Fic! Lewis
25 September 2011 18:38![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
hestia8Another one for ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
lewis_challenge
Title: A tune I haven’t heard in years
Summary: My heart
is humming a tune
I haven't heard in years! (from Flirtation by Rita Dove)
Characters/Pairing: Pre-Lewis/Hathaway, collection of OCs
Genre: Fluff
Rating: suitable for all
Wordcount: 2968
Warnings: none
Prompt:
Hathaway invites Lewis to one of his musical recitals.
Plot one: Someone's murdered. Insert murder story here.
Plot two: A bit of introspective fluff/realizations.
By baskervwatson
Plot two. No murders here :)
Notes: Oh, and as this is an extension of a fic I wrote before, the second section may seem familiar (original here: http://hestia8.livejournal.com/451789.html).
(NB in my head Christo is played by Aidan Turner, and these OCs have appeared in other fics I’ve written because it was less effort than creating a new band every time I wanted to write about them)
Big thanks again to seiyaharris for the beta.
--
James has known Christo since his second year at university. He isn’t entirely sure how they met, as he was deep into his Theology course and Christo was just starting (and finding little enthusiasm for) Chemical Engineering. No-one was even sure why Christo was even on the course in the first place, and he himself tends to claim it came to him in a dream.
Christo was, back then, a decent piano player who was learning the mandolin in his spare time (something he had quite a lot of, with the amount of work he wasn’t doing). James was a passable guitar player who’d tried to repress the memories of the piano lessons he’d been put through as a child. They came into each other’s orbits gradually, through mutual friends, and eventually scratched out a couple of pieces. James taught Christo guitar, and Christo taught James the mandolin (a skill which has never, ever been useful, mind you). They made an odd pair – James all tall and serious, Christo dark and wild and a little bit manic.
While James was trying and failing to find some place that he actually fit, Christo was hawking his musical talent (which by then included the clarinet and alto saxophone) around bars and restaurants. Now James has found some place he actually fits, Christo is still hawking his musical talent (now with added tenor saxophone if the occasion calls for it) around bars and restaurants and recording studios, and they’re in a band together.
--
Christo was putting the finishing touches to his eyeliner when someone knocked at the door. James went to answer it with reluctance, hoping that his nail varnish was dry, or failing that, that Christo looked as ridiculous as James felt.
He didn’t, of course. Eyeliner suited Christo, and the way he applied it made it obvious he’d done this before.
James opened the door and his heart sank. He hadn’t thought about hoping it wasn’t Lewis at the door, but apparently the universe had and it wanted to rectify the oversight.
Robbie stared. James flushed and looked at the floor.
“We lost a bet.” He muttered.
“You…”
“The band.” He sighed. “We lost a bet with this alt-folk trio we know, and…it’s not important. We lost a bet.”
“And that’s why you’re wearing make up?”
“We all are. We’ve got a concert.”
“Oh.” Lewis nodded, but he couldn’t stop staring. James wanted to shut the door in his face, and go and get rid of this ridiculous muck.
“Not that I want to sound rude, sir, but why are you here? Is something wrong?”
“James!” Christo shouted before Lewis could reply. “Bring the man through, for God’s sake, and help me with this eye shadow!”
James cast his eyes upwards briefly, and reminded himself that he didn’t pray anymore. He wasn’t even sure what he’d pray for. A swift death? Christo to suddenly lose his voice? The concert to be cancelled?
“You’d better come in.” He said. “Christo can explain it all.”
--
Christo was still sitting cross-legged in the armchair when James came back into the room. He held up the eye shadow and smiled hopefully.
“Do it yourself.” James said, and Christo shrugged and started applying it himself.
“So, Inspector, what brings you to James’ humble – although somewhat glittering, it has to be said – abode tonight?”
“He did invite me to see you play tonight,” Lewis said, “but I think in all the excitement, he might have forgotten.”
James had. He winced and then glared at Christo, who tried to look innocent. “I’m sorry, sir, you’re right. What with all this nonsense, I forgot.”
James turned his attention to Lewis, searching for something.
“Not a problem. I can see how it might be a distraction. Suits you, though.” He said, teasing slightly.
“Very funny.” James says, still a little peevish, although the eyeliner did suit him – more than Christo would have expected, at least.
