They were scheduled for the last performance of the night. Just before the final award was to be given out for Best Overall Recording Artist of any genre. This was the ultimate award, that would put the winner above all other recording artists that were nominated, it certainly would prove their fame and popularity was truly legitimate. They headed to their spot backstage to wait for the commercial to be over so they could perform a collage of music during their seven minute time slot. Demetri had compiled three of their most popular songs together which shortened each song but with smooth but exciting traditions.

  “And now for your viewing pleasure, with music from their award winning best selling album ‘Endlessly Forever', here is ‘Nobody In Particular’!” The announcer said with enthusiasm. The lights were low and it was dark and the professional lighting crew had timed out a perfect lighting effect for each song and transition. The song started out with an erie sounding white noise of ambiance, then delicate piano as Remington sang the lyrics smoothly demonstrating why he had won the award for best vocal performance.

  ??There's emptiness and isolation

  Dark times surround you

  You're reaching out into the void,

  hoping for guidance and rescue ??

  The song grew more intense as Alt smashed out the heavy bass drum beat.

  ??You're the reason

  I'm like this

  You're what could've fixed me

  The thing I held onto

  even when it was sinking

  You guided me,

  then just vanished

  How could you just leave like that

  And abandon me completely??

  ??You're my dark star,

  lighting up the night

  Fading away,

  and it feels like

  I'm losing light

  I found my lost self

  in your eyes

  In this cold world,

  I'd watch you breathe,

  I'd stay alive

  In the dead of night,

  you went dark on me??

  The lights dimmed and it was dark. The ambiance intensified. A soft piano tune began to play in the dark then Vezaias's lovely voice spilled out into the large room. A spotlight illuminated Vezaias as he sang. The rest of the room was dark. There was a thunderstorm that could be heard as if in the distance. A huge LED screen brighten the stage and thunderstorm footage could be seen.

  ??You promised you'd return,

  You promised you'd return,

  that's what you said

  beforfe you left me.

  You’re torn between

  wanting you to stay

  and needing distance

  Your presence is

  overwhelming

  me right now??

  ??I hope you understand,

  I hope you feel

  The world gets cold

  when you don't hold me

  The sky is grey,

  the colors fade

  And petals fall,

  lost in the wind's shade ??

  ??Should I chase

  or should I wait for you?

  Move on or stay stuck?

  Do you see me dancing alone?

  Can you hear my desperate cry?

  Is it ignorance or selfishness

  that makes you stay away?

  You told me to wait,

  but I'm running out of air

  I hope you know I'm suffocating??

  There was an eerie echo effect that carried Vezaias's voice away into the room as it darkened again.

  ??I break apart,

  into broken arms

  Embracing fate,

  exposed and raw

  Drifting from all I've known

  Wading alone

  into the dark ocean

  A castaway,

  drowning in waves of pain

  Emotions dead,

  lost in the undertow ??

  ??Oh, whoah,

  I'm adrift without you

  Oh, whoah,

  will I ever make it through?

  Oh, whoah,

  you're gone, and I'm still here

  Oh, whoah,

  stuck in this eternal yearning

  Oh, whoah,

  Endlessly forever??

  ??I wander lost,

  in the dark of night

  Star-crossed,

  searching for a guiding light

  But it's nowhere in sight

  Oh, North Star, shine your light

  In my darkest hour,

  I'll wait for your call

  I'll wait for the day

  you break through the walls

  I'll be waiting, I'll be waiting ??

  ??Oh, whoah,

  I'm adrift without you

  Oh, whoah,

  will I ever make it through?

  Oh, whoah,

  you're gone, and I'm still here

  Oh, whoah,

  stuck in this eternal yearning

  Oh, whoah,

  Endlessly forever??

  The song transitioned again very dramatically and the intensity grew drastically.

  ??Blinded and lost,

  without your lead

  You were my compass,

  my way back home

  I'd stay up late

  just to see you breathe

  But now you're gone,

  and it's dark on me??

  After their performance they were able to return to their seats and wait as the Lifetime Achievement Award was given out to a long time veteran of the industry, then afterwards the biggest award of the night was next.

  “…..and the winner for best overall recording artist goes too…..” There was another long nerve racking pause as the envelope was opened and the results were read.

