Riley chuckles and gives a slow nod in agreement at Jack's assessment of Billy being an acquired taste. Being friends with him for over 10 years, he knows this all too well. "Aye, I think with Billy you just need to be in tune with him and really get his humour. He's a mad extrovert. Have to kind of roll with the punches and function on the same wavelength. He really is sound though. Says he thinks you're a good lad too so there you go, you've been anointed!" Riley laughs and takes another sip of his freshly opened beer. Even though Billy's seal of approval doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things, it's reassuring to know that things will be cool should another group environment arise. Billy's not above showcasing his disdain for someone. "Oh, you'll definitely learn a lot with Ryan. Lad's got a tonne of great stories too. He's been at this, what, 20-something years by this point? Aren't you a lucky cunt? You'll have Hernandez giving you a masterclass in the music industry and you're learning how football really should be played from me." Riley gives a teasing wink despite knowing fine well Jack's lot are miles ahead of Leeds. When Jack mentions Mercedes acting as translator, he can't help but make the obvious joke. "Sorry, what were that?"

As the topic of demographics arises, Riley can't help but smile as that's an area of this job that has never ceased to amaze him and bring such feelings of joy. "Mate, you'll be surprised how many different people from all walks of life your music touches. You'll encounter folk like 70 year olds, 6 year old kids, young lasses who think you're God, lesbians who couldn't give two shits about what you look like, gay guys, straight guys, non-binary folk, people who don't even speak your language. Sometimes you'll look into the crowds and your mind is just absolutely blown by who your music resonates with." Riley swings in his chair a little, chortling at Jack's description of a Slug & Lettuce. "Aye, we've got one or two in town but never been invited or had the notion to go into one. Is it a bad reflection of me if I've been to a Spoons but not a Slug? Must be the absolute dregs of society, me!"

Riley laughs softly and gives a little nod when Jack states that he might still tell him to fuck off. "Absolutely fair, mate." Riley doesn't wish to come across as insensitive or a prying, nosey bastard. He simply wants to get a better understanding of his mate and what he's experienced. "How did your dad pass, if you don't mind me asking? If you don't want to get into it, I totally understand, lad." Riley gives Jack a soft smile, letting him know he's coming from a place of friendship and sincerity.

"Yeah, if Billy doesn't like you then you will absolutely know about it. So will the rest of the world." Riley confesses with a soft chuckle, hoping to make light of one of his best friend's more serrated side. "Good job you lads get along then. Was going to ask if you'd be up for coming to Dustyn's 30th at the weekend if you're up for it? I know it's close to Christmas so you might be busy but the little sod had to be the second coming and was actually born on the 25th. Saturday was the best we could do. Free booze." Riley playfully teases, as if the alcohol is what will sweeten the pot for Jack. "Talk of the Devil, your lad Ryan's invitation is also in the post but I'm wagering he'll be a no show. Him and Billy in the same room. Spirits being necked. Can only imagine the scenes! Don't let the potential violence put you off though." Riley cackles, imagining the chaos that would ensue in that environment but he's 99.9% sure Ryan and Ellie-Grace will send their apologies and won't actually show.

Riley smiles, feeling an excitement for Jack as he listens to his mate talk about doing his own tour. Being on the stage, seeing the world and interacting with the fans on a human, one-on-one level is one of Riley's favourite aspects of this crazy career path that they're on. "Mate, touring is one of the best experiences. Tiring at times but definitely worth it. There's always that sweet spot in a tour when you finally adjust to the travel routine, hit your stride and ride an adrenaline wave. It's just night after night after night of top tier, life-changing, euphoric experiences. You're right. The Ryan gig will be amazing but when it's your own name in lights and the roar of the crowd is just for you. Oof. Insane, lad." Even though he's well over a decade into the game now, Riley speaks with the same affinity and passion for it all as if he is still a fresh-faced newcomer. It's evident that he lives and breathes this stuff. He nods along with Jack's lovely sentiment regarding the inclusivity of his future shows. "Aye, that's what it should be. One big safe space for everyone. Just no Millwall fans, eh?" Riley flashes a teasing grin.