They shared a look, and the silence stretched out between them.
Christo watched them both with a raised eyebrow, and waited for one of them to make a move. It took a minute, and when it happened, it was pretty pathetic.
“We should get going.” James said, breaking eye contact, and really, that was it?
“Is it far?” Lewis asked, and Christo almost started tearing his hair out in frustration.
“Not really. Out in Cowley. It’s an Arts Centre.”
If this was the level of conversation, it was going to be a fun ride, Christo thought.
--
Once they got to the church, Christo managed to leave James talking to Robbie and Paul, and went to find to Victoria before they went on.
“Vic. Vic. I know who James is in love with.”
She gave him a sceptical look. “What? How the hell would you know? And more importantly, who is it?”
He grabbed both of her hands. “It’s Lewis, Vic. He’s in love with his boss. I was at James’ flat when he turned up, and suddenly everything got all awkward and the two of them were looking at each other and I thought they might kiss but nobody did anything. It’s him, I’m telling you.”
Victoria held on to him. “Are you absolutely sure about this?”
“So sure.”
“But I’ve met him. He’s…”
“He’s a really nice guy.” Christo insisted.
“Exactly. It’s James, you know how he is. I expected him to go for someone more high maintenance. Younger…smoother.”
“Now, now Vicky, we all know how you feel about James, no need to embarrass yourself.”
“Oh, piss off.” She said, pulling away from him. “One day, you’ll get what’s coming to you.”
“That was a terrible effort. Barely even an insult. I’m sure you can do better, I’ll leave you to think about it while we’re playing, alright?”
She flicked him a V sign and he just blew her a kiss.
--
Somehow, despite Paul, James and Noel taking turns glaring at him, half the audience looking amused and half confused, and James frequently and unsubtly looking over at Lewis, the gig was fun. Christo decided they should do it again sometime.
Vicky and her girls played next, and afterwards – when most of the audience had gone home – most of them sat around chatting. Vicky had gone off somewhere, and Christo had gone to look for her, presumably to crow about having fulfilled the terms of the bet.
James and Lewis were sitting next to each other, with Paul on the other side of James. Emma was sitting in the row in front, turned back towards them, resting her chin on folded arms.
“So you’re not coming to the Jazz thing?” Paul asks. James just shakes his head, glad he’s working when it’s on so he has a decent excuse.
“You know I would normally.” Emma said. “You know I would, but Lauren’s on the committee, and I am not going anywhere anything she does.”
“Lauren…” Paul says, confused. “Not Lauren Barclay?”
“Lauren Barclay moved to France. Lauren who used to be her stepsister.” James said. “That is who you mean, right?”
“Yeah. Our parents were only married for three years before my mum wised up, but it was way more than enough. Daddy’s little princess.” She said, with a roll of her eyes.
“You’re going to miss it over that?”
“I’m sure you can find someone to go with.”
James tuned them out a little, as he’d spotted Christo and Victoria, standing in a doorway talking. She didn’t look like a woman who’d just won a bet, and she was handing him money.
“Sorry.” He said, looking at Emma. “I was listening.”
She smirked at him. “Don’t worry, it wasn’t that interesting.”
“What’s got your attention?” Lewis asked, and James pointed.
“If you’d won the bet, why would you pay the loser?”
Emma turned to look, and then laughed.
“What?” James asked.
“You’re a bright boy. Think about it, I’m sure you’ll work it out.” She said.
“Am I missing something here?” Paul asked.
James paused for a moment.
“That bet wasn’t lost, was it, Emma?”
“Gold star for Mr Hathaway.”
James sighed. “The bet was that Christo could get all of us wearing makeup, wasn’t it?”
“Don’t shoot the messenger…yes.”
Paul’s mood darkened quickly. “Oh, come on!”
“I said don’t shoot the messenger!”
“This entire thing was set up so that laughing boy could win a bet?” Paul asked. “I look like a complete moron. I’m going to break his bloody nose. Don’t try to stop me.”
James considered this for a moment. “Okay.”
Paul nodded once, then stood up and stalked off.
“Shouldn’t you stop him?” Lewis asked.
“Christo can look after himself.” James said. “He made his bed, he can lie in it.”
