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Sweet Dreams, Liverpool

Summary:

Alex Turner, a lowly bartender who writes drabbles of lyrics in his notebook, meets Miles Kane, a famous musician touring around England. They meet and lets just say, things ensue.

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter 1: Everything You've Come To Expect

Chapter Text

Alex stood at the barrier, in awe of the man in front of him on stage. The performer swayed his hips to the rhythm of the music, which seemed to easily capture Alex's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, are you having a good night? This one is our last song of the night however" Miles said into the microphone, his Liverpool accent reverberating around the room.

Alex looked up at him, as the light shone across his face. The first chord of Rearrange was played, which sent the crowd into a flurry of excitement. The couple next to Alex began swaying to the beat and serenading each other with the sweet words of the song. Alex looked around, admiring the view of the light from the phones in the crowd. Although this was his pet hate, it still looked rather beautiful, much like the man on stage.

"I'm sorry to have to go Sheffield, but it has been a true honour! Goodnigh'"

The crowd was left speechless as they all began to leave. Alex stayed at the barrier for a bit longer, longing for the performer to come out. His daydream was ruined when a guard came up and said "time for you to leave son". Alex walked out, kicking beer cans as he left the venue. The cold wind of outside hit him, as he popped his jacket collar. He found it hard to see as his giant mop of hair danced in the wind. He had been meaning to cut his hair but never seemed to find the courage to change it.

"Fuck" he muttered under his breath as he dropped his lighter.

"Let me help you with that la" Alex heard a voice say from above, as he was met face to face with Miles Kane. Alex stepped back, not know quite what to say.

"Thanks for that" Alex replied, slowing taking his lighter from Miles' hand. He had the burning urge to spill every single thought that he had racing through his head but his mouth settled on "oh nice show tonight".

Alex of course was mentally slapping himself. Way to underplay how amazing the show was.

"Thanks la, it was nice seeing such a responsive and attractive audience. I did see you up at the barrier" Miles said, emphasising the word "attractive".

"I can imagine, but you've seen better..." Alex was stopped mid sentence when a large troupe of girls came rushing over to Miles, albums and posters in hand.
Alex offered a meek smile to Miles and a wave, as he let him get on with greeting fans.

Alex walked down the street, making his way back to his apartment. He lived only a street away from his childhood home, which he often took the time to walk past on nights like these. He soon reached the warmth and comfort of his apartment on the second floor.He flung his shoes off and let his rain coat hang over one of his chairs. He sauntered over to the record player and began playing an old Iggy Pop album. Alex has always dreamed of becoming a proper musician, rather than a boy who writes a series of drabbles and song ideas in his notebook.

He soon retired to bed, letting his body sink into the mattress. Images of the gig continued to flood back to him, which caused him just anguish. Post concert depression had always been a major problem for Alex, especially this one.Miles Kane has been an idol to Alex, as he followed his career ever since it began with The Rascals. He had every record, CD and live performance. His best friend Matt would often tease him that he had a crush on a musician. Little did he suspect that the word "crush" was an simple understatement.

 

Alex woke the next morning at 12 pm, as the sun shone through his blinds. He managed to haul himself out of bed and get dressed for work. His cat, John Lennon, came wandering in, obvious wanting food. Alex picked him up and gave him a soft scratch under his chin, which caused a large amount of purring.
He dressed, in his normal attire of black skinny jeans, a White tshirt and his leather jacket. Alex worked in a local bar, a decision made once Alex decided to study English at the local university. He walked to work, breathing in the fresh air of the morning. He passed a few girls, obviously trying to cope with their bender from the night before.

The bar didn't open until 5 pm, but Alex liked the comfort of cleaning and rearranging before his shift. He walked into the bar, laying his jacket under the counter. Empty beer bottles and glasses were seen across the front counter, along with cigarette butts chucked in every corner. Alex set to work cleaning, as the stench of the night before made him dry reach.

His cleaning was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"We're not open yet, come back in a few hours" Alex exclaimed, as he rolled the short sleeves on his tshirt up.

"Please, I'm dyin' for a drink" the voice replied. Alex let his broom fall as he recognised the voice. It couldn't be. No.
He walked over to the door and before him stood Miles, with dark shades on.

"Rough night?" Alex asked, trying not to laugh.

"Oh that's one way of putting it. Ugh fan girls can be so hard sometimes" Miles exclaimed, as he came into the bar and sat in the middle seat.

"What can I get you?"

"Scotch"

"Someone likes it hard" Alex said, turning a shade of pink as he mind began to wander.

"Pink suites you La"

"Why do you always say "la"" he said, handing Miles his drink.

"I don't know, it's just always been my thing, especially when flirting" he raised his glass, and downed the drink rather quickly. Alex watched the drink go down, as he Adam's apple bobbed at every gulp.
"Where did you run off to last night? I never got a thank you"

"I... I... You were busy" Alex said, looking down at the glass he was busy cleaning. His eyes came up again and met with Miles. He offered him a smile.

"Wouldn't have been too busy for you though. Well I could have gotten rid of the girls easily"

"You do have a way with fans... And music... And.."

"And what la?" Miles asked, raising one of his eyebrows.

"And fashion... I rather like your outfits" Alex exclaimed, turning around to grab another glass to clean. Can my mouth shut up? Obviously not!

"Keep the drinks and compliments rolling!" Miles replied, placing his glass on the table, wanting a refill.
"How come you're working here? Would have imagined you in a record store instead la"

Alex blushed again and turned around.
"It's easy to work here to pay for my English degree and help finance the concerts I go to"

"What music do you like?" Miles asked, taking another sip of his newly refreshed scotch.

"Just a range of stuff. Never been a picky one. A fan of The Beatles however. And not a fake one like most people" Alex said, smiling.

"An excellent choice la. I'm quite the same m'self" Miles replied, looking Alex up and down. This cannot be happening, Alex thought to himself as he straightened his tshirt.

"How long are you staying around Miles?"

"'Bout 5 days. Oh and since you're on first name basis with me, what's your gorgeous name?" Miles said, puckering his lips slightly.

"Alex. Alex Turner"

"Such a lovely name. Why did you ask how long I was staying?"

"Only cause I know that you have a concert on... next week..." Alex said, looking straight at Miles, pretending not to be a complete stalker.

"You sound like my manager..."

"Hardly! Well if you're around, there's a local band playing tomorrow night. I was going and would like the...." Alex faded out, realising how ridiculous his question was.

"I would love to go La! I have to rush off, but thanks for the drink. It certainly repays me for you running off last night" Miles said, as he began walking up the steps out of the bar. Alex watched him leave, wanting him to stay.

As soon as he was gone, Alex began dancing around the bar. Miles Kane would be joining him at a concert. The Miles Kane.Alex soon calmed his nerves and walked back to the front counter. There on the counter top, was a solid piece of white paper, with digits scribbled with the words "call me" underneath.