"His name was always Buddy

And he'd shrug and ask to stay

She'd sigh like Twig the Wonder Kid

And turn her face away

She's uncertain if she likes him

But she knows she really loves him

It's a crash course for the ravers

It's a Drive-in Saturday"

Howard leans back as the record plays, his eyes closed. He seems to have fallen back into this habit quite easily. He'd stopped for a while when they'd moved into the flat, but, after only a few weeks, the temptation had become too great.

Vince doesn't know, of course. That Howard listens to his friend's records when he's out. He disappears all the time now. To clubs and parties, that kind of thing.

Vince doesn't need to know. He isn't doing any harm, Howard reassures himself. He clears his mind, wriggling his shoulders slightly to get comfortable in the chair.

"Howard?" The question comes hesitantly, nervous even. He jumps up out of the chair as though it burns him. Vince is standing in the doorway looking confused. "What are you doing?"

"Vince! I…I thought you were going out. I thought you weren't going to be back until later."

"It started raining. My hair would be ruined, so would my outfit." He stays in the doorway, looking at Howard. "What are you doing?" He repeats.

"Nothing! Nothing."

"Were you listening to one of my records?" Howard doesn't reply, he just looks down at the floor. "But you hate my music." Howard still doesn't reply. "Why?"

"I…I…" He shakes his head. "Please, Vince, just leave it."

"No. Why were you listening to one of my records?" When Howard next speaks, his voice is a whisper.

"It reminds me of you."

"I don't understand."

"Well it's one of the things that's completely you. It reminds me of you."

"But we live together. We share a room. Why would you need to be reminded of me?"

"When you're…" He gives an uncomfortable cough. "When you're around, it's impossible not to realise that…" He trails off, embarrassed.

"What?" Vince presses. "What is it impossible not to realise?"

"That you don't…"

"Spit it out, Howard!"

"When you're around, it's impossible not to realise that you don't love me back!" His temper snaps and he finally shouts. Vince just stand there and looks at him.

"Love you back?" He eventually manages to murmur. Howard just nods. "But you don't…I mean, you can't…"

"Love you? I do. Don't worry, though. I know you don't feel the same way. Just forget this ever happened." They stand silently for several moments, Howard staring at the floor and Vince staring at Howard.

"No." The smaller man says finally. Howard looks up.

"Please, Vince, don't hold it against me. I won't do anything, I-"

"No!" Vince repeats, louder this time. "No, I won't just forget about it!"

"Why not? Why can't you just leave it?"

"Because you're wrong!" Vince exclaims, finally moving towards Howard.

"What do you mean, I'm wrong?"

"When you said I don't feel the same way. You were wrong." He moves further forward, so they're inches apart.

"So, you…"

"Yes."

"And you really mean that?"

"Yes."

"And-" Howard begins, but he's cut off. Vince is kissing him.

It's not like they say it is in books and films. He doesn't see fireworks or hear romantic music. It's so much better.

Kissing Vince is…amazing. He tastes like gummy bears and strawberry bootlaces. Howard's never felt so…happy doesn't quite describe it. Blissful. Exultant. They aren't enough. This is amazing, brilliant, perfect. Vince loves him! Vince loves him!

They break apart and look at each other, smiling.

"I love you." Vince says, looking up at him.

"I love you too." Howard smiles, before taking Vince in his arms and leaning in for another kiss.