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We Meet Again	By : LindaG Category: Singers/Bands/Musicians > Savage Garden Views: 2076 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the members of Savage Garden. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
Disclaimer: I own some Savage Garden CDs and some DVDs. Other than that, I don’t have any claim to Darren or Daniel, or anyone else mentioned here, other than my support characters. No harm intended.

A/N: And all good things come to an end. At least I hope it was good. I hope you enjoyed it. I want to thank all my readers, and especially all my reviewers, for staying with me through the telling of this story. It’s fiction, but we can hope… Songs in parenthesis
are: Where You Want to Be, I Can’t Ever Get Enough of You, and What You Like by Darren Hayes; and The Best Thing, I Knew I Loved You, Truly Madly Deeply and I Want You by Savage Garden. My thanks to LQ for a very necessary Beta.

Rated: R

We Meet Again – Pt 21

They went to the hospital after breakfast. Doctor Fellowes was in, and agreed to meet with them.

“That wheelchair has worked wonders. I want to thank you again for making it possible so quickly.”

Darren waved off his thanks. “Happy to do it, Brian. Listen… what sort of bills have they run up here? I got the impression that they need help there, too.”

“Pretty steep,” Brian nodded. “Medication, therapy, in-patient care—”

“Well send the bill to this address,” Darren handed Brian a piece of paper. “We’ve already told our accountants to expect it.”

Doctor Fellowes nodded. “Happy to do it. Thank you again.”

“Is there any way we could see Natalie this morning? We’re going to be quite busy soon, and ard ard she’s to be released.”

Brian nodded. “Friday. She’s doing quite well. Meals are over, so I don’t see why not. I’ve got a little free time, so I’ll just accompany you to see we have no trouble.”

As they entered the children’s ward, a squeal rang off the walls. Everyone looked around, and moments later, Darren jumped back into Daniel as a flash of red in a wheelchair flew by.

“Natalie!” Doctor Fellowes called sternly.

The red flash disappeared around a corner, closely followed by a spiky haired young boy with the fastest crutches they had ever seen.

Darren chuckled, and glanced at Daniel. “Sorry.”

Daniel grinned, and prodded his shoulder gently. “No worries. She looks happy.”

Doctor Fellowes led the way into the room where the children had disappeared.

“Natalie. Tomas. What have I told you about racing in the hallway?”

“I almost beat her that time.” Tomas grinned, oblivious to the doctor’s serious tone.

“Natalie, you should listen to the doctor. What you were doing was very dangerous. You could hurt someone. I very nearly hurt Daniel trying to get out of the way.”

Natalie quickly spun her chair at the sound of Darren’s voice, and knocked one of Tomas’ crutches out.

Daniel grabbed the boy before he could fall, and Darren simply looked at Natalie with one eyebrow raised.

Natalie blushed. “Sorry, Tomas.”

Tomas grinned and balanced himself on one crutch, nodding when Daniel handed him the second. “No worries, Nat. Just not as quick as you.” He turned and hurried out of the room, bouncing off the doctor with a mumbled “sorry” as he did so.

“Hello Darren, hi Daniel.” She spoke meekly.

“You need to be more careful, Natalie. I know you’re young, but you know right from wrong, don’t you?”

She nodded, wide eyed.

“So you’ll slow down, won’t you.” Darren nodded while he spoke.

Natalie nodded quickly, looking somewhat guilty; but the sparkle in her eye told more, and Darren couldn’t stay serious. He smiled as he shook his head.

“Natalie, what’s this I hear—oh! Mr. Hayes, Mr. Jones.” Natalie’s mother Sylvia stopped short, seeing them in the room.

“Please, just Darren, Mrs. Walker. I was just telling Natalie that she should to be more careful. Nearly ran us over when we got here.”

Mrs. Walker sighed and shook her head at her daughter, who managed to look honestly apologetic this time.

“What have I told you, Natalie?”

“But Momma, I had to beat Tomas. You remember how often he beat me last week.”

“Not in the hospital, dear.”

“Mrs. Walker, I’m going to be performing at Rumba this year, and I’d be honored if you, Natalie, and your husband would come as my guests.

“Oh, Momma! Can we? Please, Mum, please!”

Sylvia raised her eyebrows, and made a great show of looking uncertain. “Well, I suppose… but ONLY if you start behaving right now. You can’t be careless at Rumba, with all the people who will be there.”

