& if it's fate, our paths will cross again x3

Chapter 1: Martin is a small boi

At some point in 1979 or 1980 ffs

I'm on my way back after a long day of work, eating some food from a takeaway because I don't have time to eat properly. My watch shows me I have just ten minutes left until I'm supposed to meet my band for another session. But this one will be different. Vince invited that one guy to join us. He was totally fond of him when we coincidentally heard him sing David Bowie's "Heroes" the last time we met and thought he might make a good vocalist for our band.

"We really need someone to sing our songs, Martin. As you know I'm not the best singer and you don't want to sing either. We could really need someone like him, somebody who knows many important people and is popular in- and outside of Basildon." He was right of course. I'm not the type to stand on a big stage singing and maybe dancing. I couldn't do that anyway since I'm supposed to play my synthesizer, the main reason Vince wanted me to be in his band. Dave, that's what the boy is called, doesn't play an instrument, seems to be extroverted and is indeed friends with important people. But nevertheless, I always liked Vince's voice, even if I never told him.

Exiting the train, I check the time again. Five minutes left, which means I will be late. Every day was the same. I worked at the NatWest bank and rushed to Vince for our band sessions without any time to eat or even change my clothes resulting in me always arriving in my suit I've been wearing since 7 AM chewing my fast food.

"You're late, Mart." Vince says, the sentence he uses perpetually to greet me. "Hi Vince, sorry for that.", I reply, going over to Andy to give him a hug. He's my only real friend. We've known each other for nearly ten years when we met at school and he introduced me to Vince which, after many incidents, resulted in us forming our actual band "Composition Of Sound". "Where's Dave?", I ask. "Oh, he's coming soon. Vince wanted him to be here twenty minutes later because he knew you'd be late as always."

A knock on the door. He's here. As soon as he enters the room, the whole atmosphere changes immediately. Of course, he's the only one not wearing a regular suit, having tons of hairspray in his hair and a piercing in his nose. "Good evening, thanks for inviting me. My name is David Gahan but you can just call me 'Dave'." After first greeting Vince and Andy, he's coming over to me. "I'm Martin Gore." is the only thing I can say, being quite intimidated by his demeanour.

We're rehearsing our songs and he seems to be doing well. After our last song, Vince says: "You know, we should really decide if we want to be serious artists or just some hobby musicians. I want it to be serious and I want to be successful which means we have to fully concentrate on our work. You have to quit your jobs. Dave, I'd be pleased if you want to stay in our band. And Martin, you know you can't be late every damn time." He's right of course, but can I really quit my job? What if we fail?

Andy says he'd think about it and Dave agrees that he'll stay in our group and do everything he can to get a record deal. "But not with that name.", he says. "'Composition Of Sound'? We need something new and unique. I'll think of a better name until we meet again." He's giving Vince and Andy a hug and finally comes over to me. "I don't know if anyone's told you that before but I really like your hair.", is what he whispers in my ear while he hugs me. "Uhm... thanks, I like yours too", I reply awkwardly. He's going shortly after Andy leaving me alone with Vince.

"Mart", Vince is calling me back as I'm about to put on my coat. "Yes Vince, I'm sorry for always being late. I will think about quitting my job and I want our band to last." "What did Dave whisper in your ear?" - I'm surprised, why would he care? "Nothing important, he just told me he likes my hair." Vince laughs, I've never really seen him laughing before. "You know Mart, I think it's a shame we know each other so little even though we're in the same group and went to the same school. Don't you think we should spend some time together besides our band sessions, you know, just to get to know each other better?" "Uhm yeah, why not?" I reply quickly. "Great. Are you free tomorrow evening? We could meet here or drive to London and go to the cinema or anything" "Yes I am, see you tomorrow then." I put on my coat and hat, pick up my suitcase and leave.