Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Are you sure everything looks okay?” Alex asked, flustered as he fiddled with the bunting for the nineteenth time. “Not wonky is it?”

“Alex, babe, the last thing Alexa is going to care about is this.” Suki sighed, standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips, staring at the silver bunting hanging from the lampshades. “Come and get ready would you? She’ll be here soon.” Alex nodded, stumbling off of the chair he’d been stood on and almost tumbling into the surround sound system. He jogged after Suki and into the spare bedroom where his shirt and trousers were hung up.

When he’d agreed to be Alexa’s maid-of-honour some six months ago he never thought it would be quite so hard, forgetting that it would be his and Suki, the other maid-of-honour's job to organise the hen night. They’d decided on a big party in Suki’s apartment, Grimmy acting as DJ and Miquita in charge of food. Alex, head of decorations, had gone all out and made the otherwise minimalist apartment look quite the ideal Pinterest party, complete with a ceiling covered in balloons and a champagne fountain he’d spent almost an hour meticulously arranging. Suki had been no help, and instead spent most of the time she was meant to be blowing up balloons giggling and sniggering to herself whilst checking her phone, making Alex a little concerned there was something she wasn’t telling him, but he trusted the model enough to not keep anything from him.

After showering and changing into his favourite Gucci shirt and flared trouser combination, gelling his hair into the perfect quiff and dabbing aftershave into his collar, Alex returned to the living room where guests had begun to arrive. Most greeted him with a tight hug and a smile as they gasped at the decor, making Alex flush and mutter a soft 'it was no trouble, really…'  before going off to make sure Miquita was coping okay whilst Grimmy set himself up. He tried to calm his anxious, racing mind and convince himself that absolutely nothing would go wrong and that Alexa would have the best night of her entire life, even if he didn't quite believe himself.

“Al, you need to calm down and enjoy yourself.” Miquita sighed after he mumbled something about there not being enough room in Suki’s fridge for all the wine. “You’ve done all your hard work now, go enjoy the music.” She’d hugged him tightly to calm him and then ushered him out of the kitchen with a plate of mini salmon quiches in his hands. He sighed, placing it on the table beside the platter of chopped fruit for the chocolate fountain and then headed into the living area to chat to a few acquaintances, patiently awaiting Alexa’s arrival.

Simon, one of Alexa’s co-presenters from back in the day, approached an anxious Alex and the two sat chatting for a little while, distracting him from the chaos of the party. Simon was sweet enough, the two both quiet and articulate, Alex captivated by his new friend’s dark eyes, an abundance of curly brown hair drooping over his small forehead, his long fingers playing with it as he spoke. Alex had been so indulged in their conversation he didn't notice Alexa arrive, missing her burst into tears at the sight of her friends grinning back at her, under the sparkling silver lights and canopy of balloons. Alex was instead feeling more and more attracted to the older man, the two helplessly, and shamelessly, flirting with one another. Alex soon found one hand running through Simon's curly fringe, the other holding his fourth empty glass of beer. He knew the kiss was coming, Simon’s hands resting on Alex’s thighs and conversation stuttering to a halt, and he drew his face close, ready to kiss him.

That was when the intercom buzzed and caught Alex’s attention, making him swear and apologise to Simon, quickly hurrying over it, tripping over his feet and bumping into the wall as he picked up the handset.

“‘Ello?” He hummed, looking around for Suki and not spotting her among the massive group of people on the dance floor, Alexa one of them, dancing about in her silky white maxi dress. Her long, thin limbs flopped about as she enthusiastically danced with her best friends, singing along to the 00s dance track playing. Secretly, Alex wondered how much she had had to drink at Pixie's pre-drinks party.

“Hello, it’s the police. We’ve had a noise complaint, may we come up?” Shit. Alex thought to himself as he flicked his eyes around the room, desperately searching for Suki.

“Yes, of course of course.” He said as he pressed the button and then placed the phone back on the handset, shoving through the crowd of people and over to Grimmy. “The police are here, noise complaint.” He shouted to the man who tutted and shook his head, turning the music down and catching everyone’s attention, just as the doorbell rang. Alex approached the door, peeking it open and staring at the three officers looking back at him. Suki was soon by his side, a hand on Alex's shoulder as the three men entered.

“Everything alright, officer?” Suki asked as she shut the door, Alex stood looking at them with wide, terrified eyes. This was the last thing they needed, to have their glorious party shut down just a little after nine o'clock. He pouted slightly, looking at the men and hiding behind Suki as she took control of the situation.

“We’re looking for a Miss Alexa Chung.” The tall, dark skinned officer asked, making Alex furrow his brows and confusedly look to one of the other officers who was already looking at him, his tongue running over his plump bottom lip. Alexa pushed through the crowds and looked at the officer confusedly. “We’ve had a report you’ve been taken off the market... and we’d love to give you a final chance to change your mind.” He said as, right on queue, Pony by Ginuwine began to play and the women around Alex began to squeal, watching the three men began to roll their hips in time to the track, Alexa cackling at the sight and Suki already beginning to try and mimic their dance moves. Alex continued to look around in total confusion, not having a clue what was going on, shocked that quite so many people could be bemused by police officers dancing quite so sexily. It wasn’t until the man a few centimetres taller than him was approaching him and began to strip off his police uniform Alex’s drunk brain realised that they were, in fact, strippers. Finally, it clicked that that was what Suki had been plotting, what all the little giggles and smiles had been about, and he felt a little betrayed, but also couldn’t keep his eyes off of the beautiful man in front of him.

The men continued to dance in perfect unison, rolling their hips and shoulders in time to the song and edging the three back until they were sat on the sofa where Alex had been talking to Simon just minutes before. Alex looked across to Suki who was madly giggling and reaching to hold her stripper’s hip and then looked back to the man towering over him, eyes on his chest as he slipped off his shirt and then placed his hat on Alex’s head with a wink. Alex could feel his blood rushing south, eyes on the toned chest right in front of him, the v of his hips peeking above the low waistband of his trousers. Alex felt his palms get sweaty at the sight of the man elegantly climb onto his lap and move against his body in time to the song, replicating his colleagues' actions as his eyes met with Alex’s and he ran a hand along the Yorkshireman’s shoulders and down his bare arms.

Alex, whilst wishing the lap dance would soon be over, was so captivated and enchanted by the stranger’s beauty he didn’t have the courage to whoop and cheer and touch like the two women were doing, evoking cheers from their friends who had formed a semicircle around them. Instead, he sat with his arms hanging awkwardly at his sides and legs slightly spread, melting into the back of the sofa as he tried to think of anything but what was going on, urging his dick to remain soft and not give in to the temptation that was being caused by the pleasure of hips rolling against his. He shut his eyes momentarily, a smile on his face as he listened to the soft laugh the man sat on his lap let out.

“Enjoying yourself, laa?” The stripper asked, loud enough for only Alex to hear. He peaked his eyes open and nodded, feeling a little guilty at his admission but was met by a toothy grin from the shirtless man and hands running through his mess of cropped, wavy hair, sending the police cap tumbling to the floor. Alex whimpered softly at the pleasure caused by long fingers tugging at his roots but, as soon as he had managed to contain himself, the song had come to an end and the moment was lost by a round of loud applause and cheering. The man got off of Alex, joining his colleagues and awkwardly hugged Alexa. Alex sat up and ran his hands through his hair, trying to contain the blush on his cheeks and his racing heartbeat as Alexa whispered something to the man who had been on his lap seconds before, the two looking at Alex and the stripper then nodding slowly, saying something to his colleagues who grinned at him and agreed with whatever it was he had said.

Alex tried to compose himself, restyling his hair and clearing his throat whilst trying to ignore Alexa’s friends who were all staring at him and muttering to one another. He spotted Simon on the other side of the room, talking to a tall man in an electric blue shirt who was already eagerly bending down to kiss him. Accepting that Simon was no longer his to try and flirt with, not that he really should be in an environment with so many strangers, he turned to look at the stripper who had been sat on his lap moments ago. The man, with his dark eyes and contagious smile, was already looking back at him and began to approach when their eyes met.

“I’m Miles.” He said, offering a hand for Alex to shake. “I’d say I hope I didn’t make you feel too uncomfortable but you clearly enjoyed it.” He chuckled, buttoning up his tight shirt and leaning past Alex to grab his hat. Alex took the opportunity to check Miles out once again, cheeks flushing when the Liverpudlian turned his head and looked at him with a grin. “Alex, you cheeky bastard.” He said, lips curling into a smile as he turned to look at the slightly shorter man. Alex had never heard his name said quite so beautifully and was immediately weak at the knees. “Come on, let’s dance.” He said, taking Alex’s hand and leading him onto the dance floor, wrapping arms around him and guiding him in a fairly simple dance to the pop song that was blasting through the speakers. Alex just looked at Miles with a smile and followed the way Miles was moving about to the song, his brain so fried he wasn’t entirely sure what to do to make the next move.

So he decided to wrap his arms around Miles’ shoulders and move his body in perfect time with Miles’, their hips colliding and leading to Alex having a semi by the end of the song. Not that Miles noticed, far too interested in running his fingers through Alex’s hair and massaging his scalp whilst grinding his pelvis against Alex’s. It was far dirtier and sexier than Alex could have ever expected, Miles working his body so perfectly Alex was more than overwhelmed.

“How about we go outside for a smoke, eh laa?” Miles whispered at the end of the song, taking Alex’s hand in his. Alex nodded, allowing Miles to lead him through the crowds until they were in the hallway. “Has she got a patio out back or anythin’?” He asked, Alex thinking and then nodding, leading Miles through the hallway and then into the kitchen, going down the stairs and then out to the empty decking area, lanterns lit to light the small area. Alex shut the door behind them and sighed at the blissful peace and quiet, the only sounds the odd car driving past the back gate and the soft hum coming from inside the flat.

“You need any baccy or are you alright?” Alex asked, getting his box of cigarettes from the pocket of his jacket, Miles opening the pocket of his faux-police jacket and wiggling a box of cigarettes at Alex, slipping one out and then sitting down on one of the wicker chairs. Alex sat down beside him and lit his cigarette, having a puff and then looking up at the building before them, bright lights flashing from the second-floor window, the soft hum of Hard-Fi radiating from the walls.

“Seems you put on quite the hen do, Alex,” Miles said cigarette between his fingers as he watched Alex, taking in the soft curve of his nose and his sharp jaw and cheekbones. “We were a bit sceptical, what with Alexa being the bride-to-be and you and Suki the ones in charge of the night.” He continued, Alex’s adam's apple bobbing as the other spoke. “Especially when I was told I had the great honour of dancing for you… Being one of the only gays in the village so to speak I was pretty stunned when they asked me to do tonight.” He continued, pausing to have a puff of his cigarette whilst Alex remained silent, eyes on the building in front of them. “But, you know, you’re…” He paused and then smiled to himself. “I weren’t sure how you were going to take it. But here we are.” He said, looking at where Alex’s eyes were fixed.

“You’re a gorgeous man, Miles,” Alex said slowly between drags of his cigarette. “I’m not straight, definitely not, I love guys and fancy them but I've not like, had a relationship with one. I can't be doing that...” He looked over to Miles, offering him a soft smile. “But I guess it would be nice like, to not feel like you have to be in control of the relationship all the time, you know what I mean? Have someone to look after me for once.” He had another drag, eyes dragging from Miles and instead to the moth that was flitting about the lanterns around them. "God that's probably so sexist, I don't mean it to be like the girls have all been great and lovely but when you're the guy, the famous guy, you feel like you have to be the one that's in control, you know what I mean?" He rambled before sighing and bringing his cigarette to his lips once more. 

“So you sometimes want to let go, relax, be a little submissive?” Miles asked carefully, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “Want someone to take care of you for once, make you feel good without feeling guilty?” He continued, blowing smoke over his shoulder. His voice was velvety soft and Alex let his head lull to one side, looking over to Miles and having a final drag of his cigarette. He flicked it into the ashtray and then licked his lips slowly.

“Yeah, I am, I do I guess… That's normal, right?” He mumbled as Miles stubbed his cigarette out in the ashtray and stood, throwing his hat and jacket down on the chair he had been sat in moments before and rolling his sleeves up. Alex watched, entranced by what Miles was doing, instinctively standing and coming toe to toe with Miles. He admired the flecks of gold flicking in his eyes under the sepia light, the way his tongue ran over his soft bottom lip and the way his long, bony fingers gently placed themselves on Alex’s hip. Their eyes met and, without thinking, Alex’s hand was running through Miles’ cropped hair and then down the curve of his skull, hand settling on the nape of his neck. He was swaying slightly, fingers pressed against Miles' soft skin to steady himself. Miles smiled at him, hands on his hips as he looked at him. Alex was ready to pounce. 

“Are you sure you want to do this here?” Miles asked, catching Alex by surprise. Perhaps he had a point, acting like this in front of a crowd of people he didn’t know who could easily take photographs of them, sell them on to a tabloid and mercilessly watch Alex’s world come down around him was the last thing he needed nor wanted. But he knew Miles was no different, he could take advantage of the situation and use a vulnerable, drunk, closeted Alex to his advantage just as easily as any of the people staring out the window above them could. He felt his mouth dry and took a step back from Miles who gave him a confused frown. “Alex?” Miles asked softly, watching Alex as he blankly stared at him, his brows furrowed.

“No, no you're right. I'm sorry.” He whispered and Alex was gone, heading back inside and straight back up to the party. Miles stood stunned, eyes then wandering up to the window above him and catching a glimpse of people staring right back at him. Perhaps it was for the best he had mentioned it to Alex. 

Miles collected his hat and jacket from the chair and then went back inside, heading back to the party and immediately spotting Lucia making out with Suki in the corner, Isaac stood talking to a gaggle of girls by the fireplace. Alex was nowhere to be seen, and he was immediately worried he was upset. He pushed past the strangers, looking around with a frown and then found himself in the kitchen, Alexa pouring herself a glass of wine whilst she chatted to a few friends, laughing happily with them. He dipped back out of the room and then came chest to chest with a strange man, his wide, surprised eyes looking back at him and curly hair dishevelled and sticking up all over the place, a bottle of beer in his hand.

“You alright, handsome?” The stranger asked as Miles swallowed and nodded, looking over his shoulder. “Lost something?”

“Alex, have you seen him?” The man looked a little deflated at that, shaking his head and pouting.

“He’s probably just gone to get some air or gone to the toilet or something.” The man deduced. Miles thought that was a sensible suggestion, but was immediately conscious of the fact that wouldn’t be the truth. “Do you want a drink?” He asked, Miles turning back to him and offering him a smile. The man was handsome, admittedly, and any other circumstance he would have snogged him till his jaw ached, but Alex was the only thing on his mind.

“Thanks, I best go check and make sure he’s alright,” Miles said before slipping away from him and to the hallway, eyes on the three closed doors he was met with. He gently tapped on each one and opened it when there was no reply until he got to the final door and gave it a tap, a disgruntled huff meeting it and the door flinging open to reveal Alex, shirtless and in a pair of blue jeans rather than the smart trousers he had been wearing before. “Are you okay?” Miles asked, deciding not to question why he was changing.

“Yeah, yeah I'm good.” Came Alex’s reply. He stood looking at Miles and then cleared his throat, stepping aside so the scouser could enter. Miles slipped inside, looking around as Alex shut the door. He figured it was a spare bedroom from the minimal decor of the room, a particularly interesting piece of art stood on the wall above the bed. Carefully, Miles placed his jacket and hat on the bed and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“What happened out there? Was I too eager? I didn’t mean to upset ya.” Miles said softly, Alex standing in front of the door with his arms folded across his chest, bare chest still on display. Miles wasn't focusing on that though. Instead, he looked to the sudden harsh expression upon Alex's face. “I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable, as you’re not out out. That's why I asked. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable at all and I'm sorry if I did.” He said, speaking with his hands and earning a small smile from Alex.