“With a black eye, from the sound of things.”
James shrugged. “Wouldn’t be the first time. Or the first time from Paul, even. He’ll be fine, he’ll make the best of it and use it to get sympathy from attractive women.”
“Ooh, I’ve fallen for that one.” Emma confirmed.
“Everyone’s fallen for that one. You get used to it.”
“And then you fall for something else.” Vicky said, joining them. “Em, I’m off now if you still want that lift. Taking my winnings and going home.”
“Classy.” James said, and she winked at him.
“You know it.” Emma said, standing. “Bye all.”
“Bye, darlings.” Vic said. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“That’s a bloody short list, Vic.” Emma chirped as they walked away.
Lewis watched Hathaway watching the girls leave, and it occurred to him that Hathaway didn’t do fond very often, but it was showing through a lot tonight. Times like this, he could feel comfortable that there were people who knew what they had in James.
“Do you want to get going?” James asked, turning back to him.
“What about Christo?” Lewis asked. “I thought he was staying with you tonight.”
“I’ll check, but frankly after earlier I think he can sort out his own accommodation for the night.”
--
James walked in the direction he’d last seen Christo heading, determined not to cave if Christo hadn’t already found himself somewhere else. He wasn’t as angry as Paul had been, but he wasn’t exactly feeling like providing room and board for Christo right now.
He headed outside, hoping that if Christo and Paul had had a punch-up, they’d had the grace not to do it inside the church.
They had, glory be. They were smoking, looking friendly again. He was just about to turn and go back, but then he overheard some of their conversation.
“…I’m not kidding about this. I thought James was going to kiss the guy. I wanted him to, just to ease the tension. They just kept looking at each other.”
“They were fine inside.”
“Hm.” Christo said, sounding doubtful.
“Oh, sorry, forgot I was talking to the great observer of human behaviour. They were fine.”
“When it takes you less than a month to figure out a woman fancies you, I’ll think about consulting you. He brought his boss to a concert. It’s a fucking date, but he doesn’t know that. It’s tragic.”
“You’re sure.” Paul said, sounding a little more convinced.
“I’m sure. I’m not sure how it happened, but I’m sure.”
James stood frozen in place for a moment, not quite believing what he was hearing. He made himself move after a couple of minutes, in case they turned and saw him. He walked back inside, wondering how Christo had seen something he’d barely even worked out for himself.
--
He told Lewis that Christo was sorting himself out, and they said their good byes and went back to the car.
“What’s wrong?” Lewis asked. James had barely said a word since he’d got back to Lewis; he knew that he’d gone quiet, but he was still trying to work out what to do with this new information.
“Nothing, I’m just – tired. And I still have this stupid stuff on my face.”
“It suits you.”
“With all due respect, sir, shut up.”
“Don’t sulk, Hathaway, it’s unbecoming.”
“Oh, well, in that case, thank you for the compliment.” James replied, not bothering to calm his tone.
Lewis just smiled at him. “Get that stuff off your face, Sergeant, and I’ll buy you a drink.”
“Now you’re talking.”
--
They found a quiet pub and Robbie bought the drinks as promised, figuring Hathaway probably deserved it. He was looking a lot more cheerful now he was back to normal.
“So, makeup aside, what did you think of the music?” James asked.
“I enjoyed it, it was good.” He said. “But I think I might stick to classic rock in the future.”
“Good. I’m glad. I was hoping you wouldn’t find it boring.”
“Not at all. I’ll have to bring Laura next time, she’d like it.”
James nodded, but he didn’t look too happy about the idea, and Lewis was trying to work out what he’d said when James’ phone beeped. He checked it, and his expression darkened.
“What is it now?”
“Bloody Christo.” James said, exasperated. “He’s sent pictures to my cousins.”
“How do you know it was him?”
James just gave him a withering look. “It was him.”
“Ah. Well, I’m sure your family will understand.”
Hathaway sighed, sour-faced, and Lewis took that to mean that whoever had texted had said basically the same thing.
“I don’t have to stay here to be laughed at.”
“You have somewhere else to go?” Robbie said, smiling.
James shook his head. “I’m surrounded by comedians. Shame none of them are actually funny. Do you want another?”
“If you think you can stand not finding me funny.”