Natalie nodded vigorously. “I will Momma. I’ll try very hard!”

“Now, how good is Natalie at keeping secrets?” Darren asked.

“Sometimes she’s very good,” she said with a slight frown, tapping a finger on her crossed arms. “It took her four months to tell us her hamster died.”

Darren’s eyebrows rose at that, as he chuckled and shook his head. Daniel grinned, too.

“Well, Natalie, I have a secret to share with you and your mother, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else, because it could hurt Daniel if you did, and that would make me very sad.”

He looked at her seriously, and she quietly nodded her head. “I promise, Darren.”

“Daniel is also going to be there when I sing.”

“Really?” Her green eyes widened as she looked up at Daniel, who smiled and nodded.

“And he might need a friend, because he’s a little uncertain. Big crowds can be scary.”

“Ooh. I’m not afraid. If they scare him, I’ll just chase them away!”

Daniel smiled broadly at that. “I’d appreciate that, Natalie. Thank you.”

“We’re going to get there a little early so that we can get settled quickly and let Daniel get used to the crowd without being in it much. A bus was rented for the band, but we’ll send a limo for you.”

Natalie nodded sagely, as if he were telling her something she’d already known. She put her arms around his neck, and looked at him seriously.

“I’ll help him. Don’t you worry.”

Darren’s eyes widened as he grinned, then smiled. “Thank you, Natalie. I appreciate that.

He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and she let go. She turned and raised her arms toward Daniel. His eyes widened, but he stepped forward and knelt down. Natalie put her arms around his neck, and pulled him close.

“I understand how you feel. All those strange faces,” she nodded. “But you don’t need to worry. I’m used to crowds, what with school and all. I’ll help you.”

She kissed his cheek, causing him to blush. “Thank you,” he said, speaking as seriously as she had.

“Well, Danny. I’m afraid we need to be going now.”

They hugged Natalie again, and Darren gave Mrs. Walker a hug, too.

“Take care, and we’ll see you at Rumba!”

The next three months were filled with rehearsals. No other interviews were granted; and Darren and Daniel remained within the protected confines of Daniel’s home when not rehearsing.

Daniel attended several phase two meetings with his Anxiety group, going more frequently as the date for Rumba neared. He invited them all to attend as his guests, admitting he would need the support if they felt they could give it. They all agreed heartily.

Sony agreed to a modification of Darren’s contract, provided he promoted his second album, which had been on hold since he had left so unexpectedly.

After a long talk with Daniel, he agreed to the promotion, provided they arrange nothing till after the New Year, in 2007.

“I’m still nervous about that, Daniel.”

Daniel smiled warmly. “I know you are. But it’s best for all concerned. You don’t know how happy I am, that you agreed to fewer concerts.” His arms went around Darren’s shoulders, pulling the shorter man back against him, as he leaned his head on Darren’s
left shoulder and kissed him on the cheek.
u neu need more though. I know that. And it’s okay. We can do this. You can fill your need by promoting your solo work. I’ll visit you occasionally, and you can come here when you need a break. That will give us next year to plan and start creating together again.”

“What about my home in San Francisco?”

“A winter retreat?”

“Would you come in summsummer?”

“Sun, surf, you. Why not?” Daniel’s low voice teased, and Darren chuckled, resting his head back on Daniel’s shoulder. “Much better than cold, Brissy that time of year.”

“I’d like that. There is so much I’d like to show you. And we are not so well known there, face-wise. I think you will enjoy it.”

“Mmm. Especially if you are there.”

“I’m here now,” Darren turned his head, and ran the tip of his tongue over Daniel’s jaw.

Darren grinned as Daniel’s breath caught in his throat.

“How much time before they pick us up?”

“Enough, if we’re quick.”

Daniel pushed his hips against Darren’s arse, and Darren laughed.

“As I said, we’d better hurry.”

Daniel was smiling shyly when a horn sounded.

“That’ll be our bus.” Darren sighed almost sadly. “You still sure?”

He didn’t want to know the answer, but knew he had to ask the question.

Daniel’s shy smile widened. He placed his hands on each side of Darren’s face, and gave him a quick kiss.

“Yes,” he replied simply, his low voice still rough from their lovemaking.

They each picked up a small bag they had left by the front door earlier, and went out to the bus.

“Darren!” “Daniel!” “Hey, guys!”