Asking such a personal question, Riley was prepared for a shift in mood and demeanour and that's exactly what he senses with Jack gets to his feet and starts occupying something different. Riley also stands up, consciously making sure to remain on the same wavelength of his good mate and not have the dynamic shift into some sort of counselling session or worse - a journalism piece. "Sorry to hear that, Jack. It must be tough. Fuck, I know it is." Riley stands against the far end of the mixing desk, gingerly leaning against it and making sure his arse doesn't accidentally sit on any important buttons. "Sorry for asking as well, lad. Was just a bit curious because I noticed a lot of similarities in our stories. Wouldn't you know it, that's how my dad went as well. He wasn't as hard core as your old man though. He threw in the towel after the first attack." Riley lets out a little chuckle, hoping to lighten the mood and deter from Jack's family life by poking fun at his own personal loss.

Riley and his best mate Jack are stood in the reception area of the prestigious Rosewood London, a 5-star hotel situated in the Holborn area. After hanging out and hitting it off as a group at Dustyn's thirtieth birthday party, Billy promised to organise another, much smaller get together with less distraction going on. In keeping with Billy's flashiness and refined taste, he has booked all four of them into this hotel despite the fact he could easily host them all in his London home. Riley also offered to put everyone up for the night but Billy insisted that only the best will do. He and Amelle had checked in earlier, agreeing to meet the guys downstairs before heading out and taking over the city.

Despite being one of the biggest names on the planet, Riley still feels a sense of imposter syndrome in these types of places. He curses Billy out under his breath, wanting his friend to hurry up so that they can leave. From the snooty aura of the staff and just the general grand design and scale of the place, Riley feels as if everyone in the vicinity is itching to remove these two loitering Northerners from the premises. "Come on to fuck, B...". Riley paces around a little, catching a glimpse of the street opposite through the rotating glass doors. He lets out a little chuckle and draws Jack's attention to outside. "Posh as this place is...they've got a Londis sat right across the road." The big yellow banner advertising 2 for £2 on McCain's microwaveable chips provides a stark contrast which tickles Riley.

"Alright you sexy cunts?" A chirpy Cockney voice bellows from the staircase, cutting through and disrupting any semblance of class and decorum expected at the Rosewood. A sharply dressed Billy and Amelle walk arm in arm down the grand stairs. They'd almost give the illusion of some sort of royalty if not for Billy's blue language.

Billy looks across at Riley and Jack, narrowing his eyes a little as he observes and listens in on the bantering going on between the two friends. He turns to Amelle. "Do you understand what these two are saying half the time?". He's half-teasing, half-serious about the question. Billy's aware that Amelle is not a native and both Riley and Jack have seriously thick accents. "You love the place, really. Remember when we saw that homeless guy with his trousers down at his ankles chasing after a seagull that nicked his crisps? You don't get culture like that elsewhere, darling." Billy snickers, teasing Amelle after her quip about wanting a break from the UK.

Riley chuckles as he sees his comment about the Indian restaurant hit a nerve. Billy's always quick with the jabs and purposely trying to get a rise out of folk so Riley loves being able to get in there first. "Sorry, lad. Sore subject Forgot. Totally slipped my mind!"

Billy shrugs and pouts his lip. "I'm good, bruv. I've done my healing and grieving. Just hope this Korean place doesn't bring back any trauma and heartbreak over your ex. Don't want you to get a waft of kimchi and start sobbing at the table." Billy flashes a coy smirk, taking back the upper hand as he pokes at Riley's breakup with Chaelin, a K-Pop star. "How long has it been since you've had some action now? What? 18 months or something...?"

Riley chuckles, shaking his head and turning to look out of the window as an avoidance tactic. "Aye, aye, shut your face..."

Billy leans over to Jack, lowering his voice to pretend he's doing it for Riley's privacy but he's still speaking at a rather audible volume. "Oi, don't let him take the piss out of your 60 second shags. Hamilton would give his right arm for 30 at this rate."

"Know what I fucking love? How it's like bloody United Nations in this cab. All different walks of life. I fucking love that!" Billy flashes a gleeful grin as he looks around and appreciates his friends. "All united by the fact that you all love me and adore basking in my presence." Of course the sweet sentiment would never last too long with Billy. "Babes, you don't wanna go to Dubai. They all try to look like me over there but they never quite succeed. Just be content with the real thing."

Riley nods in agreement with Jack, still a little rosy in the cheeks from the ribbing. "Aye, I suppose she was. Still, onwards and upwards, eh?"

"You're not getting up anything lately, Ri. That's wishful thinking!" Billy teases, reaching over and giving Riley a tap on the leg before turning to Jack. "Watch yourself in bed tonight, mate. I think even a lamppost is starting to look appealing to Ri at this rate"

Riley scowls and flips Billy the middle finger.

