Chapter Text
They’d done it, they’d finally done it. The album was done; the side project they’d been talking about for years but never had the time to finish.
They’d gone out the night before its release to celebrate, but the night quickly went downhill for Miles. Alex went to pick up the first round of drinks at the bar, but got distracted talking to some bird while he was waiting for his order. The conversation still ebbed and flowed around Miles, but everything seemed a little less dim with Alex’s attention clearly elsewhere. Alex was always the light of the room, flirting and charming men and women alike. Miles realized with a start that their time together in recording the album had made him take for granted the fact that Alex’s attention would be focused solely on him. With Alex’s attention wandering tonight for the first time, he found himself disappointed. It was a disconcerting realization.
Miles tried to keep his concentration on the conversation around him, but his attention kept wandering over to Alex over at the bar. For a while he was distracted by the outlandish story Owen was telling, but when he glanced over at the bar once more to see what was keeping Alex he was just in time to see the girl lean over and whisper something in his friends ear. Alex grinned and offered her his hand, leading her off into the dim recesses of the pub; drinks forgotten on the counter behind him.
When Alex disappeared with the girl in tow Miles staggered abruptly to his feet, suddenly feeling nauseous.
“Alright, mate?” Ford asked, looking at the younger man with concern. Miles was paler than usual, even in the dim lighting of the pub.
“Just need a smoke,” Miles lied, grabbing his jacket from the chair and practically bolting out the door. Once outside he didn’t stop walking though, instead continuing on his way down the street. Mindful of the cold sleet that was coming down he pulled his collar up higher around his neck and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
It was silly; he half expected Alex to come running out after him, but the street behind remained empty and quiet. To be honest Miles wasn’t sure what he would do if Alex turned up just then, lost as he was in his own head.
By the time he reached his flat he was chilled to the bone. He unlocked the door with shaking hands and was thankful when he felt a blast of warm air greet him.
Throwing his keys on the table he fished his mobile out of his pocket, giving it a cursory glance to see that he had one missed text. Absently he opened it to see that it was from Alex.
Alex: Kane, where did you disappear to? Ford said you took off for a fag over an hour ago!
Miles looked at the clock and realized with a start that he’d left the pub almost two hours ago. He didn’t want the gang to worry about him, so he reluctantly fired a text back to his friend.
Miles: Felt a bit sick so I ducked out early. See you in the morning for the interview. Don’t be late, ya?
Alex: Wouldn’t dream of it, love.
Miles grinned at the casual term of affection, but his smile faltered when he read the next text.
Alex: Shame you didn’t stay, mate. She had a friend ;)
Miles threw his phone across the room with an oath. His mobile buzzed once more with another incoming text but he ignored it, sinking to the floor with only the wall left to support him.
He knew his jealousy was irrational and probably unhealthy, but right now it was the only thing that seemed real to him.
He wasn’t sure how long he sat there with his head in his hands, thoughts racing through his head. He still felt disgustingly sober, despite the drinks he had had with Alex before they went to the pub.
Abruptly lurching to his feet, Miles quickly made his way over to the cupboard where a bottle of whiskey waited; unopened. He cracked the seal and went to take a drag before a thought struck him. The interview tomorrow. It was a given that Alex would turn up hungover or still pissed out of his mind, so Miles was used to taking the spotlight off of him. If he and Alex both showed up hungover the interview was likely to be a disaster from start to finish.
Undecided, he wavered for a minute until he heard his mobile buzz from the next room. Doubtless Alex was bragging some more about his latest conquest. The idea of hearing the sordid details, which Alex was doubtless itching to share, caused Miles to shudder. A bitter feeling coursed through his veins.
That sealed the deal.
He upended the bottle, determined to drown out the confusing thoughts swirling around his head.