  “……. Nobody In Particular!!” Everyone was astounded and erupted with excitement. The celebration was fierce as they made it to the stage. They continued to hug each other and expel their emotions as Vezaias stepped up to the microphone.

  “There is always hope even among the darkest of times. You could be crushed, alone, broken, stagnant, unstable, misunderstood, bullied, heartbroken, abused, homeless, scared, but there could be a light at the end of that tunnel, you could end up with everything you have ever dreamed about, if only you do not give up and find the light that's hidden in the darkness, look to the sun because we're only here for a moment in the light. I dare each of you too accept yourself as you are right now, then accept everyone around you. You're beautiful and alive. What more could you ever ask for?” Vezaias announced. The room erupted with applause. Everyone headed backstage.

  The interview was very celebratory. Several journalists just wanted to congratulate them, or ask how they would celebrate after they left tonight. Of course there was an afterparty set up for immediately after the show where the band members would be able to celebrate. Many of their entourage were invited including their stylist, equipment managers and several other people involved with the band directly.

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  “So we will head back to our hotel room where we have the banquet hall reserved for an afterparty.” Vezaias answered the question.

  “And what exactly does the future hold for Nobody In Particular?”

  “Definitely more music.” Demetri answered. “We already have plans to release another album.”

  “We will also be talent scouting to sign bands when we launch our own record label.” Vezaias answered.

  “When will this happen?”

  “Soon. Our studio is operational. We just need to find the talent we are hoping to work with. We will be making much more progress very soon.” Demetri answered.

  “And what will your label be called?”

  “OTSR, short for Owning The Stars Records. Our manager has already received a ton of sample music that we need to sift through.” Vezaias answered.

  “What genres are you hoping to sign?”

  “I don't think we are going to put a restriction on genres but it has to be music we can identify with. If we vibe with it, then it doesn't matter what genre they claim.” Demetri said.

  “When is the wedding?” Remington immediately blushed at this.

  “Well we haven't set a date yet, but we have been planning it.” Remington answered.

  “Are the other two partners of the relationship unhappy about the wedding?”

  “Eph and Lux are both thrilled about the wedding, and they know if I could marry them both too then I would, but that's not legal. They are going to be a major part of the ceremony and afterwards we will all take the honeymoon together.” Vezaias explained in amusement.

  “How do you structure your group relationship and deal with things like jealousy?”

  “On a normal day we are all together as a group. We all feel very comfortable around each other on a daily basis. We also each take time out to go on one-on-one dates with Vezaias. If someone is feeling left out or jealous we are supposed to communicate this promptly, then we reevaluate and prioritize giving that person more attention.” Remington explained.

  “Of course I would do anything to make sure each of my life partners feels happy and loved.” Vezaias explained.

  The awards were over. Everyone rode via limousine back to the hotel. Vezaias was already two more whiskey shots deep by the time they made it to the hotel’s banquet hall. Soon there was a very active celebration with dozens of people that were involved with the band in one way or another. Vezaias was content to sit on the sectional leather sofa and drink another whiskey compliments of the prepaid full service bar. He watched as Remington, and Ephraim chatted with some of the crew about being at the awards. Lux however was far too antisocial to talk with anyone and opted to sit next to Vezaias as if to be protected from the overwhelming social situation. Vezaias sipped his drink as he overheard a conversation just across the seating area.

  “Common so I can introduce you to Mystery Writer.” It was one of their makeup/hair stylists leading another young man over to where Remington was. “Hey Mystery! Do you have a moment?” Remington was more often than not way too polite and gave his stylist his full attention. “This is my cousin Uzique. I brought him here to meet you.”

  “Oh, he is a fan?” Remington asked politely. Uzique hadn’t attempted to make any sort of eye contact yet. In fact he seemed uninterested in the interaction by gazing off into the distance while wearing headphones with a hood that hid some of his face underneath plus he was fidgeting with his hands.

  “Well not just a fan, he is also a great singer. You should hear him. He is fantastic. I heard you were talent scouting and I thought maybe you could give Uzi a chance at….” Vezaias got up and intercepted the conversation.

  “Excuse me, Rem, I think Lux is getting a bit overwhelmed. Perhaps you could calm him down.” Vezaias said politely.

  “Oh of course. I'm sorry Jackie. I will talk to you later about this.” Remington walked away with Ephraim close behind him. Vezaias gave Jackie a nod then turned to leave the situation. Jackie was eager to continue the conversation. Jackie was a very peachy kind of person both in personality and skin tone, with highlighted sun burnt orange hair and hazel sage colored eyes.