Daniel nodded to everyone, a small grin on his face. Darren grinned widely, nodded to Ben, Lee and Rick; gave Charisse and Nadine each a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.

“So, you guys ready for tonight?” Darren asked them.

“Yeah,” Nadine nodded, smiling.

“I must admit, I’m a bit nervous,” Charisse said. There’s going to be a lot of people there.”

“You’ll be wonderful,” Darren encouraged. “Don’t worry. Just relax. Think of college. Imagine you’re at one of the functions you
sang at, and go with the vibes. And don’t worry if you make a mistake. I won’t be too hard on you,” he grinned. “I mean, even I have been known to make a mistake now and then.”

Choking laughter and a chorus of ‘no’s’ filled the bus. Darren smiled cheekily and took the jibing gracefully, plopping down to slouch against Daniel, who took the hint and put his arm around Darren’s chest.

“So where is Leo?” Darren asked.

“She went on ahead to be sure all your guests arrived unhindered, and make sure there was a space for the bus toward the back when we get there.”

“How you doing, Dan?” Ben asked from his position beside Lee.

Daniel blushed, and tightened his arm unconsciously. Darren put his hand on Daniel’s thigh in response. “I’m pretty nervous, actually.”

Darren began a gentle rubbing motion with his hand. Daniel’s anxious gaze turned to Darren’s concerned one. He smiled bashfully and caught Darren’s hand in his own, took a deep breath and exhaled nervously.

Darren smiled reassuringly. “Just remember. No matter what happens, I love you and I’ll stand by you. Whatever you decide.”

Daniel nodded silently.

Soon they were pulling onto the activity grounds. The bus slowly moved around to the back of the stadium and through the special entrance that allowed such large vehicles to enter the venue grounds. They saw Leonie waving, and soon the bus halted. Everyone got out to wander around and take in the sights and activities being offered.

“Don’t worry about your instruments, Dan. I’ll take care of yours and mine.”

“Thanks, Ben.” Daniel smiled.

Leonie came in and gave Daniel a hug. “How are you, Daniel?”

He nodded. “I think I’ll be okay, Leo.”

“I need to steal Darren. We need to talk with the promoters, and do two interviews for his new album.”

“Leo.” Darren’s voice rose in his warning tone.

“Hey, Daz,” Daniel hugged him and kissed his forehead. “Go. Be the Diva. I’ll be okay.”

“Okay, Danny. If you’re sure.”

“Have you seen Paul or Natalie and her family?”

“Paul and his group arrived about two hours ago. Natalie and her family arrived thirty-five minutes ago. I’ll let them know where you are.” Leonie answered understandingly.

The sunbeam smile of a relaxed Daniel lit the bus. “Thank you, Leo.”

“I’ll have him back before stage time. Will you want dinner?”

“No,” Daniel chuckled as he shook his head. “You know I can’t eat before a show, Leonie.”

“Okay. See you later.”

“Behave.” Darren said, kissing Daniel lightly on the lips, before following Leonie out.

Soon there was a knock at the front of the bus. “Daniel?”

Daniel smiled, and went out to meet Paul and the others.

“Hello Paul,” Daniel nodded and greeted everyone. Paul, Ryan, Derek, and Quinn all shook hands. He hugged each of the girls as he greeted them; Jana, Marcy, Abbi and Kayla all said hello in return.

“How are you doing, Daniel? Are we going to see you up on the stage?” Paul asked seriously.

Smiling broadly again, Daniel nodded. “Yeah. I’m nervous, but I’m looking forward to it. What about all of you? I understand you’ve been here for a while. How are you doing?”

Laughs. Smiles. “Fine. Better than expected. Thanks so much for inviting us. We’ll be cheering you on!”

Daniel reddened, looking down shyly. He nodded in acceptance of the good-natured razzing.

They chatted for almost two hours. Daniel was surprised how quickly the time had passed when he saw Darren coming up with a huge smile.

Darren greeted everyone, excusing himself afterwards to get on the bus and change. He came out a few minutes later, and gave Daniel a hug.

“How about a kiss for good luck?” He begged, giving Daniel his most forlorn gaze.

Daniel sighed and rolled his eyes. “You’ll be great, Dazza.”

“Don’t you love me?”

Daniel smiled, put his hand behind Darren’s head, and pulled him in for a crushing kiss. Darren sighed when Daniel finally released him and then he smiled widely.

“Thanks, baby. See you soon.”

He hurried off.