Billy cups the underside of his face and smiles angelically when Amelle states that there's nothing like the real thing. He's bantering along but his ego firmly believes the sentiment as well. "Don't worry, Jack. The beds are quite spacious. Sure all four of us could climb into one if we wanted to." He winds up the guys with a wink as he places a hand on Amelle's knee, caressing it gently.

"Ey up, we'll have nowt like that ya mucky bastard." Riley chuckles, propping his elbow up on the ledge of the cab's window.

"So much for your charity work, Hamilton. I am NOT being upstaged by Rico Love. You're either with me or against me!" Billy comically furrows his eyebrows, evidently joking about the whole thing.

"Against you, you prick!" Riley laughs and shakes his head at Billy's general Billy-ness. As he looks out and sees the cab approaching near the vicinity of Soho, a thought runs through Riley's mind. "Surprised you don't have security out with us. You sure you won't mind?" While Riley tends not to travel with protection, Billy usually has his security team around him.

Billy shrugs and screws his face a little. "Nah, not for dinner. Cunts are too busy rushing home after work to pay us any mind. We'll eat no bother. I'll give Eddie and the guys a call for when we're out at the bars though." While obviously grateful for and forever indebted to the fans, there's nothing worse than trying to let your hair down and just enjoy yourself when strangers approach every two minutes. Although he wouldn't admit the soppy sentiment out loud, Billy's also extra cautious now that Amelle is in the fold too. He cares deeply for her safety as well.

"Cool, cool." Riley nods in agreement with Billy's assessment. People really don't tend to stop and talk in London. They're all in their own world and usually trying not to miss the tube. "Who do we think's going to end up the most pissed tonight?"

Billy doesn't even entertain the question with a proper answer. He just squints his eyes and cocks his head to the side as he looks back over at his friend. It'll evidently be Riley. Everyone in the car knows this.

The foursome sit and enjoy their meal in Majang Dong, a small but bustling Korean restaurant that was only established in 2024 but is on the up and up in the culinary world. In keeping with Riley's earlier qualm, this intimate space in the heart of Soho did require reservations in advance but when the owners clocked the gaggle of famous faces at the door, exceptions were courteously made for them. Despite the frequent clientele turnaround, the vibes are still somehow miraculously peaceful with the staff acting swiftly, efficiently and professionally. It's a tight ship and well oiled machine being run here, with the famous party being treated with the highest quality service yet not being needlessly pestered by any zealous admirer. Billy's assessment was right. It's dinnertime in London. People just want to eat, get home or run for their tube. Possibly a combination of all three.

Billy continues to hold court as usual, his voice seldom falling quiet for a moment this evening and only really doing so when someone else wishes to speak. He has been on top form so far, keeping the conversation flowing and being on his best behaviour. When they were initially told that they couldn't enter without a reservation, Riley felt a fluttering in his stomach, expecting his mate to kick off. Billy, thankfully, proved him wrong and seemed to take it in his stride. It's not often he willingly takes to being told to wait outside an establishment in the cold. He sits with a few small bowls of appetisers in front of him, loading up on them instead of mains as most of them contain pork or cuts of meat he won't eat. He also declined to go for the place's speciality which is a Korean BBQ hotpot as, in his words, he refuses to have to cook his own food when dining out.

Nibbling a piece of his glazed sweet and spicy fried chicken, he feigns sadness as he surveys everyone else at the table and a few other close by diners. "I don't think I receive enough praise and kudos for being a good Muslim boy. I'm showing some amount of restraint. Here I am having to stick to chicken and veggie options while your spicy pork belly wafts over and taunts me." Billy nods towards the contents of Riley's steaming hotpot bowl. He turns to Amelle and pets his lip. "I'm being such a good boy, right?"

Riley doesn't even bother to look up as he addresses Billy's waffle, keeping his head down and eyes focused on his bowl as he uses his chopsticks. "Aye, you're a good Muslim lad, B. What's that you're washing your chicken down with, by the way?"

Billy picks up his bottle of Korean import beer and narrows his eyes at Riley from across the way, giving him the finger as he takes a sip.

"Thought so." Riley once again keeps his head down, simply just knowing his friend all too well.

"So how long were you hanging out with Ri before you also discovered that underneath that warm and friendly surface lays a big smug cunt?" Billy looks over at Jack who is sat directly opposite him