  “Vee, before you go…” Jackie interrupted. Vezaias paused, looking mildly annoyed.

  “I was just telling Mystery about my cousin. His name is Uzique. He is a vocalist and if you are talent scouting I think you should listen to him sing. He is very…”

  “I’m sorry but now is not the right time to do this. You can have him call Zach to set up an appointment.” Vezaias interrupted.

  “I've talked to Zach and he said there aren't any appointments available. You are a busy guy I know! Just give Uzi a chance. Please!” Jackie beseeched. Vezaias was irritated now. He looked at Uzique who seemed to be distracted by whatever music he was listening to via his headphones while not paying attention to Vezaias or the conversation at all.

  “Well it's nice to meet you Uzique.” Vezaias began looking at this guy curiously. Uzique only shrugged.

  “Are you sure he can sing? He isn't even talking.” Vezaias said flatly.

  “He can for sure! Uzi, maybe you can join the conversation and give Vee a demonstration. He is very busy, you know.” Jackie said, elbowing Uzique in the ribs.

  “It's loud in here.” Was Uzique’s only reply.

  “Heh, look I'ma be honest with you. I've had a few drinks already so I'm not really in the fit state to be critiquing anyone's vocals. That's usually Dem’s job anyway. Besides, this kid won't even cooperate. Seems like he isn't even interested in being a vocalist. If you are a lead singer you have to command the attention of a room full of loud people or you won't make it as a vocalist. If he still wants to try, just tell Zach to squeeze you in anywhere.” And with that Vezaias turned away and went back to the couch. It was only about five minutes later when Vezaias had refocused on drinking his next double shot of whiskey when suddenly the music cut out and Uzique climbed up on the table then burst out into singing.

  ??The day you left this life,

  the world went grey

  This place feels empty,

  in a different way

  We waited for a sign,

  a glimpse of love

  But you were gone,

  and I'd say you'd had enough??

  ??You whispered my name,

  I felt the ache

  As your eyes fogged up,

  and then the break

  Your soul slipped away,

  like it couldn't take

  the pain anymore

  You looked at me,

  like you knew it was time ??

  ??Take me away,

  from this endless pain

  Take me away,

  Nothing will never change,

  Take me away,

  to a place I'll be free

  'Cause here,

  Nothing will never change, ??

  Uzique silenced suddenly after screaming out these lyrics in perfect acapella, then jumped down off the table then began to walk away.

  Vezaias was stunned at the bold move and even more impressed by how good the vocals actually were. He got up quickly to catch Uzique but Demetri had already intercepted him.

  “Hey, your vocals are really good! Who are you?” Demetri was asking as Vezaias approach. Uzique only seemed to slouch away from the attention.

  “His name is Uzique. He is here with our stylist Jackie.” Vezaias answered for him.

  “Oh okay, so do you have your own band?” Demetri asked with interest.

  “No he doesn't. Nobody has ever heard him sing before.” Jackie said matter of fact after approaching. “That's why I've been trying to get him an appointment to your talent auditions, but the schedule filled up so fast that I couldn't get him in.”

  “Where is Zach?” Demetri asked.

  “He's at the bar.” Vezaias said keenly. He kept an eye on Uzique and the unusual way he behaved. He seemed to be closed down now while listening to whatever way playing on his headphones.

  “Zach!” Demetri called. Zach came over quickly to see what the situation was.

  “I don't care how busy the schedule is, please fit Uzique into our next audition. Alright?” Demetri pressed.

  “You got it Dem. I will write him in as soon as I open my computer.” Zach said. “I will need his contact information.” Jackie was quick to write down everything Zach needed, then afterwards they left the party promptly. Vezaias returned to his seat to continue to drink his whiskey and sit with Lux, Remington and Ephraim. Demetri soon joined them.

  “Man, that kid had some lungs on him.” Demetri commented.

  “He did. Doesn't seem to talk or interact much though.” Vezaias added.

  “Yeah, strange.” Demetri said in consideration.

  “Don't call him strange.” Vezaias pressed suddenly. His group automatically caught the implication. This was the same defensive tone he took with all three of them when they would get called an insulting name.