“No, no honestly it ain't that. I appreciate it, but… I can’t trust you, you know?” Miles, whilst momentarily confused, nodded and gave him a smile. “I know I told you about my sexuality and preferences and that but… Me being outed is the last thing I need right now.” His words were a little slurred as he paced to try and sober himself, his seven-step lines slowly becoming less wobbly.

“Well, we can just talk if you want to get away from the party?” He suggested as Alex locked the door but continued to pace in front of it. “I understand your reasoning, Alex. But I can assure you I’d never do that... I was outed when I was a teenager, my word is nothing above your own confidence around me though.” He said and Alex paused, standing in front of Miles and frowning softly.

“What happened?” He asked curiously. “If you want to, can, talk about it.”

“I was out at college, just about to take my exams. I'd had a few boyfriends here and there whilst I was at school but nothing serious. Everyone knew I was gay, but I never told my family because I couldn't risk it… But there was this one girl who hated me, Alena. I dated her crush for a few months and she did not like it. So she went to the trouble of writing a letter to my parents and posting it to my home, detailing every teeny tiny detail of my sexuality and my past relationships. She had pictures from parties, my journal had gone missing and turns out she'd nicked it... I got home from college and my bags were packed. I was on a train to London that evening - I’ve been here ever since and not spoken to my parents once.” He said, eyes on Alex as he spoke, watching his face go from curious to sad to angry. He sat beside Miles and placed his hand atop Miles’. “Fourteen years ago now, I don’t even know if they’re alive or not.” He said with a shaky laugh and Alex gave the man’s hand a soft squeeze. He was over it, he had recovered, but it still hurt to talk about. 

“Miles… I… God, that must be awful. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard that must have been for you.” He whispered and Miles simply shrugged, offering him a smile.

“It was hard at first but I accepted their reasoning and understand that their selfishness comes well before the safety and welfare of their son. I’ve got no A-Levels or anything, just went straight into shelf-stacking and spending my nights on street corners. Was just lucky I have my mate Jamie, could years older than me at school and we sofa surfed together. It wasn't a great time, but life has strange ways of making you happy sometimes. It can take years, but here I am.” He rambled, then sighing softly and shaking his head. “You don’t need my life story.”

“I like listening to you, though,” Alex said softly. “You’re… articulate and honest. It’s a pleasant change.” He gave Miles a smile and then swallowed roughly, his head dropping onto the other’s shoulder with a soft sigh. “I just panicked, I suppose. I was comfortable and I wanted to kiss you but with all those people around, potentially seeing… ‘am not ready for that just yet.” He whispered into Miles’ shoulder as the other moved a hand to run over his hair gently. “I still want to kiss you,” Alex added, making Miles laugh softly, a sound that made Alex’s entire body warm and a smile fall onto his lips.

“If it helps, I’d quite like to kiss you too.” Miles added. Alex, sitting up slightly and looking his companion in the eyes, taking in every flicker of amber and rust as his hand moved up to cup his stubble-painted cheek once again. Miles allowed his eyes to shut and Alex sat admiring his delicate features, thumb running over the freckles on his cheek before leaning in and softly pressing his lips against Miles’.

It was soft and slow, Miles’ hand moving to Alex’s neck as their noses bumped and lips continued to move against each other, Alex slowly opening his mouth and becoming a little more vigorous, Miles replying with equal need and aggression causing Alex to moan softly. The sound was all Miles needed and he was soon climbing onto Alex’s lap gently, not once letting their lips part, and pushed him back until Alex was lying sprawled beneath him on the bed. Alex’s hands reached to run under the hem of Miles’ shirt, along his back and then along his ribs before he moved to undo the buttons, pushing the soft cotton off his shoulders and down his arms until it was discarded on the floor beside them.

Miles pulled away, leaving a trail of kisses along Alex’s neck and then down to his collar, biting the sweet skin and leaving a small bruise. Alex ran his hands through Miles’ short hair and moaned softly at the sensations. Miles continued, tongue running over Alex’s nipples and kissing the trail of hair that dipped below the waistband of his jeans. He sat up, hand cupping Alex’s cheek and then kissed him slowly, Alex whimpering against his lips and eagerly trying to flip them over until he was sat straddling Miles’ hips, legs either side of his slender waist. He mimicked Miles’ actions, kissing along his throat and leaving a lovebite upon his throat.

“Bloody hell, you know how to use that mouth of yours don’t ya?” Miles said softly, running his hands over Alex’s back softly before their lips met for another kiss. “We don’t have to go further than this if you don’t want to, la.” Miles said softly, running his thumb over Alex’s flushed cheek. "Not that I'm not enjoying myself cause I am." He whispered and Alex dipped forward to kiss him again.

“I wanna, I wanna go further but not here, not with people around. Just us.” He mumbled before stealing another kiss. “An’ I’ve had too much to drink to enjoy this now so… So we should get dinner sometime and you can come back to mine and we can fuck like rabbits and I’ll make ya pancakes or somethin’.” He mumbled between messy kisses, Miles nodding along to his words. “Tomorrow, maybe?”

“I can do tomorrow, yeah.” He whispered, propping himself up on his elbows as he let his eyes run over Alex’s bare chest. “Nowhere too fancy, mind. I don’t have the attire for somewhere too upmarket.” Miles added with a soft chuckle as Alex shrugged.

“I’ll find us somewhere darlin’.” He mumbled, then pressing a soft kiss to Miles’ lips before dipping down to kiss his neck and collar again, Miles shutting his eyes and running his fingers through his companion’s hair. “Just… don’t tell anyone, yeah? Say you’re meeting a friend.” Alex mumbled, lips brushing over Miles’ hip as he spoke.

“Of course, whatever you would like, la.” He replied, offering Alex a gentle, genuine smile. “I understand.” He added as Alex sat up and rolled his shoulders, pressing another sweet kiss to Miles’ lips.

“Let’s go back to the party, I was going to go out and get even more pissed but why bother now I’ve stopped having my little hissy fit.” He said with a chuckle, their bare chests pressed as they shared another, slow kiss. Alex then rolled off Miles and got up, grabbing his shirt and slipping it back on, doing up the buttons before fetching his trousers, slipping them on whilst Miles put his shirt on, fiddling with the buttons and then tucking it back into his now-tight trousers. “Let's go have a great night, yeah?" Alex said, more to convince himself than anything else, leading to Miles nodding, stealing a final, tender kiss.

"Let's go live it large." 

Chapter Text

Miles was more than glad his shift didn’t start till after lunch when he woke up at half ten, sprawled on the floor in Suki’s guest room in his clothes from last night. He felt sick and his back was sore for a reason he didn't even want to think about.

He sat up, head spinning and back against the bedside table, and found himself staring at a sleeping Alex, curled up in the white bed linen with a smile on his face.  Miles could tell that he had got zero action the night before from the fact his gut didn’t have the all-too-familiar ache in it and his trousers were still uncomfortably hugging his legs. After watching Alex for a few more moments, he stood, retrieving his shirt and shoes from beside him and tugging them on, and pressed a soft kiss to Alex’s forehead. The musician stirred and grumbled but soon turned over, his back to Miles, giving him the perfect chance to leave.

He slipped out of the bedroom and set about locating his jacket that contained his house keys and box of cigarettes, eventually finding it wedged between two sofa cushions, being slept on by a very out of it Suki. He carefully tugged it free and slung it over his arm, making his way out of the flat and into the warm August sun. The sky was clear and deep blue above him, a soft breeze in the air that cooled him down as he walked towards Notting Hill Gate tube station. It was abnormally busy, owing to the fact it was mid-morning on a glorious Saturday, but he managed to navigate the station without much problem, soon heading in the direction of his platform and getting on the first train he saw. It was cramped and far too hot, but he was glad to be able to sit down for a bit, letting his eyes shut until they came to a stop at Barbican half an hour later.

He traipsed back to his flat, elongating his walk so he could have a smoke, and then kicked the door open and threw his jacket onto the floor the second he got inside, eager to peel off his stained shirt and cool down a little.

“You took your time,” Jamie called from the living room as Miles kicked off his shoes and then poked his head around the corner. “Another client get more than he paid for, eh?” He teased and Miles chucked his shirt at his flatmate before heading upstairs without another word, stepping into his bathroom for a shower.

He and Jamie had lived together ever since Miles had moved to London. They’d met in a squat in Victoria and became best friends almost immediately, deciding that the two of them and a few more mates would move into a flat above a shop in Luton. Miles was nineteen and the excitement was overwhelming, revelling in his own freedom and the new adventures he and his flatmates were going to have; not once did he think about his parents and instead he focused on what an incredible time they were all having. As the five months turned to five years of living with the same lads who were all trying to get themselves back on their feet, Miles felt genuinely content. That was until Harley turned up dead in their living room one morning, veins in his arm a blackening purple and his face curled into a painless smile. Miles was just glad it wasn’t him that had the pleasure of finding his body, although he often wondered if Jamie still had nightmares.

He and Jamie moved out two months later, into a squat in Islington with six other boys. The police raid at half three in the morning nine months into their stay meant that that flatshare came to an abrupt end. They finally settled in Barbican, a tidy block of flats home to working-class families and the occasional illegal immigrant. It wasn’t ideal, but it was their home and one that they could claim as their own after finally finding themselves jobs.

He left the flat just after twelve, saying goodbye to Jamie with a quick peck to the cheek before running down the stairs and back into the sunshine. He lit another cigarette, smoking it on his way to the tube station and knowing full well he wouldn’t get the chance to smoke until after he finished work later that evening. He flicked the butt of his cigarette into the concrete outside the station and dug into his pocket to retrieve his Oyster card, feeling his phone buzz as he did so. He left it, jogging down the steps to the platform and onto the already waiting tube, sitting down in the first seat he noticed as the baccy buzz hit him and he relaxed into the seat. It wasn’t far to Oxford Street, but his head was still pounding and his back appreciated the dusty comfort, his stomach still growling in anger.

He walked into work at a minute to one, leaving his valuables in his locker below the counter and grabbing his cream apron, spritzing himself with the first cologne he grabbed, Amber and Lavender, before giving his hair and smiling at Margret who was already spraying the little card sticks with perfume.

“You’re on the till this afternoon, Kane. And help the new girl out if she needs it. Kate, Cathy. Something like that.” Margret had been working at the Jo Malone counter since it had opened inside Selfridges twenty years before. Miles had worked there for a measly three years, though had enjoyed charming Margret to the point of anger every single day. She was equally grouchy and sweet, but it was rare that Miles or any of the other staff saw her sweet side nowadays, instead having to watch on with a bemused smile when she tried to be nice to the customers.

“Of course Margret, and may I say how lovely your hair looks today. Have you had it cut?” Miles asked cheerfully, perching on his stall and grinning at the cautionary glare his manager shot him. She was soon waddling over to speak to the Austrian family browsing the female fragrances, leaving Miles alone to nab a few painkillers from the medical box below the counter and set about counting up the sales for the day and checking the below counter stock.

Katie, the new girl with bright blue eyes faultless dark skin, approached Miles a little after three o’clock. She’d coped very well so far, clearly having read more of her handbook than Miles had, but was having a little difficulty with an elderly couple who were debating which fragrance to get for their granddaughter. Miles knew his help wasn’t really needed, but he was glad to be able to do something over than make light chatter with customers whilst neatly boxing and bowing their latest purchases. He began explaining the different notes to the couple, who told him that their 18-year-old granddaughter would want something that reminded her of her home by the seaside for when she went to University and eventually passed them a card stick that smelt of Wood Sage and Sea Salt. They gave it a sniff and, with warm smiles, decided it was perfect for her.

He scanned, gift-wrapped and packed their purchases into a bag, before sinking to his knees to try and fight with the printer that was refusing to print their receipt. In the end, he gave up and had to write one out by hand, wishing them a good day and then returning to dismantling the printer. He ignored the commotion and chatter going on on the other side of the till, deciding that it was just another model he didn’t recognise being asked for selfies. It happened a lot, and the novelty of seeing yet another famous face pass by wore off three weeks into his time at the counter.

He eventually placed the printer back into place and tapped at the controls until it began to print a ream of Jo Malone headed paper. He breathed a sigh of relief, finally looking up to Margaret who had been repeating his name for a handful of seconds.

“Yes, love?” He asked, offering her a smile. “Sorry, printer’s still on the blink, I need to get back in touch with Gary and see if he can sort something out for us.” He muttered as he stood, dusting off his knees and leaning against the counter.

“Help this gentlemen, would you? Both Kelly and I think he could do with a man’s advice.” It’s Katie. He wanted to reply, then turning to the man who was stood behind her. He went to apologise for any hold-up but found himself in stunned silence.

“Alex.” He said softly, Alex’s face as confused as his was. “Hi.” He whispered, swallowing and feeling his knees go a little wobbly. Alex looked even more incredible than he had the night before, his white shirt half unbuttoned and chain hanging over his bruised collarbones. He shamelessly let his eyes travel over Alex’s torso and then down to the impossibly skinny jeans that were hugging his legs, a pair of black Chelsea boots on his feet. His look of confusion had turned to a smile as he studied Miles’ face.

“Well, seems my time here hasn’t been entirely wasted.” His lips curled into a smirk. “I’m after a cologne for a date I’m going on tonight....” Alex’s voice was quiet, leaning in so only Miles heard his words. “Sexy, alluring, enticing. And that’s just my date.” Miles ran his tongue over his bottom lip at the words. “What would Sir suggest, I’m sure you’ve got good taste.” He said, giving him another once over. Miles was glad Margret had gone off to speak to the woman spraying herself in a copious amount of fragrances.

“Well, my personal favourite.” He led Alex over to the line of black bottles on display, picking one out and presenting it to Alex. “Oud and Bergamot… I must say, I think it’s one of the sexiest scents there is. And on a man like yourself, I’m sure your date will have trouble keeping their hands off you. Sir.” He added as Alex took the bottle from him and sprayed a little onto his wrists and then his neck. He gave his wrist a sniff and then nodded, smiling at the bottle.

“I’ll take it then. If you promise me that it’ll make my date fall to their knees so easily.” He teased and Miles smiled at him, getting a large bottle of it from the cabinet and then approaching the till.

“I’m sure your looks alone will make them do that, the cologne is just an added incentive,” Miles said as he wrapped the box and slipped it into a bag. “£97 to pay today. Cash or card?” Alex was looking at Miles with a smirk on his face as he slipped his debit card from his wallet and waved it at the man. “Wonderful, ready when you are,” Miles smiled as he tapped at the screen of his computer. He added a few testers to Alex’s bag and then perched on his stall, eyes on the people who were milling about with their camera phones on Alex as he paid, being sure to shield his pin number from the onlookers.

“If only they knew where that bruise on your neck came from, eh darling…” Alex whispered as he pulled his card out and put it back into his wallet. “I’ll be sure there’s a lot more of them by the morning.” He put his wallet back into his trouser pocket and then gave Miles a wink before slipping his sunglasses on. “Check your phone. I’ll see you later.” He said, giving Miles a grin and then heading towards the crowd of people waiting to take selfies with him. Miles watched, then leaning down to grab his phone from his locker.

UNKNOWN: Was hoping you would still be here when I woke up this morning. AT.

UNKNOWN: I’ve booked us a table at a restaurant near my place. Text me your address and I’ll get a cab to pick you up at eight. AT.