James just rolled his eyes and went to the bar.
--
“When did you all get together?” Robbie asked, later on.
“About six years ago. A couple of years before I met you.” James said. “We’d played together before, but this time Christo turned up telling me he’d been chucked out of Italy and could he stay. It was nonsense, probably, and I was just next on his list or something, I don’t know. And he hung around for a couple of weeks, ate all my food, and asked if I wanted to form a band. I couldn’t come up with a good enough reason not to. Noel we knew from university. Paul is Christo’s stepbrother.”
“They’re brothers? Those two?”
“Don’t even try to understand.” James said. “They’re either fighting or as close as you can get.”
“I’d never have guessed that.” Robbie replied. “Why wasn’t Christo staying with him?”
“That’s usually why they’re fighting.” James said wryly.
--
They walked back to James’ flat after the pub closed, but it still seemed like something was off.
“What’s up?”
“Sir?”
“Don’t give me that, Jim. You’re thinking about something, and I’m guessing it’s not revenge.”
“Well, it wasn’t until you mentioned the possibility…”
“So?”
“Why did you come out tonight?”
“You asked me, I was interested.”
James paused for a long moment, and Robbie waited patiently because it seemed like James was working up to something important. “Christo thought it was a date. I think he was right.”
“Oh?” Robbie said, somewhat surprised that James had finally, finally got a clue.
James shrugged, looking uncomfortable. “I took you to a concert, we went for a drink, we talked. Isn’t that a date?”
Robbie couldn’t stop himself from smiling. “Certainly sounds like one.”
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I was wondering when you’d catch on.” Robbie said, teasing. “You’re normally sharper than this. I thought when you asked me that you were finally making a move.”
James stopped and looked at him.
“I wasn’t.” He admitted. “I didn’t know you were interested.”
“I am.”
James nodded, looking almost nervous, and for a moment it was just the two of them gazing at each other like fools.
“So –“
“So –“
They spoke at the same time, and then smiled at each other.
“What now?” James asked.
“You’re the one who took me out on a date, Hathaway. I think it’s up to you.”
James smiled, finally. “Come home with me and I’m sure I can think of something.”
lewis_challengeTitle: A tune I haven’t heard in years
Summary: My heart
is humming a tune
I haven't heard in years! (from Flirtation by Rita Dove)
Characters/Pairing: Pre-Lewis/Hathaway, collection of OCs
Genre: Fluff
Rating: suitable for all
Wordcount: 2968
Warnings: none
Prompt:
Hathaway invites Lewis to one of his musical recitals.
Plot one: Someone's murdered. Insert murder story here.
Plot two: A bit of introspective fluff/realizations.
By baskervwatson
Plot two. No murders here :)
Notes: Oh, and as this is an extension of a fic I wrote before, the second section may seem familiar (original here: http://hestia8.livejournal.com/451789.html).
(NB in my head Christo is played by Aidan Turner, and these OCs have appeared in other fics I’ve written because it was less effort than creating a new band every time I wanted to write about them)
Big thanks again to seiyaharris for the beta.
--
James has known Christo since his second year at university. He isn’t entirely sure how they met, as he was deep into his Theology course and Christo was just starting (and finding little enthusiasm for) Chemical Engineering. No-one was even sure why Christo was even on the course in the first place, and he himself tends to claim it came to him in a dream.
Christo was, back then, a decent piano player who was learning the mandolin in his spare time (something he had quite a lot of, with the amount of work he wasn’t doing). James was a passable guitar player who’d tried to repress the memories of the piano lessons he’d been put through as a child. They came into each other’s orbits gradually, through mutual friends, and eventually scratched out a couple of pieces. James taught Christo guitar, and Christo taught James the mandolin (a skill which has never, ever been useful, mind you). They made an odd pair – James all tall and serious, Christo dark and wild and a little bit manic.
While James was trying and failing to find some place that he actually fit, Christo was hawking his musical talent (which by then included the clarinet and alto saxophone) around bars and restaurants. Now James has found some place he actually fits, Christo is still hawking his musical talent (now with added tenor saxophone if the occasion calls for it) around bars and restaurants and recording studios, and they’re in a band together.