  “I wasn't calling him strange. I was more referring to the whole situation. Him jumping up on the table so suddenly, Jackie talking for him, him not seeming to be interested in the conversation. I don't mean it in a negative way. It was more unusual in an interesting way.” Demetri clarified.

  “Sure.” Vezaias said flatly, then he seemed to exit the conversation by becoming aloof and drinking his whiskey. Eventually the party ended and everyone ended up in their hotel rooms to sleep. In Vezaias's case it was more like passing out after getting drunk.

  He woke to the sound of the hotel room TV. He rolled over with a groan wishing the room wasn't so bright.

  “Zay?” He heard from above him. He blinked open his eyes to see Remington looking at him.

  “Ugh why is it so bright in here?” He groaned.

  “It's called sunshine.” He heard Lux who sounded amused.

  “Fuck off Lux.” Vezaias mumbled.

  “Do you need something? Water? Pain pills? Food?” Remington said in concern.

  “Yes, all of the above. Exactly in that order.” Vezaias mumbled.

  “We have bottles of water, but not pain medication.” Ephraim said from out of view.

  “There is some down in the lobby for sale. Will you go and buy some?” Remington asked.

  “Yeah.” Ephraim said.

  “I'll go with you. I can't smoke in here, and I need a cigarette.” Lux added. He had been slow quiting smoking for some time now. They both left quickly. Remington made sure to give Vezaias a bottle of water then another after he chugged the first one. He settled back into bed and pulled Remington into his arms and began to rub his hair out of his face.

  “We're on TV. They are talking about the awards and the winners, plus there is going to be a top best dressed review on Good Morning City.” Remington said mildly.

  “Yeah?” Was Vezaias only reply. They laid and watched the morning talkshow until Ephraim and Lux returned. Ephraim quickly handed Vezaias a dose of Tylenol then settled in front of the TV to watch the anchor talk about the winners.

  “…..and the biggest winner of the night was Nobody In Particular who won a record breaking six awards last night with awards for best song, performance, and lead vocalist in a rock/metal group, plus best new recording artist, best overall album, and best overall recording artist. They are the first band to ever win both new recording arts as well as best overall recording artist at the same time. The previous record for awards to an independent group is four, boy did they smash that record! Our journalist Robby Daniels spoke with them after each of their wins and here is what they had to say:” The show cut to the footage of the band members being interviewed backstage after each awards they won.

  “Aww Zay you look so handsome.” Ephraim said in awe.

  “If looks could fucking kill.” Lux said rhetorically.

  “I was so lucky to have Zay next to me on that red carpet.” Remington beamed.

  “I was so nervous.” Vezaias replied.

  “You don't look nervous.” Ephraim said.

  “He always looks devilishly confident.” Lux said seriously.

  “Rem you look bashful.” Ephraim snickered.

  “I was overwhelmed by my date’s proximity.” Remington said as he blushed.

  “I couldn't help it. There were so many people looking at you. I felt pretty jealous. I tried to control it as best as I could but I couldn't help but hold onto you as if my life depended on it.” Vezaias said smoothly. Remington blushed and fidgeted. Vezaias smiled smoothly at him and began to kiss his neck very lovingly. Remington was now aching intensely.

  “Knock it off guys, look they are going to talk about style now. Vezaias haulted his exploits and glanced at the TV.

  “…..and now on to our style expert for his analysis on who looked their best and who may have missed the mark.” The style journalist began to talk about who's style was the best while cutting to clips of the red carpet footage of each person. Remington and Ephraim both seemed very interested in this review while Lux didn't seem to be paying attention.

  “….and here we have our biggest winners of the night, the independent band ‘Nobody In Particular' who were all dressed in Versace’s fall lineup of grungy croc printed line. I think they all coordinated well, while not matching each other exactly, they did seem to look unified with these pieces…” there were shots of each band member on screen now.

  “……I think if I were to say who my favorite was it would have to be Vee, with this streamlined croc silk shirt, with a jacquard faux leather blazer with gold accents. Plus he can wear eyeliner better than anyone I know. I love how he can just show up to a formal event all disheveled while still managing to look godly. He definitely looks like a vampire hunter royal wedding chic. I give him my vote for best dressed of the night….” Ephraim and Remington both snickered at this.

  “Captain obvious over here.” Lux commented while sounding bored. Vezaias only looked amused.