“We’re going to be going, too, Daniel. But only if you’re sure you’ll be all right? We want to be there when you make your appearance.”

They all said goodbye. Hugs, handshakes, and kisses on the cheek and they were gone.

Idly, Daniel wondered what had happened to Natalie. Perhaps she was entranced with the music. Or perhaps her parents had decided that the stadium and ground lights were not sufficient for her to go running around in her wheelchair. His lips curved in a small grin as he remembered her mad dash through the hall of the hospital. He closed his eyes and smiled gently as he heard Darren’s unique voice carry out into the dark of night.

[Hey there stranger do you remember ou wou were a part of my life

Early December, think I remember

Sentiment cuts like a knife

The seasons are changing

Life’s rearranging

Full of good times would have beens

It’s all your fault and where’ve you been

And how time goes and how I don’t even know

How to fill in the spaces of love you erased from my life]

“Daniel? Daniel Jones?”

Daniel stopped, and his heart skipped a beat at the sound of the incredulous tones. Eyes wide now, he turned slowly.

“Michelle—” his low voice whispered fearfully.

“What are you doing here?” She accused. “Here I am, looking for my boyfriend Chris, and instead I find you! “I thought you were afraid of crowds!” Her voice taunted acidly.

“I—I—” he shook his head slightly in denial.

All of the words and sentences he’d learned, that had helped him, froze in his mind as the flat of her hand collided with the side of his face.

“You’ve been lying to me all this time, haven’t you?” Her hands crashed into his chest, pushing him back into the side of the bus. “Haven’t you?”

Daniel cringed as she raised her hand again, unable to take his eyes off her face.

Suddenly she screeched, and went flying backwards.

“You leave him alone!” Natalie threatened as seriously as her young voice was able. She backed her wheelchair up, keeping her attention on Michelle. “My Dad will be here soon!”

Michelle hissed. “You little brat!”

She lunged for Natalie, and Daniel’s paralysis vanished. He grabbed her.

“No, Michelle! I won’t let you hurt her.”

“Take your hands off me!” She screeched and struggled in his grasp, kicking and hitting.

Darren poured all of himself into the song. All the emotion the song demanded. Turning the anxiousness he felt inside, into the pure tones that had become his trademark sound. Caressing the mic, imagining it to be Daniel, as he had always done before.

[While I was busy perfecting the art of deflecting compliments

I took it too far

Now let it rip, one right through my heart

Battle stations we’re building

You and I just build apart]

Michelle managed to knock Daniel away, and made another lunge for Natalie. He scrambled frantically, and grabbed the bottom of her suit jacket as Natalie’s parents appeared. Seeing her daughter in danger from the crazed woman, Sylvia Walker screamed. John Walker ran up, and helped Daniel subdue the woman. Rumba security finally showed up, and took control of Michelle.

“Oh, Natalie. Are you okay, baby?” Sylvia hugged her daughter protectively.

“Mum!” She squirmed, and pushed her mother away.

“You all right Mr. Jones?”

Daniel was still watching the way Michelle had been taken. His jaw was clenching, and he was shaking. He looked down when someone tugged on his shirt.

“Daniel!” He heard Paul calling to him, but he simply stood staring at Natalie.

She smiled brightly up at him and tugged on his shirt again. He crouched down, and she threw her arms around him.

“I told you I would help you.”

“Thank you, Nat. I couldn’t have beaten her without your help.” He hugged her back.

“Daniel, Darren’s almost finished, what is going on?”

[I’d settle for somebody to hold me now

You know that I’ve been up and up and down,

Picked up and spun around

I’d do it all again

If I could just have somebody to hold now

Just need somebody to hold now

Could somebody hold me now?

Just want somebody to hold me

Do it all again...]

The audience clapped and whistled wildly. Darren turned toward the back of the stage. Tears filled his eyes. He had been so sure Daniel would be there. What had happened? His shoulders hunched as he looked at Ben. Saw the same sadness mirrored there that he felt. They had known this might happen though, and they had practiced for it, but Darren’s heart wasn’t in it any more.

The mass of people quieted, murmuring questions as the silence on stage grew longer. Darren nodded toward Ben to start the second song. He frowned when Ben’s sad expression was replaced by a smile, just as arms wrapped around his shoulders.

“Am I too late?” Daniel’s low voice carried clearly over the mic that Darren still held in his hand.

