Fragile Tension (Alan Wilder x Martin Gore)

13: The Shoulder To Weep On

"Hi, this message is for Mr. Martin L. Gore; the analysis of your glucose test results showed a successful pass of the one hour test and you tested negative for gestational diabetes. Congratulations! For more information, please contact your GP. Thank you!"

"What a relief!" Martin exhaled, hanging up the call.

"I knew you could do it, baby." Alan's nose scrunched up as he smiled, his pride unfathomable.

Reaching his arms out, Alan allowed Martin to fall into his arms where he held him tightly.

Stroking Martin's head, he pressed his lips together, his brain like clockwork. He wanted to do something for his partner in return for his constant strength. What that something were to be, he struggled to know.

But an idea soon hit like a meteor against the planet.
~~~~~
Five months of travelling the world had begun to take its toll on the band, date after date. However, with as much perseverance as they could conjure, they had completed one hundred and fifty-two days and nights of laughing, crying and making memories that they would hold onto for the rest of their lives.

The fifty-third was about to unfold.

"Alright, guys, this is it!" Juli hustled and bustled. "This is the very last one so let's make it good!"

No different to every other night, the bandmates prepared in their dressing rooms.

"Can't believe it's all over after tonight! I'll miss making ya look pretty." The makeup artist giggled as she touched up Martin's makeup.

"It's gone really fast, which sounds crazy, I know. You'd think it'd go by at a snail's pace, considering the fact I'm... You know..." Martin replied, one hand secured on his stomach.

"Oh I know," She took out her eyeliner pencil with another giggle. "I have to say, Mart, I think it's amazing that you've managed a full world tour whilst pregnant. That's a bedtime story for the future!"

"Hah, I suppose it is. I don't really know how I've managed it myself, honestly."

"You're stronger than you know; I know Alan would agree with me on that. You're going to make such an incredible parent. Not long now, is it?"

"No, just under two months." Martin factualised, the daunting realisation that it wouldn't be just he and Alan for much longer overwhelming him. "Which is, scary..."

"That's sure to go by quickly, but don't stress yourself over it. Baby Depeche wouldn't want ya to!"

"Baby Depeche?"

"Yeah... I like it..."

"... I see ..."
~~~~~
"Can everyone except Martin for obvious reasons please hurry?" Juli called out.

At that moment, Dave and Andy's doors opened.

"Sorry, Mum." Dave joked.

"Bad idea," Andy whispered as he nudged his bandmate.

"It's like you're asking for a slap in the face, Gahan." The touring agent said through gritted teeth, trying to intimidate him.

It worked.

"Alright, alright, I'm genuinely sorry." He re-apologised, backing away subtly.

"Good." She shot back with a still stern tone. "On that bombshell, we're on in two minutes. Could one of you do me a favour and ask the other three if they could possibly quicken up a little?"

"Sure," Andy didn't hesitate in taking himself out of the awkward situation at whichever opportunity.
~~~~~
The muffled screams of their final crowd could be heard all around them.