Chapter 6

                                    

                                          
In between travelling and playing shows over the next month, Steve had found himself drinking more, accepting anything that Rocket had to offer. His partying had spiralled a little more - all because he wanted to get through until the LA show that was now days away. Half the time he didn't even know what state he was in, but knew soon they would be playing overseas. There was still a few months of the tour left, and everyone was crossing their fingers more for Rocket. He'd be up until dawn after the shows and would then sleep all day until it was time to get up and do it all over again. 
Tony was becoming annoyed with just how many interviews with magazines the lead singer was missing - each time a new excuse being given. Today was Rolling Stone, the band being their cover feature for next month's issue. For once, Rocket was awake and although hungover, he knew where he was. They sat on the tour bus, the interviewer with his recorder to hand, smoked and drank - all under Tony's watchful eye. 
"Can I get back to the girl I left in bed now?" Rocket finally heaved himself up once the interview was over and the reporter had left. 
"No". Tony simply stated, "You're getting your ass in gear and going to sound check". 
Rocket stared at him, quite possibly still under the influence. "I don't need to sound check. I sound fine - it's these bastards that need the practice". 
"Hey, don't be a dick because you were interrupted getting your own sucked this morning". Steve snapped at him and made his way to the door. "I'll be on stage if anyone wants to bother joining me". 
Rocket snorted. "What got his panties in a twist". 
Tony glared at him. "If you don't all clean it up? Then I'm sending you all to rehab - you lose your fans, your money and getting your dicks sucked every night by a different girl. You really want that? You're going that way". Then pushing Rocket out of the bus. "Get to the fucking stage and sing like you're actually sober - you were off key last night". 
Saying nothing more other than giving their manager a cold stare, Rocket swiped a new bottle of whiskey from the side and stormed off the bus to go backstage. 
After their check, Bucky flopped down next to Steve in the dressing room and offered him a cigarette. "You made you're daily phone call?" He asked, flicking the lighter and lighting up. 
Glancing at the clock, it was almost 3pm. "She still won't talk to me. I've sent the tickets for the LA show and still she says she's not coming". He lay back and closed his eyes, inhaling the relief that was his cigarette into his lungs. "She thinks I'm an asshole". 
"Probably because you are". Bucky snorted, "But in all seriousness, she may surprise you and turn up". 
"I'm not holding out any hope. I stopped with the flowers because it wasn't even worth it, she's worth more than  something that just wilts and dies". 
Bucky frowned. "But is she though? You met the girl once and fell for her almost instantly. Plus you were under the influence of this shit". He produced a bottle of alcohol and also some pills in a container. "How'd you know if she's actually worth the hassle of fighting for?" 
"Because she doesn't want me. She doesn't care - and that means she'd probably not want me for being the guitarist of Asgard. She wouldn't want me for the name, the sex. At least I'd be able to trust her not to screw me over". 
The bassist nodded. "Good point", now shifting to get comfortable. "With Nat? There's no shit. No drama, she just overlooks what we have and what I do. It's casual - we both wanted that much. Plus I know she doesn't stand for my crap which makes me like her all the more". 
"Same with Maggie...something about a girl not throwing herself at me and it's actually appealing". 
"Thrill of the chase pal". Bucky chuckled and toyed with his cigarette. "Nat's coming to LA, she may be able to convince Maggie to do so if I asked?" 
Steve groaned and shook his head in disagreement. "Ive done my begging, I don't need you to do it on my behalf". 
"It ain't begging if I ask nicely. I'll drop the hint when I call her tomorrow and see what she says". 
"Thanks Buck..." 
"Now...what are we gonna do about Rocket? Because he's one more drink away from killing himself". 
Steve shrugged. "No idea. Just let him carry on - after the tour it's down to Tony and the rest of management to decide what we do. If anything, I may just check myself in as well. Clean up a little". 
"And would Maggie be the reason why?" 
"Maybe. Maybe not - let's face it, it probably won't work anyway. I'm not exactly gonna change my ways drastically. Perhaps just try and get the alcohol intake down a notch". 
Bucky shrugged. "Whatever you say". 

**
Nat put the phone down and headed out to the bar with a grin. "So we just booked Hydra to come play for us next month!" The sound of cheers echoing around the bar. 
Hydra were another big name that had been going for just a few more years than Asgard had. The lead singer, who went by the name of Schmidt, was usually recognisable for his red scarf and ring that was the band's logo. Maggie wasn't really a fan of their stuff, but to have them play there would ensure a nice pay check was coming everyone's way. 
"Mags! Come here for a sec". Nat beckoned her over and took her to one side. "So...I was talking to Bucky earlier..." 
"Let me guess, a message from Steve?" 
Nat shook her head. "I'm going to the gig, come with me. You have the ticket, we'll stick together and if you wanna leave then you can. Please? If you're not gonna do it for Steve then you can do it for me at least?" 
With a heavy sigh, Maggie knew that this just wouldn't end and then painfully nodded. "Ok, but anything I don't like? I'm leaving". 
"Promise. Besides we need to babysit the kid - he'll get slaughtered in there if he's backstage with them after , and I promised May that they wouldn't lead him astray". 
"He already is just by working here". Maggie pointed out. 
"Yeah, but she doesn't need to know that". Nat smirked knowing that Peter's aunt wouldn't be seen dead in a place like this. She was simply calling in a favour for her neighbour whose nephew needed to make some money. No one cared anyway, and Peter sure enjoyed it. 
She'd given in. "Ok I'll go to Assgard's stupid gig". 
"Assgard". Nat chuckled. "I like that, I'm gonna start calling them that from now on", walking away and still laughing until she was well inside of her office. 
Great. Now it looked as though she was a pushover, but no way was Maggie going to let Steve have the satisfaction of thinking that she was attending because he wanted her to. She was only doing this for Nat.