UNKNOWN: I’ve still got your hat and handcuffs. Perhaps we can make good use of them tonight? AT

UNKNOWN: You know I’m only teasing babe. Text me when you can. AT

Miles looked over to Alex who was chatting to a gaggle of teenagers who were mumbling something about how great they thought AM was. Miles shot back a reply.

MILES: Upmoore Tower on the main road in Barbican. I’ll be waiting outside. And I think that sounds like a delightful idea la. Bet you’d look pretty in handcuffs. X

Miles watched Alex shuffle away towards the escalators, not looking back at Miles as he disappeared from view. He received a text a few minutes later, making Miles bite his lip to try and hide his grin.

ALEX: Time will tell. See you tonight. Oh, and don’t change out of that shirt, you’re lucky I didn’t ravish you on the spot. AT

-

Alex wasn’t entirely sure where his newfound confidence had come from.

He got a cab back to his house and sat in the garden smoking for an unhealthy amount of time, overthinking everything that had happened over the course of the last 24 hours. He and Alexa had sat in Suki’s kitchen discussing Miles for almost two hours once he’d woken up, his best friend deciding that it was time Alex found someone who would treat him right. I don’t know anything about him, but Simon said he seemed pretty concerned when he couldn’t find you last night. Alexa had said over the brim over her coffee cup, watching as Alex continued to stir his cup of tea. Settle down with someone already Al, you’re almost thirty. It’s about time you found your happiness; plus you need to go back to writing soppy love songs. Alex had laughed tiredly and taken her advice with a pinch of salt. He knew he’d not been the same since Arielle, that he’d returned to his shell and refused to come out of it most of the time. Alexa helped, coaxed him out and turned him into the sexy, confident and flirtatious man he had been all those years ago when they’d first met. Some might have argued he was a little cocky, letting the fame go to his head, but back then it had been a way of covering his anxiety. He rathered being known as a prick than a bore.

But there was something about Miles that excited him. After their night together, hours of drinking and touching and sneaking off for a snog every ten minutes, he felt transformed. He’d woken up feeling groggy, reaching out for the warm body that wasn’t there. He’d sat up and looked around, then seeing the discarded blanket on the floor beside the bed. He could only assume Miles had rolled out of bed at some point and ended up on the wood panelling. The last thing he remembered before going to sleep was the two of them laying in bed snogging, Alex’s hands getting a little eager and slipping into the back of Miles’ trousers.

Miles had been nice to him, had treated him like a normal human being rather than pedistooling him as most people did; it was refreshing and Alex welcomed the normality of it with open arms.

He walked to the restaurant in time for five to eight, lighting a cigarette and wandering around outside whilst waiting for Miles’ cab to turn up. His eyes were soon on the black cab driving towards him, pausing as it stopped and Miles got out, laughing warmly at something the cabbie had said, and then giving the driver a thumbs up before he drove off, leaving them alone on the pavement.

“Hey, you look amazing,” Miles said as he approached, still in his skinny black silk shirt he’d been in earlier on the day, only his tailored trousers had been replaced by a pair of grey tweed trousers and he was in a matching jacket. The buttons were undone on his shirt, showing off his collar bones and the chain that hung around his neck, Alex unaware of quite how much he was staring until Miles giggled and plucked the cigarette from his fingers. He had a drag and then passed it back to Alex.

“So do you, utterly gorgeous. Lovely. Wonderful.” He stuttered, earning a smile from Miles as he finished the cigarette and then crushed it into the pavement with the heel of his loafer. “Shall we go inside?” Alex asked, Miles nodding and then gesturing for Alex to lead the way. He stepped inside, holding the door for Miles, and greeted the waiter with a smile, following him to their booth at the back of the restaurant, away from prying eyes. It was far quieter and peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of the pre-theatre crowd that congregated at the front of the restaurant. They would look over to Miles and Alex on occasion, though both men doubted any of them had a clue who Alex was. Their target demographic wasn't really middle-aged and middle-class.

It was only once the waiter had handed them their menus and had gone back to the hoards that Alex began to compose himself, looking across to Miles as he read the wine menu. He smiled softly, and then reached across the table to take Miles’ free hand in his, earning a look of surprise from his companion. Alex panicked, afraid Miles didn't want that kind of attention, but the scouser responded by threading their fingers together and looking back to the menu.

“I didn’t want to leave this morning but I had to get back and ready for work… I didn’t want to wake you because you looked so peaceful, angelic, and we'd hardly had a wink so I figured it wouldn't be fair to wake you up. Last night was a real treat, I’m glad you wanted to see me again.” Miles said as he placed the menu back down and turned to look at Alex, their eyes locked as he spoke and Alex feeling a little piece of his heart melt away at the sight of those big hazel eyes.

“The pleasure’s all mine‍, Miles.” He said, squeezing his hand. “I’ve not felt a connection like the one we had since… Well, since I met Alexa. And never with a man before. I mean, I’ve been with men and that but a bond has never formed so fast...” He paused, shaking his head and smiling to himself, bowing his head in shame. “You must think I sound like a right daft twat.”

“I think you sound like all your love songs. Genuine. Last night was a wonder and if nothing else ever happened between us I would have been happy with that. But here you are, we are, and I want you to know I feel just the same. You've been like a ghost haunting me from the back of my mind, like when you look in the rearview mirror and forget you've got passengers." He laughed and Alex smiled at him widely. "We had hours together, but it feels like we’ve known each other for far longer than that,” Miles replied, running his thumb over the back of Alex’s hand as he spoke, voice soft and words carefully chosen. “So maybe we’re both daft twats here, eh?” Alex laughed at that, offering Miles a smile, their eyes locked and lingering for almost too long. “Are you a wine or beer kind of guy?” Miles asked, looking back to the menu and licking his lips.

“Um, both I suppose. So long as it tastes good I don’t mind what it is.” Alex replied, flicking through the drinks menu. “We could share a bottle of wine if you wanted.” He suggested and Miles offered him a warm smile at the idea. He was sure that after last night the last thing he needed was more alcohol, but he was also dead certain it wouldn't take long for his anxiety to kick in. It has been a long time since his last first date, and with Miles sat opposite him looking so divine he was amazed he'd not already seized up. 

“That’s exactly what I was hoping you were going to say,” Miles answered, smiling back at him.

Miles spent most of their night together in awe, captivated by the tales Alex told whilst they shared the largest Margherita pizza Miles had ever set his eyes on. More than a bottle of wine was consumed, the two eventually giddy and giggling over the rims of their glasses of mysterious cocktails. The restaurant was empty, the clock ticking past midnight and the manager patiently tapping her foot whilst watching them from behind the bar. But neither of them were interested in leaving just yet, still too engrossed in getting to know each other and laughing at each other’s stupid stories. Tears were dripping down Alex’s cheek from laughing quite so hard at one of Miles’ tales about his first night out in London, the two of them howling and hysterical as they held hands across the table.

The two left after a string of passive-aggressive comments from the manager, stumbling about and eventually sitting down on the kerb sharing a cigarette, Alex spooned into Miles’ side as they mumbled pointless observations to each other, Alex occasionally sneaking up to meet Miles’ lips for a swift kiss that left them both giggling and nuzzling against each other. If anyone had seen them, they would have laughed at their childishness, but neither men minded particularly, too wrapped up in their warm bubble to give a damn what was happening around them. They were both blind drunk and heading down a path of affection neither had been on for a long time.

“We could go back to mine,” Alex mumbled as Miles flicked the cigarette into the road, then turning to look at his date, smirking and tilting his head at the suggestion. “I’m three minutes away, come on. I’ve got a bottle of whiskey with our names on it.” He said, standing and pulling Miles up, giggling as they collided, chest to chest, and were soon snogging in the middle of the road, wrapped up in each others arms. “Mi…” Alex sulked, earning a pout from the other man. “Come on.” He huffed, intertwining their fingers and dragging the taller in the direction of his house. They swung their arms merrily as they walked side by side, Miles admiring quite how posh Alex’s neighbourhood was whilst Alex laughed every time Miles bent down to pet one of the many unenamoured cats on their walk.

“Always wanted a cat, seems I’m that sort of cliche gay,” Miles said as they went up the path to Alex’s front door, Miles leaning against the wall of the porch as Alex fiddled with the key, trying to get it into the lock. He stabbed his key at it a few times, groaning in frustration before Miles helped by placing his hand on Alex’s, the two guiding it into the lock and twisting it until the front door clicked open. “There we go, teamwork.” He said with a grin, the two heading inside, Alex immediately pining Miles against the door and pressing their lips together before either had had a chance to take their jackets off.

“Bedroom,” Alex mumbled, pulling away from Miles who nodded and kicked his shoes off, heart hammering against his chest as he watched Alex hang his blazer up and place his shoes by the door, then taking Miles’ hand and leading them upstairs, straight down the hallway and into the bedroom, Miles taking a moment to admire the awards on the shelves, a picture of him and the other Monkeys on the wall by the bed. He smiled at it softly and then looked back to Alex, his doe eyes watching him intensely. “Whatcha looking at, babe?” He asked softly, hands running under his shirt, pressing kisses to his neck and looking over to the shelving unit.

“You put those on display to show off to all the people who get the honour of coming to your bedroom or what?” He asked, running a hand through Alex’s hair and earning a warm laugh. “Because it’s working, nothing turns me on more than a Mercury Prize.” He teased and Alex laughed, meeting Miles’ lips for another bruising kiss before the pair began to undress each other, Miles immediately latching his lips to the nape of Alex’s neck once he’d unbuttoned and slipped his shirt off, the two standing in just their trousers and socks before Alex pulled them onto the bed, settling on top of him and still frantically kissing and bruising his neck whilst Miles moved to unbutton and zip his lover's trousers.

They were soon in just their underwear, Miles flipping them and straddling the other man and looking down at him adoringly, Alex’s eyes flickering with arousal at the sight, his hands running over Miles’ muscular thighs. He’d been in this situation a lot, with a multitude of people, but never had he felt quite so charged as he did at that moment, already so eager to feel Miles’ flesh against his, have theirs lips connected once again.

“Tell me what you want, Al.” Miles whispered, running his hands over his chest. “Because I could cum just from looking at you right now.” He said before arching down to press a kiss to his lips again, Alex moving his mouth against Miles’ with ease.

“I want you to fuck me…” He whispered against Miles’ lips, earning a low groan from his companion. “There are condoms and lube in the top draw on the right,” He continued, watching as Miles sprung up and opened the drawer, slipping off his boxers and running his hands over his sides and down his hips, a smirk forming on his lips as Alex practically salivated at the sight. “Jesus Christ, what are you doing to me?” He groaned as Miles opened Alex’s legs and knelt between them, kissing down his stomach and then along his hips, biting down on his pelvis and leaving a large bruise, the sensation making Alex groan loudly and run his fingers through Miles’ short hair. He watched as the other ran his hands under the hem of his briefs and slowly removed them until they were laying on the floor beside their clothes.

“You’re beautiful, aren’t you baby?” Miles whispered, lifting Alex up by his thighs and hooking his legs over his shoulders. “Sexiest thing I’ve seen in me life.” He whispered, snapping open the cap of the lube and squirting some onto his fingers, massaging it into his skin to warm the lotion up a little. Alex was whimpering at the sight, propping himself up on his elbows and he watched Miles run a finger over his hole, leaning forward to kiss him as he slipped his index inside the tight ring of muscle, feeling it tighten and then relax around him. Slowly, he began to thrust, feeling Alex become more and more relaxed around him until he edged another finger in, curling his fingers up until they were pressing against Alex’s prostate, making him yell and moan in delight, Miles kissing him to silence him as he became more rough and direct with his thrusts, adding another and grunting at the feeling of Alex squirming under him.

Three minutes of rough fingering later and Alex was on the brink of tears, toes curled and nails running down Miles’ back until the skin broke and blood began to speckle his tanned skin. Miles was quick to remove his fingers and roll on the condom on between kisses, massaging lube against Alex's hole again before he lined himself up and slowly, eyes on Alex to make sure he was okay, thrust into him.

The combination of the burn in his thighs and the ache of pleasure radiating from his arse was making Alex’s mind fuzzy as he looked up at Miles as he slowly fucked him. He nestled his head against the pillows, eyes rolling back as Miles’ speed increased and the two were soon moaning and panting in time with each other, Miles dipping down to press their lips together every so often. It didn’t take either of them long to cum, Miles groaning and gripping onto Alex’s thighs as, after one hard thrust, his muscles contracted and he came deep inside the other man. The sensation was one Alex had never felt before and he was soon coming across his stomach with a yell, digging his nails into Miles’ back and leaving some pretty hefty cuts.

“Fucking hell, that was amazing.” Alex panted as he shut his eyes and threw his arm across his face, feeling Miles pull out of him and gently lower his legs, hearing the patter of his feet as stood and tied the condom up, throwing it in the bin and then, somewhat hesitantly, laying beside Alex again. “Best fuck I have ever had.” He added, rolling onto his side and peaking his eyes open to look at Miles, a sleepy smile on his face. Miles too looked shattered, cheeks flushed and hair a mess as he laid beside Alex and cautiously wrapped an arm around him, the two chest to chest.

“That was magical,” Miles whispered against the name of Alex’s neck, kissing the sweet, sweaty skin below his ear. “You’re magical, and every single synonym for it.” Alex smiles at that, hitching his leg over Miles’ so he was more comfortable as they laid upon the crumbled duvet, both far too hot to feel the need to cocoon beneath it. “See, I told you that cologne would work didn’t I?” Miles teased, earning a laugh and a playful slap to the chest from Alex who slowly pressed their lips together, his eyes closing and head falling back onto the pillow.

“You’re a great salesman. But an even better fucker.” Alex commented with a lazy smile, hearing Miles’ soft laugh before drifting off to sleep.

…

He seemed impressed by the way you came in. “Tell us a story, I know you’re not boring”

“Hello?” Alex grumbled, shoving his phone to his ear and sitting up, careful not to disturb Miles who was still fast asleep with an arm around him, the other thrown across the duvet, hand hanging limply off the side of the bed. He looked peaceful, the sight enough to make Alex break into a smile as he tucked the duvet around himself.

“Alright Al, it’s Matt. Do you fancy telling us why there’s a photo of you and some handsome bloke snogging on the front of The Mail?”

Chapter Text

“This is ridiculous.” 

“There was nothing we could do to stop them, and believe us we tried,” Nigel said, sat next to Alex as they scrolled through the tabs open on Alex’s laptop. The screen was covered in article after article, Alex’s eyes burning as he tried to process every word. 

He had had close scrapes before, but they’d been paid off or brushed under the rug as nothing but mistaken identity. But for this was serious, the words in bold across The Sun’s homepage only reminding him of the reason he hadn’t been able to come out sooner.

Still Take You Home: Alex Turner looks worse for wear whilst kissing MALE companion in central London

Monkeying Around: Alex Turner snogs handsome brunette after London dinner date

EXCLUSIVE: Alexa WHO? Arctic Monkeys frontman’s new beau is 32-year-old stripper, Miles Kane

This was madly different from anything that had happened before.

“What happens now? Miles’ name is out there now, this is going to be so detrimental for him… Christ, I feel awful…” Alex whispered as he read the last article, a grinning Miles looking back at him on the screen. “I… I don’t know what to do.” Alex murmured as he looked to Nigel who sighed softly. He shrugged.

“There’s nothing you can do, Alex.” Came his simple reply. “If you like Miles, you want to stick with him, then do just that. I’ve known you for eighteen years, Alex. I know you’re not a serial dater… It’s going to be a tricky few weeks but…” He shrugged and shut the lid of the laptop, Alex’s head falling into his hands. “We’ll protect you as best we can, don’t be surprised if any ex-lovers worm their way back out. It’ll be okay in the end.” He said, patting Alex’s shoulder and standing, shrugging his jacket back on. “Call me if you need help, Al. You know I’m here for you.” He said, giving his shoulder a firm squeeze. “I need to go back to the office and answer emails. I’ll give you a bell if I need you, alright?” Alex nodded, not raising his head. 

