Howard woke in a sweat. He was only dreaming. A subconscious memory of the last day he and Vince had been together. Only in his dreams could he and Vince be together again and these dreams were just like heaven for Howard. A heaven where there was only Howard and Vince. Vince was his angel and he wasn't worthy of any kind of love from him. No, Howard would never see Vince again and it was his own fault. The room faded into the shadows of Howard's memory.
--o--
I promise you, I promise that I'll run away with you. I'll run away with you." Vince had said to him. Howard was all but reluctant to leave the pressures of, well, everything behind. He wanted to go somewhere with Vince. Then he could be in his makeshift heaven. But where would they go? And with what money?
"Vince, don't be ridiculous, we can't leave. We don't have anywhere to go, let alone the money to get there sir."
"Aw, come on Howard it'll be genius!" Vince pouted and Howard turned to putty.
"I suppose I could use the money I've been saving for that really rare jazz record." Howard sighed. He couldn't say no to him. Anything to be with Vince.
--o--
The room came spinning back, making Howard dizzy and bringing the pain of his hangover to his attention. Howard sighed and dragged himself out of bed. He stumbled to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniels.
"Liquid breakfast" he said aloud to himself.
He took a large gulp and flopped down onto a tattered, old, uncomfortable sofa. When he looked up a picture of Vince was staring him right in the face. Tears welled up in his eyes. The tears distorted his vision until all he saw was another memory of Vince.
--o--
"Come on Howard!" Vince called from the car. Howard was checking that he hadn't left anything behind. He triple checked everything and closed the door behind him. Vince beamed at him and he couldn't help but smile back. He got into the car and turned the key in the ignition. Before they knew it they were on their way to somewhere new. Somewhere where they could relax and be together for as long as they wanted.
--o--
More soon.