Darren turned inside the embrace of Daniel’s arms, disbelief on his face as he saw Daniel smiling at his confusion.

“I thought—I thought you’d—”

“I’ll explain later. We have a concert to do, don’t we?”

The crowd erupted—a cacophony of screaming, clapping and whistling. If there were any negative cries, they were lost in the flood of sound. Darren smiled, and hugged Daniel briefly before turning back to the expectant people.

“What do you say, Brisbane? Are you ready to Rumba?” He called out to the crowd through the mic.

The audience screamed their approval, and they launched into the rest of the set list.

Darren closed his eyes and sang.

[Well I know that I have only ever held your hand

But just one touch is more than enough to understand

There's a master plan

And although I know I don't believe in destiny

Maybe it found me...]

The crowd swayed. Girls screamed and cried. Daniel’s eyes and smile were fixed on Darren as he performed.

When they began I Knew I Loved You, Darren moved to stand beside Daniel, singing to him, and the crowd roared hysterically. Daniel lost himself in the music when they began I Want You, the crowd screaming and clapping madly. Darren played to them, dancing and gyrating. Encouraged the crowd to join in. Basked in the energy being released. Elated that Daniel seemed to be enjoying himself. He introduced their new band and girls screamed loudly for Ben and Lee.

“And of course, you all know Daniel Jones,” he motioned toward Daniel as he walked up and put his arm around Daniel’s neck, giving him another quick hug as the crowd applauded and screamed wildly

They performed Truly Madly Deeply, and the audience breathed a collective sigh as Darren once again sang to Daniel. Daniel smiled shyly, his eyes never leaving Darren’s.

The audience applauded and screamed again as they performed The Heart Wants What it Wants, and What You Like, becoming almost fanatical when Darren fell to his knees in front of Daniel, singing.

[I can learn to feel the light again and listen

I can hear your demands I know I can do it

Give me one more chance Baby here I am]

Before they started on The Best Thing, Daniel nodded toward the back of the stage. Darren could just make out Natalie, hiding in the shadows. Daniel motioned to Darren and he walked over, surprised when Daniel held his hand out for the mic. He smiled, his eyebrows raised with curiosity.

The audience quieted expectantly.

“I—uh, I’d like to thank you all, for being such a wonderful audience—”

More screams and clapping.

Daniel looked down at the foot of the stage, and smiled as he saw Paul, Ryan and the others of his group waiting. The crowd quieted again.

“It’s been a bit of a battle for me, to get the confidence to perform again… but tonight I have someone I would like to thank especially. Natalie, could you come out here, please?”

Darren turned toward her, smiled and waved her forward. Daniel grinned, surprised that the impetuous girl was shy now.

He smiled, and she slowly moved her wheelchair forward.

“If not for Natalie, I probably wouldn’t be here tonight, so Darren, if you would, close our set by singing The Best Thing to Natalie?”

He handed the mic back to Darren, and Darren smiled broadly.

“I’d be happy to, Daniel.”

The audieapplapplauded as Daniel began the familiar guitar riff, smiling at Natalie. She ducked her head nervously when Darren began the song facing the audience.

[Never want to fly

Never want to leave

Never want to say what you mean to me

Never want to run

Frightened to believe

You’re The Best Thing about me]

But when Darren turned back and began singing to Natalie she smiled hugely, lacing her fingers together, and holding her clasped hands under her chin as she watched him.

Darren outdid himself for the last song. Singing and dancing around Natalie, drawing Daniel in, singing to him, too.

When the song finished, the audience went wild again. Screaming, cheering, whistling and clapping frantically. Daniel hugged Natalie, who sat grinning and speechless. Darren bent and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“From all of us, to all of you, Savage Garden is back and we’ll see you next year!”

Darren waved everyone forward tasp asp hands in what had become their traditional finish. Nadine and Charisse each took one of Natalie’s hands, including her in the bow. Daniel saw Paul, and his group of new friends waving and cheering too, and his smile beamed.

A couple of stagehands ran up to help Natalie down, as the band waved and began to move off. Rumba finished for another year.

“You did it, Danny,” Darren threw his arm around Daniel’s shoulder and pulled him close. “I’m so proud!”

Daniel hugged him back. “Thank you, Darren. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“What say we go home and celebrate?”

Daniel grinned, and pulled him in for a kiss re tre they got on the bus to go home.

The End… or perhaps, a new beginning?
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We Meet Again