As the front door shut, Alex folded into the seat and groaned to himself, rubbing his face with his hands. His fist suddenly slammed the dining table and he began to cry. 

“You look a bit of a state, Mi,” Jamie commented as he walked into the living room, finding his best friend laying on the floor, their shared laptop in front of him. “That date of yours not go as you planned then?” He asked, sitting down on the carpet beside his best friend and squinting at the screen.

“No, it went perfectly: had a lovely meal and the best sex of my life but,” He spun the laptop around so Jamie has a better view of the screen. “No one told me I would be front-page news.” He buried his face into the soft carpet and let out a sigh. “I’ll be lucky if I’ve got a job by this evening.” He groaned, fingers running through his short hair as Jamie read the article with little interest.

“You’re overthinking.” He said, then getting up and walking over to the kitchenette to make himself breakfast. “I’m glad you had a good night though. You think you wanna see him again?” Jamie called, getting the box of Shreddies from the cupboard. 

“He’s got a gig on Friday. I’m going to go if I don’t get called into work.” He mumbled into the carpet. Jamie rolled his eyes and fetched the bottle of milk from the fridge. 

“You could sound a bit more excited about it, Mi.” He joked, Miles sitting up and rubbing his face with a tired groan. “Oh hang on, someone’s got a hangover ain’t they?” Jamie teased, waltzing back into the living area with his bowl of cereal in hand. “And someone also looks like they’ve been attacked by a baby shark.” He nodded to the bruises on Miles' neck, the Scouser running a self-conscious hand over them. 

“I need a shower.” He grumbled, standing and putting the laptop on the coffee table, then heading off to their bathroom. Jamie chuckled and sat down, dragging the laptop onto his lap and browsing the rest of the news headlines whilst eating his breakfast.

Miles reappeared ten minutes later, singing along to the Paul Weller record Jamie was playing on his knackered guitar. He was in only his briefs, rubbing his hair with a damp towel and shaking his arse about in the most teasing yet eye-rollingly cringy way he knew. Jamie laughed and smacked Miles’ arse playfully when he waltzed past, joined him in singing along. However, the two paused when their intercom buzzed. 

“I’ll get it,” Jamie said, standing up whilst Miles continued to dance around the coffee table, downing the rest of his best mate’s coffee and finishing the last of his Shreddies, putting the dirty crockery in the kitchen, towel slung over his shoulder. “Mi, babe, you’ve got a visitor,” Jamie called, Miles plodding back down the hallway and pausing mid-step when Jamie fully opened the front door and Alex peaked his head around the tatty wood. 

“Hi,” Alex said softly, waving a hand in an awkward wave. Miles’ entire face softened and he broke into a grin as he approached Alex and invited him inside, excusing the mess and his appearance as he ushered Jamie back into the living room. “I’m sorry… And I must have looked a right silly sod to that poor receptionist, not knowing your surname or flat number or nothing.” He mumbled with a soppy smile as Miles led him through to the living room.

“It’s Kane, and flat 50 and a half, so, 50.5 I guess.” He said absentmindedly, Alex giggling softly and making Miles pause mid cushion ruffle. “What?” He asked and Alex shrugged, sitting down beside Miles on the tatty velvet sofa. 

“505, like our song.” He said with a grin as Miles laughed and rolled his eyes, reaching his arms out to run them along the back of the sofa, his fingers skimming the end of Alex’s hair. “I wanted to see if you fancied getting lunch... I feel like I have to apologise for all this.” His hand wafted in a large circle in the air, making Mike s chuckle.  “ I truly feel awful.” He said, head rubbing against Miles’ hand like a tired cat. “And it means I get to spend more time with ya, that’s nothing but a good thing in my eyes.” He purred, pressing a soft kiss to the crease of Miles’ arm.

Two days, Alex. You’ve known him for two days. The little voice in his head reminded him.

“You’re too sweet, Al.” Miles chuckled, looking over to Jamie as he entered, a cigarette between his lips and notebook and pen in his hand. “And I’m sure Jay here could do with some time alone to write another soppy love song, eh?” He teased, Jamie rolling his eyes and sitting down at the dining table. 

“You say that like you don’t spend hours playing that fucking leccy of yours when I’m at work.” Jamie laughed and Alex raised an eyebrow. 

“You play the guitar?” He asked curiously and Miles rolled his eyes, hiding his face in his bicep, allowing Jamie to reply on his behalf. 

“Yeah, like a poor man’s Brian May.” He chuckled. “No, he’s a proper little legend is our Miles, not seen anyone rock a wammy like he does. We normally go to them open mic nights down the Rat and Parrot on Wednesdays if he’s not at work.” Jamie continued, flicking his book open. “Sorry Mi, don’t mean to embarrass you in front of your boyfriend but he deserves to know what a sick lad you are.”

“Save it, Jamie.” Miles groaned, peeking to look at Alex who was beaming at him.

“You should play me a couple of tunes, maybe we can share our tricks of the trade.” He said with a grin making Miles frown at the thought. “I’m being honest, I’d love to hear you play.” He said, this time reaching out to stroke Miles’ cheek. “I’ll play you a couple of tracks I’ve got in the works if you want.”

“I suppose if we’re going to do a little trade then it seems fairer.” He grumbled resentfully, leading him through to his bedroom where his guitars sat against the wall and a stack of tatty old notebooks sat on the desk. “I would have cleaned up a bit if I’d known I had company.” He mumbled, straightening the duvet so Alex could sit down. He grabbed his acoustic and passed it to Alex, then plugging in his beloved electric, giving the strings a few tentative strums. 

“It’s fine, you can tell it’s a very well-loved home,” Alex said with a smile as he played a couple of chords, playing a new melody for Miles who stood watching in awe, a grin on his face as Alex hummed a few lyrics to himself, not making much sense just yet.

“Are you okay? After this morning I was worried.” Miles said, making Alex look up from the guitar. “I’m sorry all this is happening, though I’m sure this was never what you wanted either,” Miles added and sat down beside Alex.

“You don’t have to apologise to me, Miles.” Alex smiled, resting a reassuring hand on his knee. “It was okay, I’m okay, it’ll all work itself out. Me manager came over after you left and he’s got it all under control. Just a nasty surprise I guess.” He shrugged, gently squeezing his thigh. It was an understatement, that was for sure! Alex wasn’t sure he would call what he experienced once Nigel left a panic attack, but it sure led to him sat on the bathroom floor with bloodshot eyes and a burning throat. It was bound to happen some time or another, and the only saving grace was that he genuinely liked Miles and knew that he was going to be present in his life for some time.

“Being outed isn’t nice, though. And I do feel partially responsible.” Alex huffed and wafted a hand. “No, it is terrible and you must be hurting, Al,” Miles added and the two looked at each other for a long moment. 

“You’re in no way responsible for this,” Alex assured him, and of course it was true! Unless Miles had called the paps there himself, which he wouldn’t have as he had no idea where they were going for dinner and not once did he touch his phone, this whole mess was not his fault. All they did was kiss, what any two men on a date would do after too many bottles of wine. It angered Alex that someone had invaded his, their, privacy in such a catastrophic way. He was boiling with rage, but Miles kept it at a low simmer. “Come on, give us a play.” He said with a smile and gave him a hesitant kiss, just to assure him that everything was going to be okay. Miles kissed him back slowly, savouring the feeling. His lips were as wonderful as before, and Alex was slightly disappointed when the other pulled away.

“Aight, but don’t laugh.” He said and Alex beamed at him as he started to strum the strings. Rearrange began to flood through the room as he tapped his foot along and began to sing. Alex was surprised by how fantastic Miles’ voice was; the softness of it, his rich accent shining through with every syllable. It was gorgeous. And the song! It was fantastic; so much better than some of the lyrics he had written over the years. As the chorus peaked, Miles’ head rested on his partner’s shoulder with a soft chuckle and stopped strumming, not wishing to bore Alex any longer. “Most of what I write makes no sense, not been through enough trauma in my life to write proper gritty stuff.” He said with a chuckle, strumming a few more chords and humming to himself.

“I loved it, your voice is incredible,” Alex said, kissing the top of Miles’ head. “Well, you’ve been through quite a lot from what you’ve told me, but it’s hard to open up about that kind of thing… So long as it comes from in there,” He prodded the centre of Miles’ chest. “Then that’s all that matters. Most of our early tracks were about what I saw, what I did, my time growing up in Sheffield. Sometimes the best tunes come from observation, you know?” He said softly, beginning to play the opening few chords of When The Sun Goes Down. “I’ve never slept with a prostitute, but I saw them. I put myself in their position and wondered what it must be like… And besides, I’m sure you’re a better songwriter than I am. Them lyrics were great.” He said, offering Miles a smile as they went back to absent-mindedly playing their guitars. Miles looked a little distant but soon blinked back into reality.

After an hour of jamming between stolen kisses, Alex and Miles left to go on search of lunch. They eventually decided on a quiet cafe on one of the back streets round the corner from Miles’ flat, huddled up in the back booth and chatting over cups of tea and plates of scrambled eggs and beans. Alex was weary of photographers ruining their fun and taking a snap as they sipped coffee and ate their brunch, but thankfully the coast remained clear. Miles would have gone so far to say it was the most enjoyable breakfast he had ever had; it certainly beat all of the rushed bowls of cereal he’d consumed in his life. They remained undisturbed, a few people trying to catch their eye whilst the two were deep in discussion, perhaps having seen them on the cover of the papers, but the two men remained too wrapped up in their little world to particularly notice.

They told more stories, Alex expanding on their plans for the rest of the year and their excitement to be playing the Royal Albert Hall for the first time. Miles shared the occasional tale of the open mic nights he’d performed at that had ended horrifically, whilst Alex laughed along in sheer glee. Every moment with Miles was one he adored, his heart thumping a thousand beats a second every time their eyes met or legs touched below the table. He was turning soft, but there was something so unique about Miles that he let himself feel so vulnerable for the first time in years.

It wasn’t until an hour and a half later when they stood up to leave, did someone pluck up the courage to approach. The woman Miles placed as only just having left her teens approached Alex with a sheepish smile and spoke quietly to him, apologising for interrupting but feeling the need to thank Alex for producing the music she grew up listening to. They hugged briefly and, after having volunteered, Miles snapped a quick photo of the two of them. She thanked them both and then returned to her seat by the till.

“She seemed nice,” Miles said once they’d left the cafe, walking back in the direction of Miles’ block of flats. 

“Yes, she was. It’s nice to have a chat with someone now and then rather than them just approach, ask for a selfie and then patter off again to gloat to their friends. I’m not sure she would have asked for a picture had you not offered to take one.” Alex suggested, stopping to peer in the window of a home furnishings store. “I hope you didn’t mind getting interrupted. My last girlfriend was a real mare when it came to people approaching when we were out together.” He continued, squinting at the giant paper mache elephant in the window with a hint of confusion. Miles was frozen in spot. Hearing mention of an ex-girlfriend made his heart freeze over and give him frostbite. The thought that there had been others before him made him squirm with jealousy. How pathetic he was, getting wound up so soon into a relationship. Miles soon turned back from the window and shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

“‘Course I don’t mind, if I saw Paul Weller or Paul McCartney silting a couple of tables from me I’d want a chat with them,” Miles said as smoothly as he could muster, so as not to let on to the bitter taste in his mouth. Miles slipped his sunglasses on and rolled his shoulders slowly, enjoying the feeling of the warm sunshine on his face.

“You can’t put me in the same bracket as those two though,” Alex complained, Miles bumping their shoulders and grinning at his companion.

“Well, I think you’ll find I just did and will continue to do so.” He said, poking his tongue out at Alex. “So get used to it, Turner.”

Their time together was cut short by Alex receiving a fairly urgent-sounding phone call from Nick, asking him to stop by his flat as soon as possible. Miles insisted that Alex left, telling him that as much as he had enjoyed their time together his best friend was far more important and that they would see each other on Friday regardless. 

Alex got a cab to Islington High Street, walking the rest of the way to Nick’s flat and being met by his three bandmates lounging in Nick’s games room, Matt and Jamie in the middle of a game of pool whilst Nick laid on the sofa reading to his son. 

“I thought you said it was urgent,” Alex said with a frown, tilting his head as he looked at his bandmates. 

“Yeah, well, we just wanted to have a chat,” Matt said, potting the green ball with ease, making Jamie huff and chuck his cue onto the floor. “Because our best mate of god knows how long gets a boyfriend and we find out at the same time as the rest of the world.” Matt placed his cue down and rose an eyebrow at Alex. 

“He is not my boyfriend.” Alex started, sitting down on the empty sofa and tried to relax, resting his ankle upon his knee. “We met on Friday, we went out to dinner yesterday. Just been out for lunch with him to say sorry for booting him out me flat this morning. Therefore, not my boyfriend.”

“But you fancy him, don’t you?” Jamie interjected, sitting down beside Alex and staring at him. “Them marks on your neck are enough to prove that.” Alex raised a hand to stop Jamie yanking his collar down. “And he’s a handsome man! Does he have a name? An occupation? Anything you want to share with the group?” Alex rolled his eyes and relaxed into the sofa, looking at the three expectant faces staring back at him.

“You’ve already read the articles, you know all that. His name is Miles, he’s the same age as us, he was born on the Wirral but moved to London when he was a teen. He sings and plays the guitar, he plays mic nights with his best mate and he’s incredibly good… He works in Selfridges, on one of the perfume counters, he’s a… male entertainer. Which is how we met; he, shall we say, performed at Alexa’s hen. We got chatting and… yeah.” Alex rambled, then pausing when he noticed all three men sniggering at him. “What?” 

“You’re a lovesick pup already, Al.” Matt teased, ruffling his best friend's hair. “Coping off with a stripper and suddenly you’ve got the confidence to snog in front of the paps.” He added with a laugh, perching on the coffee table in front of his two friends. “When can we meet him? If ever?” Alex rolled his eyes and glanced over to Nick and Forrest.

“Friday. I’ve invited him along.” He answered, Jamie playfully punching his arm. “Oi, careful… You boys better behave otherwise I’ll go off and do my own thing with him, leave yous in the dust.” He teased, earning a playful eye roll from Matt.

“You wouldn’t dare.” He exclaimed and Alex shrugged.

“Watch me,” Alex said, poking his tongue out at his best mate.

It took all of Alex’s power not to snog Miles the second he saw him. Even in the yellow light of the hallway, his skin looked so soft and tanned, the green of his eyes ever-present, the smile on his face making Alex weak at the knees. He had known Miles a week. Seven days ago he had been bare-chested and sat on his lap, he had laughed with such enthusiasm, his grin infectious. It seemed like a lifetime, so much about Miles know shared with him, so many words penned in the notebook on his bedside table about the way his mind went into overdrive the moment it so drifted to Miles. He had got drunk with Alexa two nights before and she had just laughed at how soppy he was being, sending him on his way and reminded Alex to lead with his heart and not his head.

Now, with Miles in his cream shirt and skin-tight trousers, he was sure it was impossible to do anything but fall in love with him.

“You going to keep staring at me or are you going to come in for a drink?” Miles asked, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded across his chest. He was grinning at Alex, who felt a right fool. Had he been staring at Miles so long he’d noticed? His eyes did feel rather dry. 

