Author's Note: Hey people! Hopefully you're a Take That fan if you're reading this - if not, you probably won't understand the characters quirks/references. As you should know, this is complete fiction. I don't intend to harm the reputation of any of the Take That members.

The reason I wrote this? Well... I believe Gary Barlow and Mark Owen are absolutely adorable. I enjoy their bromance. I hope you enjoy this fic. If you ever wish for me to continue with it, then let me know! But for now, I'm happy with where it is. I look forward to reading your reviews. :)

The video for 'When We Were Young' had finally finished shooting. The five men walked back through Wembley Stadium which was littered with tissues and plastic cups amongst other objects. Mark was hanging back a bit, observing as Howard and Jason seemed deep in conversation and Gary and Robbie were laughing their heads off about something. Gary even went as far as to put his hand on Robbie's shoulder as he did his usual open-mouthed giggle. Why were Rob and Gaz so close? They were polar opposites. They can't have shared the same sense of humour. Not at all. Mark continued to watch as Robbie started to do some hilarious and typically animated gesture to which Gary erupted into more laughter, even prompting Howard and Jason to glance over with small, amused smiles. Robbie looked over at Mark and grinned cheekily. Mark had to smile back at his best friend, but inside he was feeling strangely hurt. Robbie Williams always used to hang around him, not Gary Barlow of all people. Something akin to jealousy was definitely rearing its head.

By now they had reached the private exit where they all bundled into the back of the large black car which would take them to their hotel.

"Great show and the video should be fantastic, lads," Gary said, once they had all buckled up.

Mark gazed outside as they drove away from Wembley; he was leaning his elbow against the window, and his head against his hand. His eyes seemed to close of their own accord and he was only aware of his tiredness when Howard gently jabbed him in the ribs with his finger. His eyelids felt heavy and he just wanted to sleep, so arriving at the hotel was very welcome to him at this moment in time.

"Marko, come 'ere." Gary put his arm round Mark's shoulders once they'd hopped out of the car and the two of them headed up to Mark's room. Maybe Gary sensed he wasn't feeling himself tonight.

"I'm alright Gaz, I can take it from here," he said irritably, padding into his room and flopping down onto the bed.

"Someone's in a mardy mood tonight eh?" Gary said, closing the door behind them.

"No, I just feel exhausted actually and believe it or not I'm dying for a drink."

Gary stayed silent at this point and did his trademark furrowed brow and protective older brother expression.

"Why are you looking at me like that Gary?"

"Because I care and I'm concerned. Put the tour to one side for a second and tell me how things are going otherwise. How's Emma?"

Mark fiddled with a bit of string on the bed's blanket. "She's fine. Looking after the kids an' all that."

"Mark?" Gary sounded stern.

"Okay fine, just tell me this – have you ever felt left out?"

Gary seemed taken aback. "What d'ya mean?"

"Well, you and Rob are so close nowadays. I'm just the odd one out, right? I feel like a spare part. I still feel like Howard and Jason are the amazing dancers and you and Rob are the singers and the superstars. And me? Well, what is my defining talent?"

"Your sm-"

"No Gaz! Besides me bloody smile!"

Gary sighed and tilted his head. "You are an amazing singer Mark and an incredibly gifted musician. You dance better than Rob and I could ever hope to. You are a wonderfully strong songwriter. In fact, your songs have such authenticity of which I've never heard before. You break girls hearts - You always have done. Plus, when you're not in this horrendous mood, you happen to be one of the most charming men in existence."

Mark sat up on the bed and smiled half-heartedly at his friend.

"Why ya' being so nice?"
"Because I value you in this band, you silly sod. I want us all to be happy on this tour. I thought you were. I suppose I was working too hard to make Rob feel involved."

"But sometimes, I- I just feel so pointless."

Gary moved from the side of the room and sat next to Mark on the bed.

"You were like this in the 90's. I distinctly remember your face after Rob left. You cared deeply for him, you wanted to defend him… but you were scared of Nigel. Scared of me. Scared of how you'd be thrown out for airing your views. You thought you were easily replaceable. But Mark, oi, look at me, Nigel isn't here anymore. It's just us five, no judgements, nothing like that. None of us are pointless here." Gary gave Mark's shoulder a little squeeze and stood up slowly, now heading towards the door. Mark watched him from under his long, slightly damp eyelashes. He suddenly saw Gary as more than just the lead singer, more than just a friend, but as a lifeline and a safe base. He wasn't erratic and crazy like Rob. Gaz was such a safe and warm person when you sat alone with him and just talked. He was beautifully reliable.

Moments later, the covers were pulled back and Mark had fallen asleep fully clothed with his head barely on the pillow.