--
Christo was putting the finishing touches to his eyeliner when someone knocked at the door. James went to answer it with reluctance, hoping that his nail varnish was dry, or failing that, that Christo looked as ridiculous as James felt.
He didn’t, of course. Eyeliner suited Christo, and the way he applied it made it obvious he’d done this before.
James opened the door and his heart sank. He hadn’t thought about hoping it wasn’t Lewis at the door, but apparently the universe had and it wanted to rectify the oversight.
Robbie stared. James flushed and looked at the floor.
“We lost a bet.” He muttered.
“You…”
“The band.” He sighed. “We lost a bet with this alt-folk trio we know, and…it’s not important. We lost a bet.”
“And that’s why you’re wearing make up?”
“We all are. We’ve got a concert.”
“Oh.” Lewis nodded, but he couldn’t stop staring. James wanted to shut the door in his face, and go and get rid of this ridiculous muck.
“Not that I want to sound rude, sir, but why are you here? Is something wrong?”
“James!” Christo shouted before Lewis could reply. “Bring the man through, for God’s sake, and help me with this eye shadow!”
James cast his eyes upwards briefly, and reminded himself that he didn’t pray anymore. He wasn’t even sure what he’d pray for. A swift death? Christo to suddenly lose his voice? The concert to be cancelled?
“You’d better come in.” He said. “Christo can explain it all.”
--
Christo was still sitting cross-legged in the armchair when James came back into the room. He held up the eye shadow and smiled hopefully.
“Do it yourself.” James said, and Christo shrugged and started applying it himself.
“So, Inspector, what brings you to James’ humble – although somewhat glittering, it has to be said – abode tonight?”
“He did invite me to see you play tonight,” Lewis said, “but I think in all the excitement, he might have forgotten.”
James had. He winced and then glared at Christo, who tried to look innocent. “I’m sorry, sir, you’re right. What with all this nonsense, I forgot.”
James turned his attention to Lewis, searching for something.
“Not a problem. I can see how it might be a distraction. Suits you, though.” He said, teasing slightly.
“Very funny.” James says, still a little peevish, although the eyeliner did suit him – more than Christo would have expected, at least.
They shared a look, and the silence stretched out between them.
Christo watched them both with a raised eyebrow, and waited for one of them to make a move. It took a minute, and when it happened, it was pretty pathetic.
“We should get going.” James said, breaking eye contact, and really, that was it?
“Is it far?” Lewis asked, and Christo almost started tearing his hair out in frustration.
“Not really. Out in Cowley. It’s an Arts Centre.”
If this was the level of conversation, it was going to be a fun ride, Christo thought.
--
Once they got to the church, Christo managed to leave James talking to Robbie and Paul, and went to find to Victoria before they went on.
“Vic. Vic. I know who James is in love with.”
She gave him a sceptical look. “What? How the hell would you know? And more importantly, who is it?”
He grabbed both of her hands. “It’s Lewis, Vic. He’s in love with his boss. I was at James’ flat when he turned up, and suddenly everything got all awkward and the two of them were looking at each other and I thought they might kiss but nobody did anything. It’s him, I’m telling you.”
Victoria held on to him. “Are you absolutely sure about this?”
“So sure.”
“But I’ve met him. He’s…”
“He’s a really nice guy.” Christo insisted.
“Exactly. It’s James, you know how he is. I expected him to go for someone more high maintenance. Younger…smoother.”
“Now, now Vicky, we all know how you feel about James, no need to embarrass yourself.”
“Oh, piss off.” She said, pulling away from him. “One day, you’ll get what’s coming to you.”
“That was a terrible effort. Barely even an insult. I’m sure you can do better, I’ll leave you to think about it while we’re playing, alright?”
She flicked him a V sign and he just blew her a kiss.
--
Somehow, despite Paul, James and Noel taking turns glaring at him, half the audience looking amused and half confused, and James frequently and unsubtly looking over at Lewis, the gig was fun. Christo decided they should do it again sometime.
Vicky and her girls played next, and afterwards – when most of the audience had gone home – most of them sat around chatting. Vicky had gone off somewhere, and Christo had gone to look for her, presumably to crow about having fulfilled the terms of the bet.
