stories from the city; damon albarn

28-

Damon Albarn was getting more and more pissed with the new absence of his Chlo-Bird especially seeing as how close she'd been to the actor Ewan McGregor recently. He hated to say it, but perhaps he felt jealous.

Even as he played husband and wife to Justine and Heroin, he missed the feeling of Chloe, how he didn't need drugs to feel high, or happy. He could create something just by looking at her. Lyrics could flow easier.

But apparently the Trainspotting star was more to her tastes than him.

She'd been ignoring his calls, invitations out, and hadn't even spoken to the rest of the boys.

He'd had to learn of her activities through the papers, or worse, hang out with her brother Kendal Erlich- whom he was not a fan of in the slightest.

Kendal was a snob, who was loved in America for being Maxis' son and for fronting the ever so cock-rock band Waverlength. He was an attractive lad, and record labels ate him up. But those in the UK had never really understood the hype for him.

He was a child of nepotism with nothing good to offer, unlike his siblings.

Joan was a little minx on the runway, who had a walk that was incomparable, besides, she was a tease you couldn't even think about getting near. She'd snap your hand off if you even tried.

Chloe was an insanely talented photographer, and besides, she had a way with words, a way of saying something so simply but also making it sound so brilliant and profound you'd think twice.

She was a writer. He'd managed to see a few of her pieces when he'd come to her house. Hell, he'd even stolen a page to site as inspiration. But he was scared to use it. Ever.

And then there was Hans Erlich, the estranged sibling and beloved comedian and late night host.

The one who had cut off his family when they'd noticed his own drug addictions.

He seemed like a funny enough fellow, the kind you could get a drink with, which was why Damon made the inquiry with his management to appear on his show, to perform with Blur, or for some sort of interview.

Sure, he was anti-American, but the host was an honest Brit.

And it would catch Chloe's attention.

He could imagine it, the angry look on her face, seeing him on her brother's sofa, discussing his music, his band, his pride and joy. Oh yes. One Erlich for another. What a treat that would be.

Especially if they shared a similar love language.

To his surprise, a few days later, he'd received a call from Hans Erlich.

"I hear you're inquiring about my show Damon.." the voice drawled on the phone

"Yes, I think your bits are funny. Would make for a good show, don't you think?"

"Not particularly. I'm an American late night host. You're a popular band in the UK, not in the Americas."

"But you're a Brit, perhaps you'd make an exception for us.." he says calmly

Hans scoffs "Please be honest about your intentions. I'm not an idiot."

"What intentions?" He says, playing dumb

"I've seen you with my family. Specifically Chloe. You could go on any late night show if you wanted to, in fact how many times have you been on Jools Holland? I'm sure that Letterman or Leno would have you as well."

"You're young. You're late night for the youth, you and your thousand dollar leather jackets."

Hans chuckles "So you've heard that story?"

Damon sighs "I know plenty. And I'm just looking out for my band. America would be good for us."

That was a lie. Graham would most likely pitch a fit at the idea of going to America to partake in some overly dramatic American TV show, despite the host being a Brit.

"Hm. That leaves my family as a matter."

"What does it matter?" Damon asks "They can't control your show."

Hans sounds surprised "I know that. But I figured you wouldn't want to hurt anyone. Especially not fall out of good graces with Maxis."

Damon rolls his eyes "I don't need backing from an old cunt."

"Old cunt? That's new."

There's a few minutes of silence before Hans resumes talking. "My management will be in touch with a date Albarn. However, I'm in town. If you want a real good time and fancy a drink, I'll be out at my favorite pub later. See if you can recall where."

And with that the line hung up.

What was with these Erlich's and sending everyone on wild goose chases?

It seemed to be a common thread with them, and seeing that they were all raised by a family of eccentrics, it kind of made sense.