“Sorry, you just look… Incredible.” He smiled and headed inside, shutting the front door behind him. He kicked off his shoes and followed Miles through to the kitchenette, bobbing his head to the song blasting from Jamie’s bedroom. “Jamie can come along tonight if he wants like, should have mentioned that earlier,” Alex said as they reached the kitchen. He perched on the edge of the dining table and looked around the open-plan room, eyes lingering on the photo of Miles and Jamie on the wall above the television. They looked so young, yet so gaunt and dead-eyed. Alex wondered if that was when he had just moved to London when he worked on street corners and did who knows what to get by. The Miles in the photo seemed to different to the Miles who was now singing along to the song that drifted through the air.

He wondered what it must have been like for Miles, going from everything to nothing overnight at such a young age. Even the thought of having his parents banish him for something as minor as his sexuality made him feel sick. Miles, with his Lennon hair and brilliant smile, was hardly a bastard child. He wondered where they were now, what Miles would say to them if he had the chance to meet them now. Alex was sure had his parents booted him out at eighteen he would have made it his life’s purpose to never speak to them again. Miles deserved something so much better.

“Do you want a beer, wine, or cider?” Miles asked, standing in front of the fridge and peering at the bottles stacked high within it. And don’t worry about our Jay, he’s got his girlfriend over tonight anyway.” He added, getting himself a bottle of Bud and placing it on the counter.

“Beer, whatever’s fine.” Alex smiled, taking the bottle from Miles when it was passed to him. “Shame, though plenty more over the summer if he’s free.” Miles smiled at him, levering off the cap of his beer and passing the bottle opener to Alex.

“Reckon you’ll still want me around when them gigs roll round then, eh?” He asked, a grin playing on his lips. What an absurd question - Miles had been on his mind every moment of the last week and he sure showed no signs of fading away just yet. Alex licked his lips and smirked.

“Well, if you keep stocking me up with booze, I sure will.” He teased and Miles laughed, clinking their bottles together. The silk of his cream shirt slipped a little at the collar and the jut of his collarbone was on full display. The temptation to lurch and bruise it was all-consuming. 

“Well, glad I know my use so early on Mr Turner.” He said with a smirk, and Alex laughed to himself, tilting his head slightly as he gave Miles a once over. His gaze was caught, and Miles was quick to step forward so their legs met. “Though I was sure hoping it would be my divine kisses that kept you around.” He pouted, and Alex was soon dragging him down for a slow kiss, their mouths open and working with each other. It was sensual, Miles fingers dragging through Alex’s hair as their breath hitched and they, resentfully, parted. 

“Well, I guess they’re a perk, yeah.” Miles chuckled and gave Alex’s cheek a playful pinch before having a glug of his beer. “We’ve got to be back at five, get in before doors open and the hoards ascend,” Alex added as he followed Miles through to the sofa, sitting beneath his outstretched arm. Five evenings of phone calls whilst curled up in his duvet didn’t quite compare to this, the feeling of Miles’ warmth against his aching back, of the way lips pressed to his temple when Miles reached for the television remote.

Even the evening when Miles had had to go out to work, a busy Wednesday night of catering for a very jolly hen do, they had managed to FaceTime whilst making dinner. Miles was already in his tight-fitting t-shirt and velcro trousers and Alex was half tempted to sack off his night with Alexa to get a taxi straight to Miles’ flat and kiss him to high heaven. But he certainly wasn’t a lovesick puppy. Nothing of the sort. 

They’d already planned their afternoon; they would watch a film and drink to soothe Alex’s pre-gig nerves before getting a cab to the Royal Albert Hall and having a takeaway with the lads before the show began. Then, after ninety anxiety-inducing minutes, they would bundle off stage, into awaiting arms, and spend the rest of their night in some far too expensive nightclub with their dearest friends. Although, perhaps, if he was lucky enough, himself and Miles would get to slip away before they set foot in the club and could head back to his flat for a night of terribly dirty sex. 

But for now, he could bask in his delightful company, being peppered with kisses through soft conversations and the everchanging pace of whatever terrible Rowan Atkinson film Miles had decided upon. Alex wasn’t paying much attention to the film, not really. Admiring Miles was far more interesting. They laughed at Instagram memes, Miles delighting him with a silly compilation video of Alex falling over on stage that he had been tagged in. If there was anything Alex loved, it was poking fun at him making a fool of himself. No one ever said that him tripping over a cable and throwing his mic stand into the pit ruined the gig if anything it produced more enjoyment and memories. 

As the film rolled to a close, four empty bottles sat on the coffee table and Miles was explaining the difference between wrestling and sumo wrestling to him. Alex just grinned, head against his shoulder as he spoke. The words weren’t sinking in, but he nodded along regardless. 

“Alright kiddo,” Jamie called as he entered, guitar over his shoulder and a mountain of dirty crockery in his hands. “Al, alright mate.” He smiled, trying to wave without sending the pile tumbling to the floor.

“All good my friend, all good,” Alex called in reply, the two watching as he managed to elegantly place the dishes into the sink, all unscathed. He returned to the lounge and gave Miles a wink. 

“You looking forward to this gig tonight then, Alex? Our Mi tells us it’s a biggie.” 

“We’ve played bigger.” Alex shrugged, nonchalance hiding the anxiety that was alive in the pit of his stomach as the minutes ticked by. “It’ll be good, first proper London gig in a couple of years so it’ll be a great night I’m sure.” He said, his hair being ruffled madly by his partner. “If you didn’t have your girl over I’d have said you could come along,” Alex said, checking his watch. Half four. Shit. 

“Always next time, eh.” Jamie smiled as Alex stood and stretched, Miles looking at him with a raised brow. “Was surprised you’d not headed off yet,” Jamie observed as Miles too stood, taking the bottles out to the kitchen to be thrown into the glass bin. 

“We’re just leavin’ as it happens Jameo,” Miles said clapping his best mate on the back as he went past. He gave Alex a smile that was widely returned.

“‘Ere, why don’t I get a snap of you two.” Miles snorted and shook his head. “Oi, come on, you’ve been filling in those god damn scrapbooks with polaroids and disposables since you read that article in Vogue when you were eighteen.” Jamie pointed out, making Miles flush crimson. Alex just laughed.

“I don’t think it’s too bad an idea,” Alex said, wrapping an arm around his lover when Jamie disappeared to find the cameras. “You’ll have to show me that scrapbook, it sounds horrifically adorable.”

“Watch your words, mister,” Miles said, voice low and unnecessarily sexual. Alex rose his brows but smiled into the kiss that was pressed to his lips. Jamie returned, triumphantly shaking the camera in the air. 

“Come on then,” Alex smiled, an arm around Miles’ shoulders and grinning at the camera. Miles rolled his eyes and wrapped an arm around Alex’s waist and beaming down the lens as the flash shocked them both and Jamie laughed triumphantly. 

“Not too painful, eh.” Jamie smiled, placing the camera down on the cabinet in the hallway. 

“Very,” Miles grumbled, kicking his loafers on and then grabbing the camera from the cabinet, shoving it into his back pocket after checking how much film was left on it. “Don’t wait up laa,” Miles said with a wink whilst Alex laced up his loafers. 

“Oh trust me, I’ve got far more important things to be going.” He grinned, making Miles fake gag, Jamie laughed and walking back to his room. “Have a good night.” He called, door slamming shut before either could reply. 

“I’m serious, I wanna see pictures of you as a youngun,” Alex said, standing and taking Miles’ hand in his. “Bet you were dead cute.” He chuckled and Miles hook his head, smiling at the knackered toes of his shoes.

“Well, I guess you shall have to wait and see. But now, we’ve got a rather fancy concert hall to be getting to.” Miles said and Alex agreed with a firm nod, kissing him once more before the front door was opened and the blasting heat of the afternoon air greeted them.

“Let’s go do this then.”

Chapter Text

“Thank you for ‘aving us, London. But what I really wanna know… is R U Mine baby!” 

Miles was sure he had never smiled so much in his life. From the second they stepped out the taxi and into the divine glory of the Royal Albert Hall, to when Alex grinned at him from the stage before bursting into the opening words of R U Mine. Encased by goosebumps as he looked around the crowd, Miles was sure he would never experience anything like this again in his life.

“You alright?” Alexa shouted to him over the music. She offered him another beer and slung an arm over his shoulders. “Amazing isn’t it?” She laughed as Miles brought the lip of his cup to his mouth and had a gulp of the tepid beer. “All these people here for your fella.” She was grinning, and Miles gave her a tight side hug. 

“My fella? Don’t be stupid.” He laughed, dancing along to the song with Alexa’s arm around his waist. “We’re far from that just yet la.” He grinned and Alexa just winked, the two looking back to the stage. Although they were stood to the side of the stage, he could see everything so perfectly, Alex’s long hair messy from the sweat and him thrashing it about all over the shop, and his hand was running over the guitar like he belonged there. Miles knew Alex belonged in that moment, front and central with the mic pressed to his lips and thousands staring back at him in adoration. 

“He’s a silver lining climbing on my desire…” He? Had Alex just said he?! Miles’ jaw dropped a little as the chorus hit and everyone around him thrashed their heads about in time to the song, Alexa jumping about and making him rock with her. But there it was again! And again! And - oh my god - again! He! “He's a silver lining lone ranger riding through an open space in my mind when he's not right there beside me.” As Miles bounced around to the final chorus with his new friends, his heart was hammering. Was this it? After a week of seeing each other, this was it, on stage at the damn Royal Albert Hall?! Miles was sure his knees were going to buckle and he was going to collapse if Alex continued.

Maybe it was the drink talking, but Miles was certain that this was Alex professing his feelings to Miles. It had to be! It was the only explanation! But they had known each other a week - and that was the sting of it. Theoretically, this was their second date. Sure they had spent almost twelve hours on the phone to each other over the course of the week, but it was still just their second date. From what Miles knew of relationships which, admittedly, was very little, it was never until the third or fourth date that things were actually official? Perhaps Alex was just ridiculously keen like himself, it would make sense! 

As Alex bunded off stage after an extended outro that the group side-of-stage danced along to with free limbs and no sense of rhythm, he immediately searched for Miles. And there he stood, grinning back and making a quick b-line for him, a bottle of something in his hand. They held each other, a slow kiss pressed to Miles’ lips before they pulled away. The crowd were still chanting as they flooded out of the venue. Zackary was wandering around taking photos, Miles’ disposable almost out of film from the number of shots he’d managed to get of the band whilst they performed. 

Alexa had laughed when she’d spotted the camera and when Miles had explained whilst he had it.

“That was my  Vogue article.” She’d said between fits of laughter, wagging her matching yellow and red Kodak that had been neatly tucked away in her bag. If Miles had known a fortnight before that he would end up being best friends with Alexa Chung and have way too much in common with her, he would have laughed. He would have laughed at all of this, how ridiculous it was his life could change so much in a week.

As Alex held him close, not wanting to let go of each other as they grinned at each other, Miles knew that this was what it was meant to feel like, not like how it had felt many times over with every other guy who he thought he had wanted to settle with. Not this natural bond they had, how they were friends first and lovers second. That was what Miles wanted, not a repeat of the fuck and run relationships he was so used to. But Alex would never do such a thing to him. 

“Come on, I need a shower.” Alex took his hand and led him back to the green room, the shouts of the crowd quieting as they wound down the corridors. Eventually, they were inside the room they had devoured Chinese in an hour and a half before. “There are some clothes in my duffle, you alright to get them for me whilst I shower?” Alex asked as the door shut behind them and he turned to look at Miles. 

“Course.” Miles smiled, reaching to squeeze his hand. Alex locked their fingers and then brought him close for a kiss. It was sweet and soft and the taste lingered on Miles’ lips as Alex disappeared into the bathroom. 

He approached the black duffle that had been thrown into the corner of the room and heaved it up onto the tatty black sofa. He zipped it open and fished out the clean set of clothes that were inside, neatly laying them on the sofa and then zipping the duffle back up. He was half tempted to have a sly rummage, but instead sat down and got his phone from his pocket, looking through the photos he’d taken during the evening. He sent some to Jamie, knowing full well he would be so occupied by that girlfriend of his he wouldn’t see the texts till the next morning. Danielle always seemed okay from the few times she had met her during their three-month relationship, but Jamie was sure the sun shined out of her arse. There was just something about her though that he didn’t like, a stuck up second side to her that would falter if he was around. 

The message remained on delivered as he threw it onto the sofa and listened to the sound of Alex singing in the bathroom. He was putting on a rousing rendition of Soul Love, and as the sound of the shower stopped, Katie and Jamie appeared from the corridor and greeting him with loud hellos as they fiddled with the stereo system until Alex’s singing was replaced with Frank Ocean. Miles grabbed Alex’s clothes and tapped the bathroom door, quickly being let in by the other lad. 

“‘Ave got your stuff, Katie and-” He was silenced by warm lips being pressed against his. Alex, in just his towel, locked the door with one hand and pressed Miles against the bathroom wall with the others. The tiles were cold and damp against the thin cotton of his shirt, but Alex’s warmth dragged him to a lukewarm spot of heaven. As a hand cupped his cheeks and lips bruised his, his stomach and heart lurched in sync. His gut was awash with the daintiest of butterflies, flowing between streams of deep arousal. Alex’s hand ran under his shirt as wet strands of hair stuck to his face, the hunger growing from both men as the raucous erupted on the other side of the wall.

As Alex pulled away, the towel around his hips dangerously close to slipping off, his clean clothes had become creased from the warmth of his chest pressed against them as they slung over Miles' arm. Miles was panting, bottom lip speckled with blood and eyes wide, pupils dilated. 

“Quite the thank you.” Miles grinned and Alex laughed, shaking his head and then pressing their lips once more. “I’ll do you more favours if it means I get that kind of star treatment.” Alex playfully whacked his arm before cupping Miles’ face with his hand. Miles was beaming, and Alex’s heart continued to sing. 

“You’re a gem.” Alex smiled, then taking his clothes from Miles and shimmying into his boxers, managing to effortlessly slip them on below his towel. The waistband snapped around his hips just as the towel slipped to the floor. Miles was smirking, eyebrow raised. “Oh trust me, I’d have you pinned against that wall right now were it not for fear of that lot barging in,” Alex said in response, shrugging on his shirt and doing up the buttons, long hair framing his face. Miles had mapped every freckle that ordained those pinked cheeks, the birthmark upon his breastbone, he had cradled the set of stretch marks that peeked over the jut of his hip. As he admired Alex, all the wanted to do was reach out and touch every inch of him. Perhaps it was the drink talking, but Miles could not wait for them to have some real alone time so he could kiss that damn pretty face off. 

There was a firm knock at the door that made them both jump. 

“Alex, come on I need a piss,” Matt yelled, fist hitting the door again. Alex hurried on his clothes whilst Miles fished up his dirty ones, Alex then opening the door. Matt nearly fell through it, grabbing the door frame before he could smash to the ground. “Oi, no shagging in the toilets.” He laughed, pushing past them and lunging for the toilet. The two left just as Matt began to fiddle with his belt buckle. Neither needed to see that.

For June, it was cold. Ridiculously cold. 

As they shuffled past security and into their awaiting taxi, the wind was enough to make Alex shiver. He was glad he’d picked up his leather jacket, though Miles looked particularly cold. 

“D’ya want me jacket?” Alex asked as Miles slipped in beside him, an arm immediately wrapping around his waist. Miles shook his head and reached for his seatbelt.

“Nah, nah all good laa.” He smiled. “Tough northern bones me, a bit of wind isn’t going to give me frostbite.” He was far too proud of that fact, and Alex was a little suspicious that he would be eating his words by the time three am rolled around. 