James and Lewis were sitting next to each other, with Paul on the other side of James. Emma was sitting in the row in front, turned back towards them, resting her chin on folded arms.
“So you’re not coming to the Jazz thing?” Paul asks. James just shakes his head, glad he’s working when it’s on so he has a decent excuse.
“You know I would normally.” Emma said. “You know I would, but Lauren’s on the committee, and I am not going anywhere anything she does.”
“Lauren…” Paul says, confused. “Not Lauren Barclay?”
“Lauren Barclay moved to France. Lauren who used to be her stepsister.” James said. “That is who you mean, right?”
“Yeah. Our parents were only married for three years before my mum wised up, but it was way more than enough. Daddy’s little princess.” She said, with a roll of her eyes.
“You’re going to miss it over that?”
“I’m sure you can find someone to go with.”
James tuned them out a little, as he’d spotted Christo and Victoria, standing in a doorway talking. She didn’t look like a woman who’d just won a bet, and she was handing him money.
“Sorry.” He said, looking at Emma. “I was listening.”
She smirked at him. “Don’t worry, it wasn’t that interesting.”
“What’s got your attention?” Lewis asked, and James pointed.
“If you’d won the bet, why would you pay the loser?”
Emma turned to look, and then laughed.
“What?” James asked.
“You’re a bright boy. Think about it, I’m sure you’ll work it out.” She said.
“Am I missing something here?” Paul asked.
James paused for a moment.
“That bet wasn’t lost, was it, Emma?”
“Gold star for Mr Hathaway.”
James sighed. “The bet was that Christo could get all of us wearing makeup, wasn’t it?”
“Don’t shoot the messenger…yes.”
Paul’s mood darkened quickly. “Oh, come on!”
“I said don’t shoot the messenger!”
“This entire thing was set up so that laughing boy could win a bet?” Paul asked. “I look like a complete moron. I’m going to break his bloody nose. Don’t try to stop me.”
James considered this for a moment. “Okay.”
Paul nodded once, then stood up and stalked off.
“Shouldn’t you stop him?” Lewis asked.
“Christo can look after himself.” James said. “He made his bed, he can lie in it.”
“With a black eye, from the sound of things.”
James shrugged. “Wouldn’t be the first time. Or the first time from Paul, even. He’ll be fine, he’ll make the best of it and use it to get sympathy from attractive women.”
“Ooh, I’ve fallen for that one.” Emma confirmed.
“Everyone’s fallen for that one. You get used to it.”
“And then you fall for something else.” Vicky said, joining them. “Em, I’m off now if you still want that lift. Taking my winnings and going home.”
“Classy.” James said, and she winked at him.
“You know it.” Emma said, standing. “Bye all.”
“Bye, darlings.” Vic said. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“That’s a bloody short list, Vic.” Emma chirped as they walked away.
Lewis watched Hathaway watching the girls leave, and it occurred to him that Hathaway didn’t do fond very often, but it was showing through a lot tonight. Times like this, he could feel comfortable that there were people who knew what they had in James.
“Do you want to get going?” James asked, turning back to him.
“What about Christo?” Lewis asked. “I thought he was staying with you tonight.”
“I’ll check, but frankly after earlier I think he can sort out his own accommodation for the night.”
--
James walked in the direction he’d last seen Christo heading, determined not to cave if Christo hadn’t already found himself somewhere else. He wasn’t as angry as Paul had been, but he wasn’t exactly feeling like providing room and board for Christo right now.
He headed outside, hoping that if Christo and Paul had had a punch-up, they’d had the grace not to do it inside the church.
They had, glory be. They were smoking, looking friendly again. He was just about to turn and go back, but then he overheard some of their conversation.
“…I’m not kidding about this. I thought James was going to kiss the guy. I wanted him to, just to ease the tension. They just kept looking at each other.”
“They were fine inside.”
“Hm.” Christo said, sounding doubtful.
“Oh, sorry, forgot I was talking to the great observer of human behaviour. They were fine.”
“When it takes you less than a month to figure out a woman fancies you, I’ll think about consulting you. He brought his boss to a concert. It’s a fucking date, but he doesn’t know that. It’s tragic.”
“You’re sure.” Paul said, sounding a little more convinced.
“I’m sure. I’m not sure how it happened, but I’m sure.”
