Terror Twin [Def Leppard] #Wattys2016

XXIX: Wasted

"Steve, you're gonna be staying home for a while."

"Well, yeah. I have been for the past few months. We've been writing, remember? We don't go on tour until the next album is out, and we've still gotta finish." Steve plopped down on the bed next to Phil.

Phil shook his head, frowning.

"No, no.. Listen, babe. Me and the guys were.. talking. About how you walked out on rehab in January, and how you've been these past.. six? No, seven months. And they- we, decided it would be best for you to take some time off from the band. They feel- I, feel, that the band has been putting a lot of stress on you, and that's why you've been having these, um, problems wth alcohol."

Steve squinted, placing a hand over his hip flask protectively although no one had attempted to take it away.

"You mean to tell me you send me to rehab, leave to my own devices for almost a year, and then kick me out of the band-"

"We aren't kicking you out!" Phil cut in, shaking his head. "Just, a break. A six month break. It's for the best."

"That's what you said about the center, and look what it did to me." Steve motioned to himself, frowning. "We could've called these past months a break."

"No, Steve. No writing. Just pretend Def Leppard doesn't exist for six months. I'll be staying with you, like always. Think of it as more time for us, y'know? We're gonna try to get you through six months without a drink."

Steve was hesitant. It's for the best, the words echoed in his mind.

"Starting when?"

"Tomorrow. And that doesn't mean drink all your shit tonight. Work yourself off it, y'know mate?" Phil murmured, placing his hand over Steve's.

"Easy for you to say." Steve rolled his eyes. As he stood, Phil reached for his hip and snagged the flask off his body.

Steve whipped around, but did not grab for it when he spotted the flask in Phil's lap.

Phil silently watched his lover stalk out of the bedroom.

August was rolling around the corner, and 1990 had been flying by, as the rest of 90's soon would. Sales on Pyromania continued to go up, and even the first two albums had gained a following because of it. Phil had even heard Bringin' On The Heartbreak on the radio a few times, and although he was not apart of the band or wrote any part of that song, he still felt his heart swell up with pride when the announcer said, "Def Leppard". Writing for the next album had begun, and a few songs were almost ready to be recorded, but with Steve not "working" his best anymore, and Phil's time was used helping Steve as best as he could, not much had been getting done. Joe hadn't fought his way through writer's block since Hysteria, and they had even considered using those two songs that had cut out in '87 on this next album.

Phil sighed heavily, closing his eyes for just a moment. The moment turned into a minute, then a few, and Phil was asleep on the bed before he knew he was slipping.

•

Joe wrapped an arm over Sav as the smaller man snuggled up to him on the couch, partially hiding under a blanket from the horror movie playing, but he'd never admit it. It was almost over, and Sav was wondering what they would be doing after. He was afraid of an awkward silence.

The movie had been an escape to the fight that had occurred ere, and Sav wasn't sure how to fix the hole forming in their relationship.

Over Steve.

It pissed him off. Majorly. Why should their friend's problems be ruining their love life?

In the end, Joe had flopped onto the sofa and flicked it on, and Sav had apologetically joined him with tea for the both of them a few minutes later.

Sav realized he had spaced out, the movie was over, and Joe was asleep. He sighed softly, sitting up with the blanket wrapped around his body like a burrito.

Joe opened one eye.

I guess he wasn't asleep.

"You look cute like that." The dyed-blonde smirked, pulling Sav back down on top of him, the tension of earlier forgotten.

Sav giggled, finding himself held tightly in strong arms.

"Love you, Elliott."

"Love you, too, Rick."

Sav rolled his eyes, laughing softly. "You know I hate it when you call me that."

"You know I can call my husband whatever I like."

Sav raised an eyebrow, heart quickening. "Huh?"

"Oh, nothing." Joe chuckled, taking Sav's face in his hands. "You're so beautiful."

Sav laughed lightly, mind reeling from the previous remark.

"Thanks, babe.. can we go to bed now? I'm sleepy." Sav wiggled his way out of his boyfriend's grip and stood up, and Joe followed suit.

"Yeah, baby-"

The phone rang in the corner.

Joe grimaced.

"I'll be down in a minute."

Sav went along and headed down the hallway while Joe answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's Phil." The voice replied, obviously weak from crying.

"Mate, are you alright?" Joe asked, his concern showing through his voice.

On the other side of the line, Phil shook his head, sniffling.

"Y-yeah, man. Y'know, I don't even know why I called. It's fine. I'm fine."

Joe squinted.

"Phil."

"Nah, it's cool."

Phil was forcing a smile.

"W-well, alright, if you say so. Ring me tomorrow if you need me, we're going to bed now." Joe smiled softly, running his fingers through his messy hair.

"Okay, yeah, thanks. I won't need to call."

"Alright.. see you soon."

"G'night."

Joe hung up the phone, feeling a bit contradicted. Perhaps I shouldn't have let him go.

"Joe?"

"Coming, babe." Joe trotted back to the bedroom, phone call forgotten for now. He was welcomed into bed with open arms and kisses.

"Feeling a little feisty, huh?" The singer laughed, pinning Sav down.

"Nah, I'm just playin'. I want to cuddle." Sav grinned cheekily. Joe rolled his eyes, laughing breathily.

"I'm cool with that."

"Good."

Sav pulled Joe into his arms, burying his nose in his lover's hair.

"I really do love you, babe, you know that?"

"I know." Sav smiled softly.

"I'm sorry about earlier."

"It's okay."

Joe pushed out a content sigh, smiling softly as his lover snuggled his nose into Joe's collarbone.

"Goodnight, baby."

"Goodnight, Sav."

•

The next day, Joe popped the question.

And of course, Sav said yes.