stories from the city; damon albarn

62-

It had been a few weeks since the original premise of the whole Deux Moi message had come up. Neither Damon or Chloe had demanded the account to change its stance or to delete the post. They were intent on being radio silent on the matter, as Damon put it, he didn't think there would be many older or younger fans of either of them that would go through the trouble of stalking them.

Chloe wasn't so sure about that. Ewan had managed to get quite a few of those in their time together, and it had led to a quite extensive security detail and added security on their homes. A luxury she had decided to keep post divorce as she'd learned how many freaks were out there in the world. Besides it was better safe than sorry.

However, tonight on the table for the two of them had been the fact that Gorillaz was playing at some festival somewhere outside the city of LA, and Chloe had been set up to shoot the damn thing, and well, also be there because Damon was.

It had actually kind of turned into a family gathering, as Maxis Erlich was in town for a project with someone, yes the man is still kicking, and Chloe's own kids and whoever they'd chosen to invite had tag teamed along as well.

Huddled in a backstage area, Damon Albarn was prepping for the Gorillaz set while Chloe Erlich fidgeted with her camera. While she preferred the familiarity of her older cameras, she had to admit that the newer and better technology got, the easier it became for her to get better shots. Hell, even her own kids who'd taken up the hobby enjoyed it.

Somewhere behind the two in the distance stood Alf with a few of her friends, sheepishly talking to some of the other people who'd managed to get backstage. Although the girls were the only ones repping Artist Passes.

And even further out, May and Della were off drinking with Missy Albarn in tow with them. Damon's daughter had made the trip out and as a celebration, the three had gone drinking prior to the Gorillaz set- seeing as they'd all heard the band multiple times in their lives.

"How's your camera?" He asked, a light smirk on his face "Ready to make me look all pretty?"

"I'd get fired if I didn't."

"Hm. Fair enough." His smirk changes to a grin and then he kisses her on the forehead before she can stop him.

"We're adults, who the fuck needs to worry about a Deux Moi?" He says softly. "Besides. You're divorced. I'm single, well, taken by this lovely woman at the moment. Perhaps you've-"

This conversation is cut off by the appearance of Maxis Erlich, who seemed to be overjoyed by what he was watching unfold. "Might I say something?" He asks. He also doesn't wait for an answer. "I've been waiting for this to happen for years. You don't understand how thrilled I am."

Chloe rolls her eyes. "Dad." She says warningly

"You told me to stay away from your daughter multiple times Maxis, how was I supposed to know?" Damon asks coyly

He raises his hands in defeat "Fine. You got me. Call me a protective sprite. Have a good show and oh, happy hunting Chlo."

With that he stalks off, going to spend time with Alf and her friends. Probably going to introduce and cause some shock factor for the crowd of people around them. That tended to happen whenever Maxis ventured into the states, or to crowds in general. He had a way with words, or a way of making people scream his name. Pun intended.

"What are your plans for after the show?" He asks gently, watching as the countdown begins on stage for him and the rest of the band to go out and start

She shrugs coyly "I don't know. Maybe catch a drink with my boyfriend. Not sure yet. You'd have to ask him."

He chuckles "Don't let your boss see." Before he kisses her promptly on the lips and then dashed onto the stage, jumping right into Feel Good Inc. Because why not please the crowd first?

As the graphics for the all too familiar characters also filled the vibrant screens, Chloe started to do her work, dashing down towards the barricade to capture most of, or all of the show through her lens.

She found herself more attracted to Damon's own position on stage, the way his sunglasses sat on the peak of his nose and his hair seemed lighter in the stage lights. She adored how he seemed to be perfectly in place and control of controlling and keeping the attention of thousands. As if there was nothing in the word that would've put him more at ease.

The rest of the show went similarly.

And finally, as it ended, she found him sweating, pulling off his ear ins and looking around the group of select friends and family huddled around. Her camera had already been loaded off, as Gorillaz social media team would handle the rest.

"How about that drink?" She asked before slipping him an ice cold bottle of water.

He takes it and then swallows a big gulp and chuckles a little "Give the old man a few minutes. Not quite what I used to be."

Chloe rolls her eyes and then says "Don't be too hard on yourself. You sounded good."

"Thanks Chlo."

He stands up and stretches going to wrap an arm around Chloe and saying "We'll go get that drink now. Security is here with everyone right?"

She nods and with that the pair was off.

They went to one of the few remaining open bars, deciding on one that was packed. So that no one would pay attention to them, even if they were recognized.

Drink in hand and carefully tucked away on the far side of the room, Chloe and Damon sat, quietly talking over the murmurs of everyone else in the room. It was relatively peaceful, occasionally someone would pop over to say hello and that was about all.

"I've got to be honest, I miss when festivals were casual." Chloe says abruptly, looking over the crowd of dressed up people around them, all dressed to the nines, while the pair were dressed casually in jeans and what not.

"Award shows are the real kicker." Damon says, finishing his drink. "Used to show up in a windbreaker, now I have to buy a suit." He grumbles a little

She snickers, moving closer to him. "Your attitude hasn't changed at all. Has it?"

"You tell me." He murmurs quietly

Chloe shrugs "I don't really think so." before placing a peck on his cheek, and then leaning against him a few minutes later.

"No longer scared of Deux Moi?" He teases lightly, whispering in her ear.

"I don't care. I'm in my fucking 40's. And I'm divorced. I'm allowed to fuck whoever."

He grins and pulls her tighter, wrapping an arm around her gently. "That's the Chloe I know."

As the two enjoyed their night of seeming solitude at the bar, and their children seemingly had the time of their lives at an after party a few miles away. It was unbeknownst to all of them that there were more than a few peeping eyes at the festival, all of which felt a little bit more than friendly.

A few tables away from Chloe and Damon, someone snapped a pic of the two, finding it cool that two of the UK's elder stars, and an original nepotism baby were in front of them.

And at an after party, someone was curiously watching the actions of the group of four. And another scoped out Maxis Erlich nearby with his grandchild.

All of which had good intentions, that seemingly, in turn, sparked a lot of controversy and problems.