Work Text:
While Peter was asleep, Ace was drinking himself away. He felt guilty with each swig of vodka he drank. He promised Paul he wouldn't drink anymore. Of course, Paul being as oblivious as a child, genuinely thought Ace would change for the better.
It didn't help that the band was tight on money. Sure they earned a pile, but not enough to not have to share rooms. Ace sighed as he slowly set the half-empty bottle down on the floor. He rubbed his eyes and sat up, resting his back on the bed's headboard.
He looked back down at the large bottle that rested on the floor. He looked back up at Peter who was sleeping in his bed. The only bed left in the room. Ace squeezed the neck of the bottle slightly, as his hands started to tremble. Was this seriously what he wanted to do right now? He was in a band now.
It's just what he wanted. He let out a small hiccup as he swiftly drank the rest of what was left, a few drops of the liquid dripping down his cheek and into his soft dark brown hair. The second the bottle had nothing left inside of it, Ace forcefully set the bottle down.
Upon hearing the bottle crack as it hit the floor, Ace broke into a fit of sobs and sniffles, his breath shortening as he tried to be quiet while he cried. Peter was a light sleeper, however. To Ace’s luck, Peter woke up. It took Peter a while to take in his surroundings and for Ace to realize Peter had woken up. Ace hadn’t realized that Peter had woken up.
“Ace?..” Peter muttered, making Ace jump and quickly look over. “Uhh.. hey..” Ace turned his head away. “Ace you okay?..” Peter looked over at the empty bottle that didn’t have anything more than a small drop. Peter sighed softly as he slowly stood up and walked over to Ace’s bed. “Hard ain’t it?” Peter patted his back. Ace only nodded.
He felt too nervous to talk. If he did he would feel embarrassed that if he even said one word he would completely break down and make Peter feel awkward and pressured to make him feel better. Peter knew that Ace was crying though. It was obvious. Peter sat next to Ace and wrapped an arm around him, listening to his small hiccups and sniffles.
Just simply being there for Ace is what he knew Ace needed. Ace wiped his eyes and leaned into Peter, staring at the window where Peter was staring. It was some sort of a habit most nights. A ritual of some sort.Peter was always there for Ace whenever he needed him.