Howard finally slept happily for the first time in donkey's years, it seemed, for now he and Vince had finally made their feelings known to each other. Both of them were incredibly relieved that their unique friendship had been restored, although something more than friendship was likely to sprout up now.

Vince was still dead to the world when Howard hit the hay at eleven. He watched him sleeping from the other side of the room – though not in a creepy way, in more of a loving, thoughtful way. What was Vince dreaming of now? Probably dancing on Gary Numan's private jet with the man himself, Howard chuckled. Or dressing up with Mick Jagger. Or maybe, if he was fortunate enough, maybe Vince was dreaming of a fun Satsuma fight with the person who loved him the most. No, not Bob Fossil, Howard.

He then rolled over and closed his eyes, Vince's peaceful, pale face still engraved in his mind. Knowing that this beautiful man was his now, and his to keep, felt better than climbing the highest mountain, or scoring the winning goal in the final of a football championship. It was Howard's biggest accomplishment to date, winning the man who made his life worth living. And the big feeling of relief, the fact that Vince forgave him, overwhelmed Howard so much it almost bought him to tears. Knowing that he had almost lost Vince because of his stupidity, frightened him so much he could barely function.

But he shoved those thoughts aggressively out of his mind, and focused on the positive things. Hopefully, any argument the two had could be restored by the simple fact that they both adored each other. This could be a big advantage in the future, Howard thought. They could go on holidays together, go on cute little dates, and buy each other special gifts for Valentine's Day and Christmas. It wouldn't be pressured, it wouldn't be rushed or frantic. They would both take it equally as slow and relaxed. And Howard knew, deep inside, that whatever happened, they would never get fed up of each other.

Howard's perfect sleep was interrupted, as he awoke to a strange sound. His ears peeled, he sat up, and looked around the room, instantly over to Vince's bed. There was no one occupying it. Howard immediately leapt up, frantically scanning the room. He rushed to the door, but was distracted as he heard a quiet voice – "Howard…"

He whipped around on his heel. The voice sounded choked up, small, and almost weak. But after a moment of realization, it was undeniably Vince. Howard squinted, confused, and then his voice came again, "No, Howard…", followed by choked, heartbroken sobs and snuffles. Vince was crying.

The noises were coming from below him. Howard looked toward the floor, and curled up in a ball in the corner, slowly rocking back and forth, crying his wonderful blue eyes out, was his Vince.

Howard threw himself down without a second thought, and ignoring the uneasy feeling of physically touching someone, he wrapped his arms possessively and tightly around his waist.

"Ssh," he whispered soothingly. "It's okay, Little Man. It's okay."

Vince sniffed suddenly then, as if surprised.

"Howard?" he wept, rolling over, burrowing himself into Howard's chest, dampening his pajamas with his tears.

"It's okay," Howard repeated, kissing the top of his head. "I'm here."
Vince sighed then, assumingly with relief. His breathing, as well as his voice was shaky and uneven.

"What's wrong?" Howard asked softly.

It took Vince a while to reply. "I had a nightmare," he sniffed. "That when I stormed out, you chased after me, and you ran out into the middle of the road…" That set off Vince again into deep, violent sobs, petrifying him. Howard tightened his grip around him, feeling nothing but grief for the poor, innocent boy.

"But I'm alive Vince," he said soothingly. "I'm alive and well. And I'm never going to leave you."

Vince looked up at him then, his lovely blue eyes glistening with tears, his face peaky and wet. "Promise?" he asked.

"Promise," Howard said firmly, before mentally promising himself to stay alive, and to check on Vince at least once every night. Being so young and well, to put it bluntly, dumb, this emotional series of events was probably too much for him. It didn't help that being alone in bed triggered a lot of thinking inside that small, naïve mind of his.

The two lay like that for a while more, Howard stroking Vince's hair and gently rocking him, until his snuffling stopped completely. He reminded him strongly of a very small child, very needy and innocent. But that didn't bother Howard one bit. He'd been through a lot of emotional trauma himself, yes sir. He knew Vince's pain.

And then Vince, in one swift movement, craned his neck, and kissed him, softly and lovingly. It was almost as if to reality check and make sure he was definitely real. Howard kissed him back. It was their first proper kiss, no confusion or drunkenness. Just butterflies and explosions in both of their stomachs, to signify the start of a wonderful relationship.

"I love you, 'Oward," Vince said, snuggling into him again.

"I love you too, Little Man," Howard smiled, a tear forming in his eye.

Well, there you have it. Thanks ever so much for reading, hope it has entertained you enough for you to review it, which would be dandy and much appreciated. :)))))

There will be more stories of Howince to come! x