As the taxi roared away from the venue and towards central, Alex’s knees smashed against Katie’s and three slipped about the back seats, trying to anchor themselves to something. Zach and Jamie laughed from opposite them as they held the handles above the door, not budging as the people carrier raced along the empty midnight streets in the direction of Borderline. Alex wasn’t sure of the last time he had graced the streets of Soho, but he knew it had been some years. Let alone the last time he’d been beyond the doors of any nightclub. 

“I’m gunna vom if this cab doesn’t slow down.” Katie groaned, clutching her stomach as they hurled around another corner far too fast. The driver just glared at her in the rearview mirror.

“Please don’t.” Jamie laughed, reaching to rub his girlfriend’s arm. “It’ll cost a fortune to get it out the seats.” 

“Ever compassionate.” She grumbled, making Miles and Alex snigger. 

After ten minutes of Katie successfully holding in her sick, they stopped outside Borderline, where the queue was long and the bouncers looked terrifying. They caught everyone’s attention as they stepped out, joining Alexa and her friends who had arrived minutes before. As usual, the bouncers refused to let them in before their entire group arrived, leading to Alex and Miles huddling behind their friends and lighting up a cigarette. 

“I’ve not been here since I moved,” Miles said, looking over to the queue of scantily clad girls and their creepy looking partners. “Apparently, there’s a karaoke bar in the basement, though me and me mates never managed to find out if it was true or not,” Miles added, taking the cigarette from Alex.

“Well, as that’s where we’re heading tonight I guess there is one.” Alex laughed, a grin on his face as he wrapped an arm around Mile and rested his head against his shoulder. “You can rent it out and there’s some special entrance behind the bar you have to use.” He continued, taking the cigarette from Miles.

“God, I’m going to be up there singing Take That before you know it.” Miles laughed, and Alex’s eyebrow raised.

“Take That? Really?” Alex laughed, smoke slipping through his lips and disappearing into the cool air as Miles shrugged, a grin playing on his face. 

“Hey, I can smash Lulu’s vocals.” He grinned, the pair watching the third and final cab pull in. Matt stepped out and immediately tripped over the curb and onto the pavement, the crowd erupting into laughter at the sight. 

“Let’s go in before anything else happens,” Nick grumbled, shoving past the two men and up to the bouncer, Zach and Jamie behind him. They were let in as Alex prematurely kicked out the cigarette, the two men following the rest of the group inside. 

The club was dark and loud and stuffy, and definitely not Alex’s thing. But as they descended the staircase behind the packed bar, the noise became faint and they were into the soft breeze of the aircon unit. Miles was looking around in awe, eyebrows raised as they reached the basement and were met by an empty bar, a cringy disco light striping the place with yellow and green, Madonna blasting through the speaker system and bright red leather sofas lining the walls. It was a small space, but the little stage against the far wall with a massive telly screen and a set of microphones told Alex it was going to be a chaotic night. 

And he was right. 

Miles was on stage, back to back with Zach, belting out Reptilia like there was no tomorrow. Alex watched on with a soppy smile, singing along with tequila still burning his lips. He knew that Miles would fit in perfectly with his friends, and seeing Zach spin him around by the waist while Miles up on a particularly entertaining air guitar performance. It was little after three o’clock and he was exhausted, but the tequila that still warmed his blood was making him feel tip-top. 

As Zach placed Miles down in time for the final chorus, it was clear to see Miles was having a hard time standing. He was in Zach’s arms, laughing through the words as he grabbed the mic stand to stop him from falling. Alexa, as drunk as the rest of them, was filming everything and sending it straight to her Instagram story. Alex had been the victim to a few photos over the evening, including one of him and Miles mid snog, Alex’s hand reaching out to bat away the camera phone. 

The song came to a close and their friends cheered the two, Miles staggering to Alex and folding into the spare seat beside him. 

“I think we should call it a night.” Alex decided, Miles' head resting on his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around his partner, kisses pressed to his neck. "You're proper gone an' I'm tired." He purred, burying his face into Miles' soft hair. But the other groaned and looked up at him, eyes wide and a pout on his face. 

“Come on laa, we need to get you up and do us a rendition of somethin, I’ll join ya if it makes you feel less silly.” He was pleading, and those big doe eyes were enough to convince him. Alex groaned and hugged him close, kissing his cheek as Alexa and Katie took to the stage, Jamie and Matt asleep in the corner of the room and Nick grooving around the dancefloor with Zach and the remainders of Alexa’s clan. “Please?” Miles asked as Wannabe kicked in and the two women strut about the stage as camera phones were flashed about.

“Alright… What about something that’s a bit silly, a singalong so i don’t feel so stupid when we’re up there.” Miles was beaming at him, and it was impossible for Alex not to snog him and then pull Miles onto his lap, the two bobbing their heads to Alexa and Katie’s singing, laughing along as Alexa kicked her leg and shuffled about the stage. “Do ya know that Take That song they did in like the mid-’00s? With the little one on vocals.” Alex said, Miles’ brows furrowing before he laughed.

“Shine, that one? Shine.” He sang it, stretching out the I and moving his arms in the air in time with the note. Alex cackled, nodding and burying his face into Miles’ neck, nipping the sweet skin. 

“Yeah, yeah that one. Now let me get ano’er drink to get these vocal cords ready.” Alex hummed, tapping Miles’ hip to get him to stand so he could go to the bar. Miles hopped up and took his hand, pulling him up and then marching him over to the bar. Alex nearly tripped at how fast Miles was going, having not stood up in some hours. “Come on, giss us a chance to not fall over like.” He laughed, tripping into the bar and grabbing the edge to stop himself tumbling to the floor. 

“We’ll have… eh…” Miles peeked over the bar and squinted at the fridge. “Two bottles of Peroni and two Jagerbombs.” Alex rose his eyebrow at him. “What? You want me to still be awake by the time we get to bed din’t you?” He chuckled, leaning to press a kiss to Alex’s cheek as the barman poured their drinks. Miles tapped his card against the bar as he wrapped his arm around Alex. 

The ceiling was still thumping with the last of the clubbers upstairs, and they could tell the staff were starting to get a little agitated that Alex and co were yet to head home. They had dimmed the lights and turned down the music, the three-strong team behind the bar now just a skinny youngster who looked like he was barely awake. As he poured the Red Bull into the glass and thrust the card machine towards Miles, it was just about clear that he had had enough. 

Alex did feel a little bad as the kid sighed and went back to wiping down the bar, but as the shrill sound of his ex-girlfriend-come-best-friend going into a rousing version of Beyonce’s Halo made him realise just how happy he truly was. Around his waist was the arm of the man he, and he wasn’t going to lie to himself, was slowly falling for, and their busiest summer in many years was about to begin. He was a little worried that he and Miles wouldn’t get to spend as much together once they went back on the road, but the idea of shipping Miles out to Australia for lazy days on the beach was nothing but inviting. When Miles turned from the card machine to smile at him, his eyes sparkling under the green light that the disco ball bounced around the room. Alex groaned below his breath at the sight, enchanted and enticed by the sheer beauty of the man before him. How had he got so lucky?

“Can I ask you something?” Miles asked as they returned to their table with drinks in hand. He stumbled a little and Alex squeaked, convinced he was about to fall flat on his face. Thankfully, Miles composed himself and they giggled, sitting back onto the plush leather. 

“Course, nowt too serious though me hopes.” Alex rose his brow, clinking their glasses as they downed their Jagerbombs. Miles hiccuped and Alex gagged a little. His limit was fast approaching, and he was not being sick in front of Miles. Not so soon. 

“You said he, when you were singin R U Mine,” Miles said, wiping his lips with the back of his hand and placing his glass back on the table, index skimming its rim as he refused to meet Alex’s gaze. “You like, you don’t think I am using you, do you?” Alex was taken aback, tilting his head as Miles continued. “The whole thing about is you mine for life or just tonight, 'cause like, I don’t want to be a temporary thing cause I proper like you, Al. And I could just be overthinking cause I was dead flattered you changed the lyrics. But, I dunno…” He chewed his lip and scratched the back of his neck. Alex gave him a cautious look and then sighed, wrapping an arm around him and holding him close.

“It’s a song about wanting to know feelings are reciprocated. I haven’t been able to keep you out of this dumb head of mine since I set me eyes on you. It’s a cheap excuse of a ballad, granted, but it don't mean I think you’re short term in my life.” He admitted, his chin on Miles’ head, eyes on Alexa as she stumbled off the stage and into Zach’s arms. “However, what I know right now, without a song I wrote for a girl who was using me, is that I would be upset if you were a short term thing. My head and heart don’t work like that, I don’t pursue, get involved, if I can’t see it progressing past the first month. A week has felt like a lifetime with you and I want a million more lifetimes to follow. Miles, I like you. And I weren’t thinking about the context I just saw you with that dopey smile on your face as you watched me play and I couldn’t resist it.” He added, then pulling away to look at Miles who, to his surprise, was snoring. Alex laughed and gave him a shake. Groggy, Miles hummed and smiled at him. The lady three minutes clearly hadn’t registered in his mind, and the Red Bull hadn’t had the instant effect he had been expecting. 

“Can we go an’ sing Take That now?” Miles asked, blinking to adjust his blurry vision as it wandered to the drinks on the table. He necked the Jagerbomb and hummed, hand resting on Alex’s thigh. “I promise I won’t outshine you.” He beamed, snorting a laugh at his own pun. Alex shook his head and pressed their lips together. Whilst his confession of some vague feelings had blatantly been missed, Alex’s heart wouldn’t stop hammering at the sight of those big brown eyes.

“Fine.” He tutted resentfully, downing his second Jagerbomb and heading to the stage with Miles’ fingers in his. 

“It’s so, fucking,” Miles almost ripped the curtain off as he swished it across the window with a horrific amount of force. “Bright.” He flopped back onto the bed, crawling into Alex’s waiting arms. He was barely awake but more than aware of Miles faffing about in his small bedroom. 

“Go back to sleep, I'm shattered,” Alex mumbled into his hair, an arm holding him close. “Ye ain’t moving unless it’s to make me a cup of coffee.” He added as Miles’ arse pressed harshly against his very sore and unfortunately limp dick. He grunted. 

“It’s like three o clock though.” Miles chipped in, checking his Swatch.

“We went to sleep at seven,” Alex argued, peaking an eye open. Miles wriggled again, and Alex rolled onto his back, making Miles winge at the sudden loss of contact. “Am going to be a moody bastard all weekend if I don’t get another hour.” He added, rubbing his face with his hands and rolling his head on the pillow. No chance of him going back to sleep now. He opened his eyes and stared at the high ceiling.

“Got no one to see aside from me though ‘ave ya. I’ve got three hours because some little shit next door has been screaming the damn place down.” Miles pointed out, rolling onto his side and resting his head on Alex’s breastbone. An arm instantly wrapped around him as their eyes met. “And I ended up in a bit of an Instagram wormhole, so it kept me well awake.” He frowned and Alex rose a brow, sitting up and looking at him with big, concerned eyes. There was a reason he wasn’t on social media; he’d never be able to cope with the constant critique.

“Well fuck em, cause all that matters is that you make me happy.” He leant to press their lips in a soft kiss. “Jealous, they’re like it with everyone in me life.” He wrapped protective arms around him. Miles just shrugged and sighed, getting as close as he could to Alex. Curse them all, Alex thought. It was never the press or the general public that were the issue, it was always the dedicated clique of fans who harassed and sought to make a mockery of everyone he knew. If there was a way to enforce they never got to even look at someone Alex cared about, then he would in a heartbeat.

They did end up falling asleep again for a few hours, waking up in time for a shared shower and the evening news. Another day had been lost to the wrath of a ridiculous hangover, but all Alex needed was to see Miles padding about his flat in his tartan pyjamas shorts and nothing else. Whilst they had planned an afternoon in town on another date, a takeaway pizza and an evening on the sofa watching The Sopranos did just the trick.

They retired to bed just after midnight, propped up by a mountain of scatter cushions as they shared a tub of Ben and Jerry's Alex had found at the back of his freezer. The bright light of the television blinded them with the opening titles of Casino Royale. Neither was paying much attention, too focused on not getting the chocolate ice cream over Alex's white sheets. Miles glanced at his phone, and Alex couldn't help but let his eyes wander as the other made his way to Instagram. 

"Eh, come on. Don't need to be looking at all that do you." Alex mumbled, kissing Miles' short hair and pulling him impossibly closer. Miles let out a hum, sulking a little as he cuddled into Alex's arms. 

"A was just seeing if Jamie had posted anything, not been replying to my texts." He mumbled as the home screen lit up. The orange bubble at the bottom popped up letting him know he has 293 new likes, 93 followers, 50 comments and 129 new tags. He groaned and locked his phone, rolling over so he and Alex were facing each other. "Would get off the damn thing if it weren't for loads of my mates from school and that." He huffed. Alex sighed and cupped his cheek with his hand. 

"It'll calm, I promise you." He assured, leaning to press a kiss to his forehead. "And I'm sure Jamie's alright, if he's with his misses then he's probably all focused on her." Alex added and Miles nodded, chin resting against his chest. "Tomorrow, why don't we try and go on another proper date, like go do something proper, the zoo or a museum." Alex mumbled into Miles' hair, the other nodding and smiling back at him.

"That sounds like a great time." He said, then pulling away and picking his spoon back up. "Not been to the zoo in a proper long time, so would be good." 

"Alright then, it's a date." Alex said as a scoop of ice cream was pressed against his lips, dripping onto the sheets.

They probably should have realised that a sunny Sunday in the height of the very short British summer was going to lead to the zoo being horrifically busy. As they queued, a million families around them, they were beginning to regret their decision. But they were half an hour into queuing and it seemed there was at least an hour ahead of them. It was far too hot for them to be stood around without shade, and Alex could already see a pink tint forming on Miles' arms. Reluctantly, they dipped out of the queue, fingers interlocked, and instead headed into Regent's Park. 

"Why don't we go and get a pedalo." Alex suggested as they walked below the shade of the high trees. Their arms swang around as they headed for the lake, Miles raising an eyebrow at the suggestion. 

"I've never been on one of them, way too clumsy so we'll probably end up in the water." He chuckled and Alex just shrugged, arm slinging around Miles' shoulders.

"Well, it'll sure make it a memorable say if that happens." Alex pointed out, kissing his temple as they approached the water. There were people out on pedalos and boogie boards enjoying the hot weather, a scrum of young families picnicking on the grass. Chart music was leaking from the cafe that docked the jetty, shirtless lads donning the chairs outside it with larger in hand. "I'm willing to take the risk." He hummed as they headed towards the jetty.

"Well, don't go blaming me when we end up in there." Miles gestured to the river and slipped off his brown-tinted sunglasses, tucking the arm over the neck of the t-shirt he was wearing. It was one of Alex's, flung on in haste that morning before going out to search for a loaf of bread and a strong cup of coffee before Alex had woke up. He'd struggled to sleep again, though cuddled into the warmth of Alex's bare chest and well flushed from the fantastic shag they had had after turning the television off, his mind crawling with the words that had wound up under his Instagram comments. He had found his phone in his hand once more, squinting at the bright light as he trawled the comments. He would be the bigger man; he always had been. It sure wasn't going to take some jealous kids to change that. He deleted every comment and privatised his account, throwing it to the carpet and then curling into Alex's side. He'd stirred and wrapped his arms around Miles' cool skin before settling again. He'd managed a little more sleep after that, but not much. 

