up onto the stage and play with Rik and the Hammers. There was just one thing stopping him; Hunter. He still hadn't met up with his past lover and the guilt and emotion were gnawing away at him even now. It felt awful. He needed to meet with the other Swede and talk. That's if Hunter even wanted to see him.

"I haven't caught up with Hunter yet."

The smile faded a little at the mention of the man's name.

[riff_razor]

"I miss all three of us on stage." Rik smiled and meant the two guitars and bass. It had been a riot then, that that it wasn't now too. Having Hans around was those first goof memories that Rik had made when he left home.

Rik gave Hans another gentle hug when he saw his expression fall. "You need to." Rik glanced at Billy and then at Aarne who nodded. "Come on. We'll all go."

Rik took Hans' hand, more like a kid would than a romantic, then he tugs Hans toward the door, glancing again at Billy to see if he wanted to come along.

[swedish_rocker]

"It was a good time, wasn't it? Us being guitarists and having Vars as bass and Aarne on drums. I loved the energy and Hunter he---"

Hans cut off, visibly torn up still over the singer. Even just thinking about those memories caused a throb inside of his heart and an aching feeling within the pit of his stomach. He had loved the very fibres of the man's being and had thrown it all away by trying to end it all.

"Yes--you're right. It's just been a long time is all."

The Swede nodding slowly, feeling himself being tugged towards the door. The Brit guitarist getting up and wanting to go with them because Rik was his boyfriend. Did they go everywhere together? Hans got that feeling and that was fine. It was nice for Rik to have someone like Billy.

[riff_razor]

"It turned my life around." Rik commented when he saw the pain in Hans' body language. He knew how hard this was because he felt it when he talked on the phone with Ollie about seeing each other in person. The good and the bad welled up and it got to be too much.

Once in the hallway Rik reached out and took Billy's hand while still holding on to Hans. He loved Billy's presence and imagined that Hans could use all the support he could as they approached Hunter's hotel room door. Aarne went ahead and knocked on it, then waited for an answer.

[rockin_thehousedown]

Hans didn't even know what to expect as he squeezed onto Rik's hand a little more firmly than intended since his heart was now in his mouth. Fuck. He was so nervous he could feel sweat beads begin to form underneath his shaggy mane of blond hair. Then the knocking happened.

...

Hunter was just about to pour himself another glass of red wine when he heard the knock at the door. Gilly was in the shower, having only stepped into the hot jets a few moments ago. The Swede filled his glass up quickly and then went to the door. Pulling it open the Swede immediately clapped eyes onto Hans and felt all the blood drain from his face. It was like he was seeing a ghost standing in front of him. Gasping, his wine glass slipped from his hand and smashed onto the floor making the carpet bleed a crimson red colour. Staggering backwards into his room, Hunter clapped a hand over his shocked face and gasped, feeling his legs give way as he sat on the end of the bed. Nearly collapsing back onto his bed he felt tears well up at the corners of his eyes.

"H-Hans? Är det verkligen du?"

The singer's words were rasped; his throat suddenly dry. He wanted to run. This wasn't real.

[suomi_thunder]

Aarne squeezed past Rik and Hans to help Hunter to make sure he didn't fall as he made his way to somewhere to sit. The drummer hugging their singer as his eyes went glassy. "It's alright doll."

Aarne tells him and then whispers. "Vars brought him to visit us because we miss him a lot."

There wasn't any lie there. Rik glances at Hans and then Billy. "Can you handle your brother?"

Rik worried about the bitching and jealousy making things worse for Hunter and Hans both. He gave Billy's hand a squeeze before turning back to Hans. "Lets go sit?"