Author's Note: May the fourth be with you all today! And happy birthday to Julian! Why don't we celebrate with some Howince and a song that somehow makes me so happy, so sad, and makes me feel so full, and so empty, all at the same time?

Golden Years

David Bowie

Howince

Hurt/Comfort / Romance

Half Vince and Howard's class is away for the day on a field-trip, so the teacher decides to let them watch a movie. Howard tries desperately to follow the plot of the movie, because he knows Vince likes it. After that doesn't work, they end up sharing a pillow, so Vince is always in distance to explain it to Howard.

"What just happened?"

"Just wait."

Howard did.

"There's just so much blood," replied the movie.

"Did she have her period?"

"No, Howard. She had a miscarriage. Girls can't have their period while they're pregnant."

"Why not?"

"I don't know!"

"Well you're the one who lost their virginity last year at camp, I thought you would know."

"I didn't get anyone pregnant." Vince turned to face Howard. "I guess the baby just stops the blood from coming out. Like the bath stopper."

"That's disgusting Vince."

Vince just shrugged, turning back to the movie.

He made a point, though, to accent his best features. Vince was spread in front of the screen, while Howard was out to the side. The top of Howard's head was touching Vince's ear.

Vince squired around a bit, because he thought he had Howard's glance. He yawned, and put his hand down on the floor, so it was turned up, like a bear trap, waiting to spring. His hand was feeling hot, and he knew Howard was looking at it.

"Howard," Vince whispered, shocking both of them. "Did you come to the talent show last night?"

"Of course, you're my best mate. I wouldn't miss your performance."

"What did I sing then?"

"Vince, why are you questioning me?"

"You never answered me. What song did I sing?"

"For the love of God Vince, you sang Golden Years by David Bowie. Sometimes I feel like we're married the way you argue about the smallest things."

"Whatever." Vince turned back to the movie, generally hurt. He knew he was acting like a girl, but he was hurt.

"Vince, I'm sorry. You were brilliant last night. They loved you." Howard smiled at the back of Vince's pouting head. "In walked Lady Luck, and Mister Talent had his arm around her waist. Don't look back, walk tall, act fine."

Vince snorted. "Wow."

Howard grinned at Vince as he turned around. "I'm serious. You'll be my mate forever. Nothing can touch you, as long as I have something to do with it."

Vince smiled, trying to to tear up.

And then . . . fuck tearing up, he tried not to have all the blood in his body go to his cheeks as Howard brushed a piece of his hair out of Vince's eyes.

"Howard," Vince whispered, staring at his mate.

"Shh," replied Howard, almost silently.

"What's happening here, Howard? I- I just don't want to go . . . go nowhere." Vince moaned almost silently as Howard ran his thumb over Vince's upper lip.

"Don't let me hear you say life's taking you nowhere, angel . . ."

The breath in Vince's throat hitched as Howard closed the final gap in between their lips.