They paid the extortionate fee for the pedalo and were helped onto it, suddenly sat in the middle of the lake with little idea as to what they were doing. The sun was at full rise and they were feeling the effects of it, sharing the bottle of water Miles had sensibly chucked into his tote bag alongside his camera and cigarettes. It was an enjoyable time, but as they chatted and laughed they realised that being in the middle of the lake whilst doing it was a bit of a waste of time. They peddled about for a bit, going from one end of the lake to the other just for the thrill of it whilst smoking and making general observations about the folk watching them. It was nothing special, nothing sickeningly romantic, but Alex was sure there was no better way he could have spent his day than with Miles taking the piss out of his lack of coordination.

Once back on dry land, the both of them magically managing to stay out of the water, they headed into Primrose Hill for lunch. It was an area that Alex knew well, having spent many evening in friend's flats around the area. They headed for Alex's favourite cafe, sitting upstairs on the far side so not to be seen by anyone. Of course, they both knew that people would still notice them. After all, they had been splashed across the front pages of all the tabloids again on Saturday morning, photos of them and the other Monkeys heading into Borderline. It had sparked more comments, more texts from management blowing up Alex's phones. It was all so ridiculous and Alex hated it. 

Miles' phone rang halfway through lunch, and he politely excused himself to take the call. Upon return, he was frowning and sat down with a huff. 

"What's the matter?" Asked Alex with a concerned tilt to the head.

"I've been called into work tonight. Not for like, work, but for a chat." He mumbled forking his salad with a scowl. Alex's stomach sunk. "Not the end of the world, cause like I've still got the Jo Malone thing and it frees up my evenings." He shrugged and looked back to Alex. "It is what it is I guess, not ideal but." He chewed his lips, and Alex reached across the table to take his hand. 

"It'll be alright, doesn't mean they're firing you, could be they want to give you a payrise or sommit." He suggested and Miles chuckled.

"Four years there and not a penny more than when I joined. I doubt it's that." He chuckled, sitting back in his seat as his fingers locked with Alex's. "It's fine, I'll just pick up more shifts rather than dossing about most weekends, it's alright." He smiled, picking up his fancy smoothie and sipping it. "Anyway, worse things happening in the world than me losing my job." He chuckled before picking his fork back up and squishing it into a piece of steak. Alex hummed and looked back to his plate, a little put off by the meal.

"You can't just get them to fire him!" Alex yelled, stood in the offices of Red Light two days later. "Just cause it looks bad for me image? Are you havin' a laugh?" He exclaimed, shaking his head. "He was dead good at what he did, and he needs the money cause you bet he ain't earning a penny of what he should be." He wagged an accusing finger at James. He just shrugged and relaxed into his chair.

"Alex, if you're going to keep him around for more than a few weeks you can just look after him, can't you? It's what you did with Taylor, Arielle..." Alex's jaw dropped at the statement and he was so close to kicking all his toys out the pram. Instead, he breathed in slowly and chewed his lip. "You're dating a stripper, Alex. You really think anyone is going to take you seriously after that? Have you seen what the papers have been saying? How can you expect to keep winning awards if you're losing your credibility like that?" James asked, leaning forward, elbows on his expensive-yet-tacky desk. "If we can get him known as something other than a stripper, then you'll be fine. It's bad enough you're shagging a bloke, but one with no credibility? You'll get rinsed. Bad enough the album didn't do as well as you thought." Alex was so, so, close to landing the heel of his loafer into that smarmy smirking face. 

"Look, I don't know why I have to deal with this shit from you, James. You're not my manager, Nigel is."

"Because I'm the head of this company, Alex. I'm not having your flings ruin our reputation. The point in having a management company is to preserve the image of an artist-"

"Your job is to make sure we get on chat shows and our singles get to the top of the charts. You're not me fucking keeper, James. And if you think you are for one second then you can go fuck yourself." He yelled, walking out the office and slamming the door behind him. If only things were different; if only he could be with Miles without all these stupid repercussions and excuses of 'management'. He got his phone from his pocket and looked at the screen, calling the one person he knew would solve all of his problems.

"Hello poppet. I wasn't expecting to hear from you." Penny said. Alex could hear her smile.

"Mum, can I come and see you? I'm in a bit of a situation." 

Chapter Text

The drive to Sheffield was long, the laughter of Chris Moyles and his team keeping him alert for the entire three and a half hour trip. It was just after ten when he parked on his parent’s drive. He pulled up the handbrake and let out a soft breath. 

just arrived, should still be good tonight but will let you know if I'm running late x

He texted Miles before getting out of the car and approaching the front door. It had been a while since he’d been back to his family home, his parents often wanting the trip down to London to see him so they could head out and explore, rather than making him drive up.

He rang the bell and stepped back. Of course, he’d bought flowers for his mum - he wouldn’t be forgiven if he didn’t. Especially as he was expecting his mum to solve all his ills. As his mum opened the front door and sighed at the bouquet that was almost as large as her son. 

“Oh Al, you didn’t have to get me that,” Penny said as she ushered him inside, taking the bouquet and heading straight to the kitchen to find a vase. 

Home always felt safe; there was something about the warmth of it, the familiar decor, the just made him feel like nothing could ever hurt him. It hadn’t changed since he was a child, the same green floral wallpaper on the hallway walls that were still peeling a little at the corners. He remembered covering them with blue crayon when he was a kid, and his parents had just sighed and given him a colouring book instead, before looking to seek out another roll of their horrifically 80’s paper. They were always way too good to him.

Penny put her bouquet in a vase and centred it on the dining table before clicking the kettle on. Alex peered out the patio doors, waving at his dad who was trimming the bushes at the end of their garden. 

“Alright, da?” He called, David huffing and standing, turning to wave at his son. He tugged off his gardening gloves and then made his way over to his son, greeting him with a hug. 

“Your mother didn’t say you were coming to see us.” He smiled, sitting at the dining table.

“Oh David, wash your hands would you.” Penny tutted, placing their mugs of tea on the table. Alex sat opposite his dad and thanked his mum, his favourite mug steaming with over milked tea. “Now poppet, what was it you wanted to talk to us about?” She asked softly, placing the biscuit tin down and then sitting beside her son, giving him the beautiful motherly smile he adored so much.

“I’ve met someone, and he’s great and we get on so well and have a real good time together.” He started, cupping his mug and staring at it to avoid his parents' raised eyebrows.

Of course, they knew he was into men, he had cried to them about it enough when he was a teenager but never before had he come to them confessing he wanted to be in a relationship with a lad. He chewed his lip.

“But, the press are being shit and so are management and the fans. But the lads love him and I don’t know what to do because I don’t want the tour to be crap because no one comes, and I don’t want to stop seeing him.” He picked his mug up and had a cautious sip, not caring his top lip was scalded. “I guess I just need some guidance as to where to go from here. Like, find that happy medium.” He decided, finally looking up at his parents. They looked back at him with sad smiles, and Penny wrapped an arm around him.

“My love, if you really like him then that is what matters. Your bosses aren’t the public, they’re not going to care who you’re dating. The media make a meal out of everything, don’t you? You had all of that trouble with them when you and lovely Alexa were dating and that subsided after a while, didn’t it.” She was speaking as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “What you need to do is make sure that you and your chap are happy and do think you’re going to pursue something long term together, well you need to make sure that you can keep yourself safe… What about your friend Zach, you said that his management were coming to the UK or something didn’t you? Can’t you change to someone nicer?” Penny suggested.

Yet another thought Alex hadn’t had. He and the band had been with Red Light ever since they were eighteen, along with all the other mid-00s indie bands. He was sure the others had had the sense to have left them by now, but they just never had the time. It would make sense to move on to someone who could handle them as they got a little older; he already knew Nick wanted to settle down properly, stick the touring to every five years like they were doing now. They weren’t keen on the constant push of things, a kick up the ass if they hadn’t written half an album in six months. They never understood that these things took a lot of time to do, that the only song Alex had ever spat out in less than a month was terrible. Brick by Brick was better. 

“Well, I guess I could talk to the lads about it, yeah.” He chewed his lip and looked between his parents. “We are happy, dead happy, but I don’t want to scare him off if my team are going to try and get between our relationship… Like, they’ve never done this before. Not even when Taylor was getting all mouthy to our fans and that.” He frowned, picking out a bourbon from the biscuit box. He had had quite the selection of girlfriends over the years. Alexa was the only one he still had anything to do with, but he and Arielle would often meet up for a coffee when he was back in LA. 

“There is always a way around things, Al,” David assured him with a smile as he drank his tea. How he managed to sip it without having to wait for it to cool for a few minutes Alex would never know. “We’ll be here to support you whenever you need us, son.” David added, leaning to squeeze his forearm. Alex smiled at them both and dunked his biscuit into his mug, tutting when it broke in half and sunk into the bottom of his tea. 

“Now, can we see a picture of your chap?” Penny asked hopefully. “We haven’t looked at the papers, even though people have mentioned it to us. If it doesn’t come from our son then it doesn’t matter to us.” Penny said as Alex fumbled for his phone, flicking it open and going to the photos. There weren't many of them, a few moody selfies of them in bed together, one of Miles smoking on the balcony in just his boxers, squinting in the sunshine with a cigarette between his fingers. He found one he had taken of Miles when they had gone on the pedalos, laughing at something Alex had said with oars in his hands. He looked gorgeous.

Alex passed his phone to his mum who oohed at the photo, smiling at the screen and swiping to another picture of Miles, then again to a picture Alexa had taken of them at the karaoke bar. She passed the phone to her husband, Alex having a few nervous sips of his tea.

“He’s a very handsome chap, isn’t he.” Penny smiled, looking at Alex with a grin as she sipped from her teacup. She insisted on never having a mug; neither Alex nor his father really knew why, but it was always an inconvenience. 

“Oh yes, very nice looking.” David smiled, passing his son his phone. “Well, so long as you are happy with him my son, it’ll all work itself out.” He added before downing his tea. “I just need to finish trimming the hedge.” He stood and slid his gloves back on, shuffling out of the house and back to the garden.

“Darling, you just need to be bold and speak out if you’re not happy; you’ve not been happy with some things in a long time… Maybe you need to have a little look and see if there’s anything you can do to change it to make things better for yourselves.” She suggested in a hushed tone as Alex sipped his tea, cringing at the soggy biscuit that lapped down with it. “Maybe even take some time off, you’ve not been back in the UK long. Surely you’d like to put the brakes on for a while, you did love having that big long break after your last album didn’t you.” She added, fishing a shortbread from the tin.

“I guess, but we still have the tours and festivals and all that… We’ve got Glasto this weekend, a couple up north, Europe… It’s going to be forever till we have a break.” He frowned, chin resting on his palm. Penny sighed and wrapped an arm around her son, kissing the side of his head.

“Well, once all of this is over then you can take some time off. Darling, you haven’t had any time off, no proper rest since you were sixteen.” He went to argue, but Penny shushed him. “Even when you had all that time off you were writing with Alexandra; if you get the chance to just be in the same country as…”

“Miles.”

“Miles, then it would be just perfect for you. Proper time to go and explore the world with your love.” Penny said with a smile as she finished her tea. “Well, I suppose we can’t say love just yet. But, perhaps…” She smiled and winked. Alex chuckled and stood to go and put his mug in the sink, washing the biscuit gunk out.

“Nah, but you never know.” He shrugged, leaning against the counters and folding his arms. “I think the thing is that we just met by chance, not like we were looking for a new partner like with Taylor an’ Arielle… We met by chance and clicked and…” He let out a content sigh and smiled to himself. “It’s just so natural, it’s never awkward or anything, we chat on the phone for hours, and when we’re together it’s like we’ve been together for years.” He continued, returning to sit beside his mum. “I don’t know, you know what a sap I am, it just feels real good.” He smiled, resting his head on his arms and tilting his head to look up at his mum. 

“You’re an old romantic, darling boy.” She said, caressing his cheek. “I would expect nothing less from you. I am just glad you’ve met someone who is going to treat you right.” She whispered and Alex grinned at her.

Once David had finished pottering around in the garden they headed into town for lunch, bumping into old family friends who they ended up having a coffee within a quiet cafe. Alex didn’t really remember their names, but as they gasped at how big he’d got up and how they remembered listening to his living room poetry recitals when he was young. Oh, the pains of being an only child. It was nice to have a normal, work-free day. He knew that the Glastonbury nerves would kick in soon, having been at the back of his mind for so long with Alexa’s wedding and meeting Miles taking up so much of his time. As he sat in the faces with his parents, and Jane and Chris, he was slowly feeling the nerves creep up on him. He checked his watch, the time ticking to just after three, and he knew he had to get back to London. 

Alex drove his parents home and left them with a parting kiss and hug, then heading back down the M1 on a journey he had done too many times before. He never enjoyed the drive, but he had got used to the route and could do it in his sleep. Just as well from the number of times he’d done it in the dead of night when he’d been having a particularly stressful time. But it was peaceful, speeding along at a steady 70 until he hit rush hour on the M25. It was normally easy to zip off at the first junction and weave through until he hit central. At least the traffic moved a little faster.

He finally parked up outside his flat at six, rolling his aching shoulders as he got out the car. It was the first time he’d managed to do it without a break in quite some time, so desperate to get home before Miles got off shift. Luckily he had and could shower and change before their date. It was nothing special, just a meal in an Italian of Miles’ choosing just off of Regents Street. But a date with Miles was one of his favourite things at the moment, and he was sure it would always continue to be. Any time spent with Miles was a delight to him.

The intercom buzzed just after half six when he was just finishing drying his hair. It was a little frizzy and reminded him of himself when he was ten years younger. It didn’t look bad, but it would sure need sorting before they headed out. He let Miles in and waited for the knock at the front door, coating his fingers in hair gel so he could sort out his frizz. The nock came, loud and patterned, and Alex practically ran across his flat to open the door. He composed himself and then opened it with a smile, a grinning Miles looking back at him. 

“Come in my darlin’.” Alex hummed, greeting him with a kiss. Miles immediately ran his fingers through Alex’s long hair. “It looks horrific, you don’t need to tell me.” He groaned and Miles grinned pulling him in for another kiss. 

“It looks great, never let mine get that long but it really suits you.” He smiled, caressing his cheek. “Though it is a bit frizzy.” He giggled, biting his lip before leaning in to kiss him again. 

“I’ve been tempted to buy some straighteners.” He chuckled, the two heading into Alex’s bedroom so he could add more product to his hair. 

“Oh please do, I can curl it for you and everything.” He laughed, sitting on the foot of the bed as Alex slicked another palmful of hair gel into his roots. “How were ya mum and da?” Miles asked, watching Alex’s face of deep concentration in the tall mirror in front of them. His shirt was the softest silk Miles had ever seen, tucked into grey chinos that made his ass look incredible. Miles did often wonder if Alex did squats in his spare time to get an ass so shapely. 

“Then I really would look like a lass from behind.” He chuckled, wiping his hands on the blanket at the end of the bed. “They were good, we saw some family friends and had a cuppa with them.” He said, smiling at Miles and then sitting down beside him. “Me mum thinks you’re proper handsome.” He chuckled, wrapping an arm around him. “Like mum like son eh.” He beamed before kissing Miles again, the scouser chuckling softly. 

“Well off to a great start wit’ them then.” He beamed, kissing his cheek. “Come on, I’m dying for a carbonara.” He hummed, hauling Alex up and interlocking their fingers. “Ugh, I’ve got hair gel all over me fingers now.” Miles groaned with a laugh as he looked at his hands. “Gross man, gross.” He chuckled before dipping into the kitchen to wash his hands. Alex laughed, and followed him, pressing himself against Miles’ back and slipping his arms below Miles’ so he could wash his hands too. “Oh you’re a cheeky one already this evening ain’t ya.” Miles chuckled, turning to press a kiss to his cheek. 

“Well, been a busy day and you make me calm down, so I can be as cheeky if I want to be.” He chuckled, kissing the skin between the collar of Miles’ shirt and his hairline. He shook off his now wet hands and Miles laughed as the water splashed all over his polo. 