James stood frozen in place for a moment, not quite believing what he was hearing. He made himself move after a couple of minutes, in case they turned and saw him. He walked back inside, wondering how Christo had seen something he’d barely even worked out for himself.
--
He told Lewis that Christo was sorting himself out, and they said their good byes and went back to the car.
“What’s wrong?” Lewis asked. James had barely said a word since he’d got back to Lewis; he knew that he’d gone quiet, but he was still trying to work out what to do with this new information.
“Nothing, I’m just – tired. And I still have this stupid stuff on my face.”
“It suits you.”
“With all due respect, sir, shut up.”
“Don’t sulk, Hathaway, it’s unbecoming.”
“Oh, well, in that case, thank you for the compliment.” James replied, not bothering to calm his tone.
Lewis just smiled at him. “Get that stuff off your face, Sergeant, and I’ll buy you a drink.”
“Now you’re talking.”
--
They found a quiet pub and Robbie bought the drinks as promised, figuring Hathaway probably deserved it. He was looking a lot more cheerful now he was back to normal.
“So, makeup aside, what did you think of the music?” James asked.
“I enjoyed it, it was good.” He said. “But I think I might stick to classic rock in the future.”
“Good. I’m glad. I was hoping you wouldn’t find it boring.”
“Not at all. I’ll have to bring Laura next time, she’d like it.”
James nodded, but he didn’t look too happy about the idea, and Lewis was trying to work out what he’d said when James’ phone beeped. He checked it, and his expression darkened.
“What is it now?”
“Bloody Christo.” James said, exasperated. “He’s sent pictures to my cousins.”
“How do you know it was him?”
James just gave him a withering look. “It was him.”
“Ah. Well, I’m sure your family will understand.”
Hathaway sighed, sour-faced, and Lewis took that to mean that whoever had texted had said basically the same thing.
“I don’t have to stay here to be laughed at.”
“You have somewhere else to go?” Robbie said, smiling.
James shook his head. “I’m surrounded by comedians. Shame none of them are actually funny. Do you want another?”
“If you think you can stand not finding me funny.”
James just rolled his eyes and went to the bar.
--
“When did you all get together?” Robbie asked, later on.
“About six years ago. A couple of years before I met you.” James said. “We’d played together before, but this time Christo turned up telling me he’d been chucked out of Italy and could he stay. It was nonsense, probably, and I was just next on his list or something, I don’t know. And he hung around for a couple of weeks, ate all my food, and asked if I wanted to form a band. I couldn’t come up with a good enough reason not to. Noel we knew from university. Paul is Christo’s stepbrother.”
“They’re brothers? Those two?”
“Don’t even try to understand.” James said. “They’re either fighting or as close as you can get.”
“I’d never have guessed that.” Robbie replied. “Why wasn’t Christo staying with him?”
“That’s usually why they’re fighting.” James said wryly.
--
They walked back to James’ flat after the pub closed, but it still seemed like something was off.
“What’s up?”
“Sir?”
“Don’t give me that, Jim. You’re thinking about something, and I’m guessing it’s not revenge.”
“Well, it wasn’t until you mentioned the possibility…”
“So?”
“Why did you come out tonight?”
“You asked me, I was interested.”
James paused for a long moment, and Robbie waited patiently because it seemed like James was working up to something important. “Christo thought it was a date. I think he was right.”
“Oh?” Robbie said, somewhat surprised that James had finally, finally got a clue.
James shrugged, looking uncomfortable. “I took you to a concert, we went for a drink, we talked. Isn’t that a date?”
Robbie couldn’t stop himself from smiling. “Certainly sounds like one.”
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I was wondering when you’d catch on.” Robbie said, teasing. “You’re normally sharper than this. I thought when you asked me that you were finally making a move.”
James stopped and looked at him.
“I wasn’t.” He admitted. “I didn’t know you were interested.”
“I am.”
James nodded, looking almost nervous, and for a moment it was just the two of them gazing at each other like fools.
“So –“
“So –“
They spoke at the same time, and then smiled at each other.
“What now?” James asked.
“You’re the one who took me out on a date, Hathaway. I think it’s up to you.”
James smiled, finally. “Come home with me and I’m sure I can think of something.”