  “…Now on to his Fiance, Mystery Writer who wore a corresponding suit, with a smooth shine buckle top, then a quilted croc effect buckle knit blazer. This fabric is classy yet comfortable, and he definitely pulled it off well especially being tucked under the arm of his Fiance who had enough fierceness to go around! I'd say they did a wonderful job picking pieces that seem to fit who they are as individuals as well as a cohesive group.” One style anchor explained

  “I know I would be happy to stay plastered to his ribs the way Mystery was!” The other anchor said.

  “And that's our slay of the day! Back to you Ken!”

  “Zay that guy was flirting with you over a newscast!” Ephraim said with a laugh.

  “Hmph, seems a little too ‘Yas queen!’ for me.” Vezaias chuckled.

  “They were right though. You looked very attractive last night.” Ephraim said.

  “For sure, Zay. You definitely had me bothered.” Remington said, gripping Vezaias's shoulders snuggly. Vezaias smiled smoothly again.

  “And you three looked just as fine. I feel like I was the lucky one to have all three of you with me.” Vezaias said. He pulled Remington closer and began to kiss him. Soon Ephraim was coming closer and wanting attention.

  “What about me?” He said meekly.

  Vezaias was now pulling him down and kissing him eagerly. They took turns licking and digging their mouths together. Remington adjusted to sit on Vezaias's hips while running his hands down Vezaias's body then moving downward to free what he wanted from under the athletic boxers that Vezaias wore. Ephraim felt Vezaias's breath quicken as Remington now choked himself to pleasure Vezaias thoroughly. Meanwhile Lux watched from his seat at the desk and was soon so aroused by the threesome that he was stroking himself as if this were a personal private show for himself to enjoy. Vezaias was now focused on Remington who worked his mouth very diligently. Ephraim noticed that Lux hadn't joined the group and sat not far away watching and pleasuring himself. Ephraim was enticed by this and decided to approach him.

  “Lux?” Ephraim said softly and he sat on the foot of the bed watching Lux jerk himself.

  “Mm?” Lux hummed.

  “Aren't you going to join?” Ephraim asked.

  “I was enjoying the view.” Lux said huskily.

  “Do you want some help with that?” Ephraim asked. Up until this point Ephraim had only been penetrated by Vezaias. Of course Lux and Remington had touched him, kissed him, even given him oral, but so far neither of them had even been all the way inside of him. This wasn't the case for Lux who had been penetrated by both Vezaias and Remington.

  “If you would like to help…” Lux said softly. Ephraim came closer and got down onto his knees then took over stroking Lux. Lux fixated on Ephraim as he worked. Soon Ephraim was on his feet and kissing Lux while still rubbing him. He felt Lux breathing heavily and enjoying himself.

  “Ephraim….” Lux panted and their body rubbed together.

  “Yeah?” Ephraim said softly.

  “You're beautiful.” Lux mumbled. Ephraim was bright pink now and turned and backed up to sit feeling what he wanted and never had before pressing at the entrance. Lux gripped his hips now urging Ephraim for more. He sank down letting Lux slide inside. He was immediately panting loudly and gripping Ephraim and burying himself deeper.

  “Oh Ephraim, shit…” He huffed in Ephraim’s ear. “Hah….you feel so fucking good….” Lux puffed. “Ahh, shit I'm so close, Ephraim. You're gonna make me….” Ephraim twisted to kiss Lux as he moaned loudly, taking advantage and licking deeply. “Ahhh fuck Ephraim…..shit…..” He panted harder. Ephraim removed himself and looked very satisfied at how adorable Lux looked after his climax. It wasn't over yet, Remington was still getting pounded by Vezaias while Lux was quickly ready to go again to make sure Ephraim would make it to his own finish line. This time Lux bent him over the edge of the bed and thrusted slowly but hard and deep making Ephraim wail in pleasure until they were both finished. Eventually the activity was over more because of the need to be responsible and do more than just fuck each other the rest of the day. They packed up and left the hotel room and returned to base where they took time to hit the gym, then shower and go to the kitchen to eat a meal before moving on to doing anything that was scheduled for the day. Vezaias ate a large meal then left his group to go tend to important matters while the others had some free time for a while. They elected to stay in the kitchen and talk about the details of the awards, then their immediate plans for the next few days. It was going to be a busy week.