“Oi calm it down you.” He grinned, turning around and planting a wet hand to Alex’s cheek as they kissed. Alex squirmed and groaned at the sensation of wet fingertips on his cheek, playfully pushing him off and wiping his cheek with the arm of his shirt. 

“Come on, before I end up dunking ya into the water.” Miles laughed and took Alex’s hand again as they headed for the front door.

Alex kicked his loafers on and they headed downstairs and out into the warm evening air. The sky was still the brightest blue and families were milling about the streets, soaking up the last of the day’s sunshine. They headed for the tube station, hands held as Miles nattered on about his long day at work, bitching on about his boss and making Alex cackle with his tales. Alex often wondered how Miles managed to tell a story so beautifully, how he knew the right words to use to make every story seem so exciting and hilarious. He could only dream of having so much emotion conveyed in his words.

“So, I was thinking this weekend we could do something - maybe head down south for the weekend or something nice.” Miles said as they reached the tube station, both scanning their cards as they went through the barriers. He chewed his lip anxiously and wrapped his arm around Miles’ slim waist as they headed to the platform.

“I know a place.” Alex said, a small smile forming on his lips.

“You do?” He asked with a smile, looking to Alex and pecking his forehead cheekily. 

“Yeah, how you fancy going to Glasto?” Alex suggested, giving Miles a smile. His jaw dropped, eyes wide. “I kinda forgot we were playing.” He added with a nervous grin, scratching the back of his head. 

“God, Al, of course I want to come!” He exclaimed. “Seriously? Glasto? God yeah!” He squealed and pressed their lips roughly. Alex laughed and held him close, kissing the top of his head. “Beats my idea,” He grinned, wrapping his arms around Alex as the tube pulled up. 

“I din’t know if you could get the time off work, I would have mentioned it earlier,” Alex explained as the tube stopped and a tide of passengers disembarked. “But I want you there, we have a yurt and that… Make a proper nice weekend of it.” He said with a smile and Miles nodded excitedly, the two stepping onto the tube with intertwined fingers.

“Ah I’m due so much holiday anyway, I’d already booked off this weekend. it’s fine, I’ll just talk to me manager tomorrow morning and get it sorted.” Miles said with a raft of the hand as they sat down, Alex’s arm swinging over Miles’ shoulders, lips pressed to his temple. “God, I can’t wait!” He grinned, looking at Alex with a grin that made his stomach flip. The more Alex looked at him, the more beautiful Miles seemed to become. He truly was smitten. 

“Alright, perfect.” He beamed as the tube juddered to a start and they headed towards central London. 

Their restaurant was just off Oxford Street, tucked away near to the BBC and far away from prying eyes. Not once had Miles stopped rambling about Glasto, how excited he was and how it had always been his dream. Alex didn’t mind; anything to subside the nerves. 

The ordered wine and calamari, erupting into laughter over the candle as their fingers linked and Alex recalled his fondest Glastonbury memories. Miles almost burst a blood vessel from laughing so hard at the incident between Alex and Lily Allen many years before, tears streaming down his face as he cackled with laughter. No one around them was too glad of the two men creating a racket, but as Alex finally ended his story, it was impossible for either of them to compile themselves. 

“It’s bad enough you fell over but dragging her and Mark Ronson over?” Miles sniffled through his laughter, finally composing himself. “Why didn’t you change clothes with Mark? Why did you think a pink mini dress would suit you?” He asked, Alex grinning and chuckling along to the words. 

“It was a very lovely dress, and it was like ten miles back to my tent, I wasn’t doing that… And Mark was in a worse state than I was anyway, I weren’t swapping muddy for muddy.” Alex chuckled, picking up the last ring of calamari as their bowls of pasta were presented to them. The two lads thanked the silent waiter as their steaming olive and tomato linguine concoctions were placed before them. “I weren’t wearing it long in the end, though I’m sure Matt has a photo somewhere.” He chuckled, shaking his head as his fork twirled through his pasta. 

“Oh, I am absolutely seeing that.” Miles snorted, shaking his head and sipping his wine. “I wish I could say none of my photos were embarrassing but, well, they are.” He laughed, picking out an olive. Alex smiled, just as keen as before to take a peek into the great Kane and Treays photo album that was lying around their tiny flat somewhere. He would be sure to get as many snaps of the forbidden photos as possible, just so he could taunt Miles with them later on in their relationship. Alex’s eyes widened slightly at that prospect; were they nearing a relationship so soon? Well, they still hardly knew each other. Alex was sure he was going to be spending a lot of time on Google, just to make sure he wasn’t being too hasty about anything.

“Well, hopefully, no more repeats of it. Though I’ll be sure to cart a spare outfit with me this time.” Alex added, slurping up another noodle. “And no more suede jeans and silver boots.” He shuddered at the thought, and Miles cackled a laugh. The elderly couple on the table beside them glared, tutting miserably. 

“Nah laa, you would have pulled it off, I’m dead cert.” Miles interjected, pointing his fork at Alex. “To think that’s what you chose to wear and not what you could scramble in to.” Miles shook his head in disbelief, making Alex roll his eyes.

“It was the 00s, we wore long sleeve t-shirts under short sleeve t-shirts and ties! Fashion, darling, never changes.” He put on his best poncy Devil Wears Prada-esk voice and flicked his hair over his shoulder. Miles snorted and wrapped spaghetti around his fork.

“And to think you dated the most sought after supermodel of a generation.” He said with a pitiful sigh as Alex sipped his wine, sitting back in his chair. “What would Ms Wintour say.” Miles shook his head but then grinned back at Alex who was smiling straight back at him, the fleeting moment of eye contact making his heart leap and miss a million beats. Miles’ face softened a little, and he suddenly appeared shy, blush high on his rounded cheeks as he looked back to his dinner. Alex ran a hand through his hair, already tangled and far less elegant than he had been wanting as he tried to flex his fingers to get the knots out. 

Jamie was, absolutely, definitely, more than 100%, home. The second the front door opened, the two men nearly gagged at the sounds floating from the other bedroom. Alex was sure that he had never in his life heard a girl quite so loud in the bedroom. But they were drunk, so ignoring it and heading to Miles’ room to shove on a record to drown it out, was not on the cards. But Miles started it, grunting and groaning between giggles as they stood bent double in the hallway. Much like a game of Bogies, their grunting and groaning became louder with each repeat, soon yelling between cackles. Miles sounded much more like a baboon than a pleasured woman, and Alex was almost on the floor with laughter, Miles gripping his hand to stop him falling. But the feminine squeaks had stopped, and the flat was silent aside from the two men panting out laughs as they passed Jamie’s bedroom and into Miles’.

“Are all girls that loud?” Miles asked as the bedroom door shut. Alex gave his head a firm shake. 

“No, absolutely not, that’s…. That’s quite the yowl she has on her.” He assured, unbuttoning his shirt. Miles was distracted, carding through his records and then putting on his very worn copy of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust. Alex flopped onto the bed, watching as the other pulled off his top and neatly folded it, leaving it upon the windowsill. 

“Hmm, good. Even when the lads I’ve lived with have had their birds over it’s not been a thing like that.” Miles said, taking off his belt and then his trousers. Alex wiggled his brows at the sight, removing his shirt and chucking it onto the floor as he hummed along to Five Years. “Most the time he goes to ‘ers so I don’t have to endure it but she’s basically started to move in at this point.” Miles said approaching Alex and leaning down to kiss him. 

“Yeah, don’t want to listen to too much of that ooing and arring.” Alex snorted, arms around Miles’ bare waist. “At least we’re fairly quiet, nowt for the neighbours to be complaining about.” He chuckled, giving him another kiss as Miles straddled his waist like he had the first time they met. But Alex wasn’t nervous this time; if anything it was one of the most warming and erotic things Miles could do. He cupped Miles’ cheek with his hand and pulled him down for another smooch, contently sighing at the sensation, and the taste of sweet wine and bitter nicotine upon his lips. It was already so familiar, a taste that to anyone else would have been nowhere near as appealing. But it was Miles, and everything about that man was so beautiful and so familiar. He felt like home. 

Alex pulled away as a bright light flashed through his mind and dazzled him. His eyes were wide, a familiar stir in his stomach, and he looked back at Miles’ puzzled face with a small gasp. Damn that drink and those bastard feelings.

“Alright?” Miles asked with a concerned tilt of his head. Alex nodded, snapping out of it as fast as it came. Whatever that trance was, that instant realisation of feelings, it was something Alex didn’t experience much. Well, perhaps three times in his life. Maybe four if he was being kind. 

“Yeah, yeah course.” Came his reply, and another kiss as his hands ran over Miles’ small waist. “Just, thoughts you know what I mean.” He chuckled, and Miles nodded, kissing his forehead. 

“Well, I sure hope there’s nothing major worrying that gorgeous head of yours.” He murmured, lips against his skin. Alex shook his head and gave Miles a reassuring smile. “C’mon, let’s have a smoke.” He sat beside Alex, allowing him to take off his trousers, and reached for the pack of tobacco and filters on his bedside table. He rolled them both a cigarette and opened the window, chucking the plastic packet back onto the nightstand and settling beside Alex who had gotten himself comfortable on the bed. 

“Reckon they’re angry?” Alex asked, ear against the wall as he tried to listen to what was going on in the adjoining room. “Cause they’ve sure shut up.” He sniggered, taking his cigarette from Miles once it had been lit. 

“Nah, probably just getting some sleep,” Miles said, head settling upon Alex’s shoulder as they listened to the Bowie record. “He’s used to me ribbing, Heather not so much.” He added, breathing in a short stream of smoke. “It’ll be fine.” He shrugged, letting his eyes shut. Alex wrapped his arm around his partner and held him close, enjoying his warmth as they smoked, the crackle of the record their background serenade. Alex loved the record as much as the next man, but he just knew that it would have a whole new meaning now that he could enjoy it with Miles. 

Once the A-side had run through, they discarded their cigarette butts on the sparkling clean ashtray on the bedside table and settled in bed, duvet up to their chins as Alex settled in Miles’ arms. Lips were pressed to the back of his head, and he was lulled to sleep so easily, dreaming of how their weekend would pan out, of the hidden gems he would get to share with Miles, the memories that they would make together. 

Arguing awoke him, rubbing his sore head as he got his bearings and realise he wasn’t in his vast bedroom, but instead sat up in Miles’ barely double bed with a crick in his neck and the sound of yelling that was for sure going to awake all the neighbours. He checked his watch and then got out of bed, grabbing one of Miles’ t-shirts and heading into the kitchen to work out what was going on. A female was shrieking, that must have been Jamie’s girlfriend, and he could hear Miles trying to calm down whatever situation was occurring. 

He entered, cautious to disturb the very angry lady that stood looking back at him with folded arms and a mess of cropped blonde hair that was only slightly longer than his own. Her shoulders dropped and she looked to the tips of her slippers. His eyes met with Jamie’s, who offered him a smile, and an arm was soon around him, lips greeting him good morning as Miles smiled at him. A kiss before brushing his teeth? Alex was sure he must have horrific morning breath. But his entranced seemed to have caused the temperature to cool a little, the woman, Heather, pushing past and going back to Jamie’s room. Jamie looked dishevelled, a mug of coffee in his hand and a vacant look on his face as he sat down on the sofa and put the telly on. 

“Everything okay?” Alex asked quietly as Miles made them both a cup of tea, rolling his eyes and then humming, nodding for them to go back to the bedroom. “What’s that all about?” He asked as he sat on the edge of the bed with mug cradled in his hands. 

“Just Heather being a sulk.” He sighed, rubbing the back of his head, obviously having the same hangover as Alex. “Didn’t like us poking fun at her last night it seems.” Ah, Alex vaguely remembered that and could see why she wouldn’t be best pleased. 

“Jamie alright though?” Alex was a little concerned, but Miles nodded and smiled, the rim of his mug meeting his lips. 

“Yeah, got no qualms at all. He found it dead funny, to be honest.” He sniggered, sipping his tea and then placing it on the nightstand, riding them both a cigarette. “What time are we heading off today then? I rang work, they’re getting some cover in. They’d basically been forcing me to take holiday anyway.” He chuckled, running his tongue along the edge of the paper. 

“Well, I think the lads are getting there this evening. Whenever you want, really.” He hummed, leaning over Miles to put his mug down. He interrupted the rolling process to give Miles a kiss, a soft laugh against his lips as Miles kissed back, hand reaching to cup his cheek. It was soft and long, yet said everything that it needed to. 

“Immediately, I want to have all the time in the world to explore.” He said with a grin once they parted, passing Alex the cigarette he had rolled for him. “Heard so many stories, just want to go experience it all for meself.” He said with a content sigh, flopping back into the pillows as he rolled himself a cigarette. “Just live off burgers and beer for the weekend.” He said with a smile, looking over to Alex. “Probably the most laddy thing I will ever do.” He added with a grin, Alex snorting a laugh at his comment. 

“I couldn’t possibly comment.” Alex laughed, lighting the cigarette and passing Miles the lighter as he did the same, the ashtray balancing on his chest. “It’ll be the best Glasto I’ve ever had, I bet.” He said with a smile, smoke trailing between his lips as Miles ruffled his hair. “God I need to wash it again already don’t I.” He groaned, shaking his head and letting his hair flop over his head. “Might just shave it off.” He joked, and Miles rose his brow.

“Could do,” Miles hummed, the cigarette between his lips. “I’ve got some clippers from when I shave mine.” 

“You shave yours?” Alex rose his brows in surprise and Miles laughed, nodding. “Well, didn’t know that.” He chuckled, his cigarette between his lips as Miles tapped specks of ash into the ashtray. 

“Did it for the first time before my thirtieth; wanted to leave all that Lennon-esk hair with my youth.” He laughed, running a hand over his cropped hair. “Didn’t regret it, and got me loads more work.” He added, making Alex chuckle. “Anyway, I’ll get a bag sorted once I’ve finished this.” He said, cigarette then landing between his lips. 

“No rush, it’s only a couple of hours from here.” He said with a shrug, again checking his watch. “I’m never awake before eight, this is a real rarity for me.” He sulked, feet dipping below the duvet that was a crumpled heap at the foot of the bed. 

“Welcome to the world of grouchy housemates who work stupid hours and have girlfriends that love screaming their heads off. They woke me up, yelling at each other in the kitchen about last night.” He huffed, pausing to have another drag. 

“Not sure I’d be able to put up with her for too much longer if she’s going to be screaming the place down 24/7.” Alex pointed out, now calve deep in the duvet. “Sure it’ll settle down, if we’re not ‘ere for the weekend then they can cool off I guess.” Miles hummed, and silence fell between the two of them as they finished their cigarettes. 

“Do us a favour would you?” Miles asked, placing the ashtray back on the bedside table once they had finished, then slipping out of bed and picking up his mug of tea, approaching his wardrobe and gazing inside. 

“Wha’s that?” Alex asked, sitting up and picking up his mug.

“Get Matt to send you that picture of you in that dress.” He said with a grin, Alex reaching and throwing one of the throw cushions straight at Miles’ tea. He laughed, not caring at the tea that slopped over the rim of the mug and onto his bare foot. “Not needed.” Miles laughed, throwing it back at him and narrowly missing his head, instead squishing against the wall behind the bed. 

“Just cause I like you, I’ll text Matt,” Alex grumbled, a smile on his lips. “But don’t think I’ll happily go get embarrassing pictures of meself just to please you.” He added, pointing an accusing finger at Miles.

“Oh, you absolutely will, cause you proper like me.” Miles added, grinning at Alex as a cushion collided with his face.