Syd

He was staring at me again. Through the crowds of people, I could just about make Billy Shepherd out, leaning against the pillar of Covent Garden. His eyes brooding under his dark fringe, watching me with intent. It made me aware.

I told my companion, Nick, about it but he only laughed. "Scared of the Boil, eh?" he teased. "Come, Syd man, you'd be able to smack 'em one."

It was true, I did have a pair of mean fists. All these years of training as a boxer taught me a few things. You always had to be careful of the people around you.

But he took careful to a whole new level. There was a certain danger about him that no matter how far you ran, you were always pulled back. As his rival, I know I shouldn't say this, but that's how he made me feel.

Billy

Syd made me feel dirty. Even if he was just a commoner like me, he'd always make sure he was pristine. Longish blonde hair styled perfectly, and shirts that were creaseless made up who he was. He was annoyingly perfect.

I, on the hand, was the complete opposite. Because of my need to get things done quickly, I've never really paid much attention to my appearance. I could guess what I looked like, though. Rotten.

I shook my head. What was I doing? Billy Shepherd never perjures himself. If what I just thought was my own thoughts, then damn me.

It's all because of him that I thought like this. That blockheaded butcher, the one everyone admires. It's his fault. Everyone loved him, but nobody loved me. But I didn't need anyone when I had myself. And that's all I need because no one else will love you, not even your own mother.

I never really used to think like this but it was all because of the hate I received. And it was all because of Syd Fletcher. He deceived everyone into thinking I was a complete villain. He knew nothing about me.

It's all his fault.

A/N: Yes, I know, there is no need to say. This was a pretty mediocre chapter. However, do not be put off by it as (hopefully) this story will get better as we go along. When re-reading The Diamond of Drury Lane, I thought about the idea of Syd and Billy being a pairing, and BAM... a fanfiction was born. I just wanted to delve into the idea of the daily struggle of homosexuals in that day and age because being gay, back then, was frowned upon and often led to death.

So, that's basically the first chapter. Please review and tell me what you thought of this chapter.

~Sarah