How He Changes

[izzytheskittle.livejournal.com]

Title: How He Changes Chapter One
Pairing: AU Howard/Vince
Summary: An AU fic, where Howard is one of England's best known criminals and Vince works in a pub. Obviously they meet, but there are a few things that need to be sorted out before the happy ending, that may or may not come... 
Word Count: 831
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: AU, swearing, violence and possible sex scenes.
Disclaimer: The characters ain't mine, and neither are any of the recognisable quotes, thank you to 10_quotes for providing them. The situation, however, I take full credit for.
The quote used in this chapter is from Casablanca.
Author’s Notes: This was inspired by the 10_quotes forum, but instead of writing a story based around 10 quotes, I picked all of the ones I liked (71 in total) worked out a plot and wrote them into the story. Expect around 15 chapters in total.

Please note that this is a revised version of the story I began writing a little while ago. This means that the first few chapters will be recognisable to anyone who read the last story. Please don't let that put you off though, as this is written differently, and, hopefully, better. Thank you to fecklesslyfine for beta-ing this so wonderfully for me. 
 

I’ve tried three bars in twenty minutes, and been refused service at every one, all because I’m driving. What sort of world do we live in when a grown man can’t knock back a beer and then take a twenty minute drive home? Luckily, I remember about this one pub just around the corner.

 

 

I’ve never been to it before, even though I drive past it almost every day on my way home. I’ve heard it was one of those places that ‘old regulars’ went to, and when I step inside it’s instantly obvious why. The whole building is no bigger than my living room; it’s badly lit and smells damp. The floors are sticky with something I hope isn’t blood. My first reaction is to turn straight around and just go home, but then the kid behind the bar catches my eye, and after that I can’t turn away.

 

I slowly move towards him, manoeuvring around the randomly placed tables. Only two of the tables actually have people sitting at them, and apart from me, only one other patron is sitting at the bar. I quickly work out the reason for the lone man serving. If you could call him a man.

He can’t be a day older than twenty-five and he’s wearing what looks suspiciously like women’s clothes. They cling to his body almost elegantly, and for a moment I completely forget why I’m here. Thankfully, he speaks first.

"Your cash is good at the bar."

I stare at him blankly, unable to process what he’s saying. And once I do realise, I’m shocked. No one’s ever spoken to me like that in over four years. So bluntly, without a flicker of fear.

"What? Do you know who I am?"

"I do. You're lucky the bar's open to you."

He’s smiling at me, but I can’t find anything to say, so he continues.

“What can I get you, then?”

“Um… I’ll have a–a double whiskey.”

For God’s sake Howard! Grow up! Pull yourself together! But for once my brain doesn’t have the upper hand. I’m not sure what part of me is making me stare at the kid, but I don’t like it. It’s almost like those ridiculous crushes in school. Except it isn’t. Not quite.

 

He pours my drink and hands it to me without saying another word, for which I’m grateful. I don’t think my head could take any more conversation. The kid doesn’t move though; he stands directly in front of me, just watching me drink. It’s unnerving, but I can’t bring myself to tell him to go away. Instead, I ignore him as best I can, allowing myself to unwind.

 

Everything about my day was crap, from waking up late because my bloody alarm clock ran out of batteries, to driving around for three hours trying to find the guy I’m supposed to be questioning. And I know this is the only part of my day I might actually enjoy, so I savour it. I can’t forget the kid’s still there, though, especially when he starts talking.

“So, did you drive here?”

Damn, I think, he’s gonna kick me out before I’ve even had a chance to finish one whiskey. I nod reluctantly. No point lying when there’s a large, silver Ferrari F430 (not the convertible, because I don’t want to look like a woman) parked outside. It’s not like anyone else in here could own it.

“Cool.” What he says next isn’t what I was expecting, “What car’s it?”

I take a couple of breaths and gulp a few times before managing to tell him. He looks at me with his mouth hanging open, like I just told him I was going to rape him.

“So you’re rich, huh? What’re you doin’ here?”

I raise my glass and nod my head towards it. His face breaks into a grin and he laughs.

“Look, I’d better go. Thanks.”

Even though I mutter it, he seems to hear and flashes me another grin. I decide to get out of here as quick as possible before I do something stupid.

“Hey, what time do you get off?”

I don’t know why I said it. Maybe it’s that smile that, if I was eighteen, would make my stomach flip. But I’m not, so it isn’t.

He laughs at my choice of words, and then answers with a serious face.

“Not ‘till ‘bout two. Sorry.”

Shit! He thinks I was asking him out. I give him a quick smile, which turns out more like a grimace, grab my coat and leave. As soon as possible. The whole way to my car and then the drive home, I try to work out what possessed me to ask him that. It’s not as if he’s my age, or even my type. I’m not even gay.

 

By the time I get home, the only thing I’ve got my head around is that I am almost definitely going back there next week.

Comments

[thecatinthetree.livejournal.com]

Ooooo
*waits*

[izzytheskittle.livejournal.com]

*hands you a cup of tea*

Hopefully you won't be waiting too long, but it's best to be sure ;)

[thecatinthetree.livejournal.com]

I'm never one tot urn down a cup of tea

[http://users.livejournal.com/_the_new_/]

I'm intrigued!

[izzytheskittle.livejournal.com]

Good. Thanks for reading.

[sisidraig.livejournal.com]

I found you!
And now i sound like a stalker! =[

I love this and Howard asking what time Vince gets off - haha! He's got a little school boy crush! Can't wait for the next bit! I reckon Vince is gonna run circles round him.

More please!

Sisi...xx

[izzytheskittle.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed!

Have you got time to beta the next bit? Don't worry if not.

Thanks for reading, anyway.

I slightly love him >>>

[sisidraig.livejournal.com]

Yes, I absolutely have time to Beta. I'd love to.

=] =] =]

[booshbesotted.livejournal.com]

*claps happily* *goes to read next part*
:p
xx