Strictly Stories

Revelations

This one-shot is a request from @TudorPrincess12 with the prompt being about one of Steps having a kid, telling the rest of the band after they published their debut single. Hope you all enjoy reading and sorry that request took a while xx

_

Literally storming in the dance studio, Lee almost trips over his own feet. He stumbles, putting on his best faked smile while greeting his bandmates all cheerfully. He knows he's late for rehearsals, still wanting to appear cheerful though. "Sorry guys, I overslept!" he says, laughing faked. The truth is that he didn't overslept - but he doesn't intend to tell them; telling them about his secret kid. The kid that is the reason why he constantly arrives late to rehearsals - not that Lee is angry with him about this since it's clearly only his own fault as he thinks. 

"Don't worry, we didn't start yet." H assures his bandmate, slightly confused by this situation. Normally Lee seems quite happy and he did now too but still seemed different. Rather taken back.

"Good." he exhales, taking a seat next to them all in silence. While the choreography of their new song is explained, he barely is listening; his thoughts circling around something else. It's only when their choreography mentions their filming location that he's focused on solely him.

"And for your new music video, we'll be going to Cuba!"

"To Cuba?! This is fantastic!" Lisa cheers, applauding happily. Travelling was definitely something they all fairly enjoy about filming their videos although it's difficult to be away from home obviously. 

"Oh no." Lee mumbles, new thoughts appearing in his mind. Okay, his son could stay with his parents but still - he could say that though! Oh, why does it need to be so difficult?, he asks himself, blinking away a single tear that appears in his eye without him noticing. 

"Hey Lee, what's the matter?" Claire asks worried. "Are you scared of the flight? Our flight to Marbella was beautiful, wasn't it? See and even if I'm scared of heights too, flying is actually quite nice." she assures her bandmate, confused about seeing him so upset all of the sudden.

"No, it's not because of the flight. Well not only, it's because- because- can we all talk for a moment?" he half-cries, talking before even thinking of it. His bandmates share a worried expression before agreeing, looking at their crew apologetically before they're alone. 

"Go ahead." H says. "Mate, you're not going to leave the band, aren't you?"

"No I'm not. Guys, it's just- I don't know how to explain. I don't know if I can fly to Cuba with you. I don't know who will look after my-"

"Dog?" Faye guesses.

"My kid." Lee says without hesitating. 

"Your- your what?" Lisa asks loudly before shushing herself. "You- you got a- a kid?" she stutters confused. "How? I mean- not how but- but how?" she adds, her confusion being obvious. 

"When I was still in college, before joining the band I mean. There was this huge school party and everyone was fairly drunk, including me. A girl from my class and me- I mean, we liked each other but weren't necessarily in love but- you know." he stutters. "We're not in contact anymore though. So I'm raising him alone. I got full custody of him." he finishes his explanation, a weight lifted off his chest despite being scared of being kicked out of the band. "You're- you don't want me in this band anymore, I guess."

"What? First of all, don't you ever dare to think like that." Claire assures her bandmate. Sure she's surprised by this revelation but it's not like she judges Lee for it or wants him being kicked out of the band. "You should tell Pete though so our meetings and stuff can be arranged perfectly."