Someone You Really Love // A Damon Albarn Romance

43 - Lockdown Life

2020

Damon's POV

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When the news spread that there was an outbreak of COVID, we took this opportunity to head down to Devon and hole up at the farm.

It was scary all this unknown but if any comfort it was that the whole world was feeling it in some form or other. I know I needed to use this time to get loads of thoughts and ideas down with the guys and possibly get a new project together.

I'd been doing various solo/side projects over the years but I know fans were dying for something new from Blur. What never ceases to amaze me is seeing younger fans come to shows...and younger women, that makes me laugh really. Who'd have thought being in this industry over 30 years by now that there'd be girls (and guys) lusting over you like that. I understand for Mare that it's the same situation for her too. But that's what's unique and great about our relationship, we both understand what each other goes through.

I know the kids find that weird but also funny... social media which is purposely avoid is fully available to them and god knows what kind of content they see about me!

A routine was gradually formed and I'd use my days up well so a healthy family and work life balance was established. Something I did not want was for the family to feel abandoned in anyway, and I know that it something Mare and I had spoken about in the past especially during particularly hectic periods.

So mornings would be get up 6am roughly and have my breakfast while checking out the days news (no chance of lockdown lifting yet with more restrictions being put in place), followed by a zoom call that would be on throughout the day with the guys while working on new music ideas and discussions that we made a point to end at around 5pm, then family time which was the ideal way to unwind.

Unwinding meant a glass of wine and some weed, much to Mare's disapproval but again, she knew when to back off and allow me to do what I needed to chill out after a long busy day. Fuck I love her...it's actually astounding to me that a love and attraction for someone could be as long-lasting as it has. She just gets me and all my flaws, but I guess that's just what love is, and the whole concept of soul mate.

She's my soul mate.

Also our sex life has never truly dwindled and in all honestly is just as strong now as it was when we first met. Even though I'm older and feeling a fat mess (she constantly tells me to shut up when I say that) she's still so fucking beautiful, we can still keep up with each other in the bedroom (or anywhere for that matter ha!) and sex aside, for her to have stood solid by me all these years and love me through some shit moments of self-doubt and depression, she's always without fail been a rock solid pillar for me, and the fact we've got three gorgeous babies from our love is testament to that, I don't know what I'd do without my family.

In times like these where we have been forced to be together for a long period, and our 'bubble' has made me appreciate this so much more and I know Mare agrees too.

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Maryanne's POV

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While Damon was kept busy with this routine he'd carved out, and the kids kind of kept to themselves during the day or chilling in the surrounding farm area, I decided to get fully involved with doing decorating and doing art. I'd never really been one to get hold of a paint brush and get messy with various colours but this was an incredible eye-opener to any channel of expression.

My latest creation was what I'd call '2 become 1', and inspired by the Spice Girls song I let the brush do the talking. A myriad of subtle colours starting from the edge of the easel and curling it's way inwards, I viewed it as a representation of Damon and I's creativity and bold expression meeting together in the middle and the explosion of bright paints being our love.

I hadn't shown Damon this yet, but didn't feel there was a need to yet unless he came down to the art studio. He wanted this to be my space and let me do what I could with developing a hobby. Occasionally I'd pop my head around the door to ask whether he'd needed a drink or bite to eat during the day but otherwise I'd leave him to his own devices.

We still managed to keep things spicy between us, I'd got into the habit of buying some new sexy lingerie...I got such a thrill out of seeing Damon's reaction to me walking out of our en-suite bathroom wearing the laciest material possible that barely covered anything.... I'd get a response like "You're gonna give this old man a heart attack", but I'd usually shut him up with a kiss and say "well, since you insist on calling yourself an old man, I must say you do verrrry well and the way you carry on in bed I'd never think you were 'old' as you say....mmmm"...

I was brought out of my sexy reminisce by Damon who had appeared behind me and wrapped his arms lovingly around my shoulder, saying "I'm done for the day Mare, let's go and have a glass of wine on the garden deck...", "of course, great..I'll be out there in a moment". He gave me one more quick kiss on the cheek and he left the room, I stared after him longingly just appreciating what a lovely partner in life I had.

Taking one last glance out the massive wrap around glass windows of the studio I saw a startlingly brilliant sunset happening and went to join him outside. I see Marley, Alex and Antonia were chilling on some deck chairs on the patio and knocked on the window scaring them then stuck my tongue out.