Moonstone Cowboy

Category: The Mighty Boosh

Characters: Bob Fossil, Dixon Bainbridge, Howard Moon, Naboo, Vince Noir

Pairing: Howard Moon/Vince Noir

Genre: Action/Adventure, Angst, AU (Alternate Universe), Drama, Hurt/Comfort

Rating: NC-17

Warning: BDSM, Blood and Injury, Blood and Violence, Murder, Smut (graphic sex scenes), Violence - Heavy, Unspecified Warning

Status: Complete

Length: 100-150k words

Proximity

Proximity

Howard is standing at the foot of the couch. He’d gotten up early and had planned to go out and get some food for them both before Vince woke, but his journey to the front door had been impeded by the sight that lay before him now.

Vince is deep in slumber, his head propped up slightly on an array of cushions. His feet are bootless and crossed at the ankles. His arms are at his side, shirt sleeves rolled up, and hands lightly resting on his hip bones. The flashy white jacket Vince was adorning yesterday has been discarded onto the floor, along with the now empty bottle of whiskey. The black bejewelled shirt he is wearing contrasts with the beautiful pallor of his skin. Howard can’t help but run his eyes across Vince’s exposed chest and semi-exposed stomach where buttons have been left undone. There is a soft patch of chest hair nestled into the dip of Vince’s sternum, and an even more enticing trail of hair running from his belly-button down to the waistband of his trousers. Howard involuntarily licks his lips. He puts his hand out before him and with his fingers strokes the air as he visualises touching this trail. He imagines placing the lightest of kisses along it.

Vince’s hat is hanging off one of the cushions to his right. His head is also inclining to the right, his brow smooth as he lies in a state of absolute peace. His mouth, having fallen open ever so slightly, reveals a fullness to his lips that Howard’s not noticed previously, and his subtle cupid’s bow is highlighted by a shadow of facial hair across his philtrum and upper lip. The strangely angular nose and high cheekbones are softened in the morning light. It gives Vince an ethereal quality which makes something in Howard’s stomach quiver.

Vince’s hair has fallen away from the side of his face, exposing to Howard strong, dark sideburns, quite a masculine frame to the angelic pale-skinned features. The hair has also dropped away from Vince’s long, slender neck. It takes all of Howard’s strength to fight the urge to rush over and suck at the delicate spot beneath his ear, to nuzzle at the downy hairline of his nape.

Howard can hear Vince’s light breaths, the only thing audible in the silence of the room save for the sound of his own quickened pulse vibrating in his ear. Vince’s breaths are easy and steady and uncompromised, his chest rising and falling gently in unison. Every so often Vince’s long, dark eyelashes flutter and Howard wonders what dreams fill this handsome head.

Howard stands there feeling a little guilty for this invasion of Vince’s privacy, but he can’t seem to tear himself away. He wonders if there’s a name for people who get aroused by seeing others sleep. He remembers the story of Little Briar Rose and the sleeping princess, and he thinks that the Brothers Grimm may once have found themselves in a similar real-life situation before they penned their version of it. Howard can see why such experiences lead to the creation of the most valuable pieces of art and literature. To successfully capture the essence and innocence and beauty of someone like Vince Noir in repose could only end in a masterpiece.

As Howard’s mind plays and swirls around these ideas of expression and aesthetics a gentle moan leaves Vince’s lips. Howard is lifted out of his musings and he holds his breath, scared that he might be caught in his near illicit spying, but nevertheless immobilised.

But Vince doesn’t wake up. Instead he softly sighs and the edges of his mouth lift into a dreamy half-smile. His eyelashes flutter again, the smile widens and a chuckle escapes his throat.

The Sheriff makes out one word through Vince’s husky laugh and has to mentally pinch himself.

“Howard.”

Vince wakes to the sound of humming. He rolls onto his side and opens his eyes just a crack. It takes his mind a moment to remember where he is, and then a moment longer to remember the nearly full bottle of liquor he consumed the night before. He winces aloud.

“Ah you’re awake. Good. Here.”

Howard is suddenly at his side with a mug in his hand. Vince sits up gingerly and takes it from Howard’s grasp.

“Thanks.”

Vince blinks and squints several times to get his eyes to focus, then yawns and then takes a sip of his coffee. Howard sees him and chuckles.

“You kept going I see.” Howard nods towards the bottle that is now sitting empty on the table.

“Yeah, I guess. I needed a little help getting to sleep.”

“Well get that coffee down you and come and have a bite to eat. I’ll soon have you back up and running.”

It’s only now that Vince realises he can smell warm bread. It gives the jailhouse an almost homely ambience. He stands slowly and makes his way to the table.

“Thanks for looking after me. You’re quite the cook aren’t you?”

“I’ve had to look after myself for many years. It’s nice to have someone else to do it for though.”

Howard puts a plate in front of Vince and tops up the younger man’s coffee mug.

“You’d make a great dad Howard.”

Howard stops what he’s doing and frowns to himself. He turns to reply but luckily Vince is already tucking into his meal. Howard doesn’t really want Vince seeing him as a father figure. That would make it less likely he’d ever see him as a…

“You’re wearing your badge!”

Vince breaks Howard’s train of thought. He’s looking at the Sheriff with the biggest grin Howard has ever seen, and those amazing blue eyes are sparkling with what can only be perceived as genuine happiness. Howard can’t help but grin back.

“Yeah. You kinda got me thinking last night. Well you and Monty.”

“Monty?”

“Montgomery Flange, the one whose clothes you are wearing.”

“Oh yeah. When did you see him?”

“Last night when I went out. I bumped into him in The Salty Bullet. We had a bit of a chat about you actually. I said I’d introduce you to him this morning.”

“Yeah cool, if you’re sure he doesn’t mind about the clothes. What were you doing in the saloon though, I thought you said we shouldn’t go in there?”

“No, I said you should never go in there.”

“Hang on a minute…”

“Look Vince, there’s something I need to tell you.”

All of a sudden Howard’s voice has taken on a very serious tone. Vince’s eyes widen making him look even more innocent. Howard shakes his head and wonders how he’s going to keep this young man out of trouble.

“Vince, I told you about Bainbridge, but I don’t think I made it fully clear how much power he wields in this town. A little time after Tommy died Bainbridge got himself elected mayor of Moonstone. Not that it was a proper election of course. There wasn’t even a position of mayor going, he just made it up. It means he pretty much controls everything though, and that includes who comes and who goes in this town. If you want to reside here then you have to have a meeting with Bainbridge first and agree to his terms and his taxes. If you want to leave you have to ‘pay out.’ You, Vince, are not authorised to be here.”

“Oh.”

“Yes, oh indeed.”

The two men sit in silence. Howard has his hands around his mug, watching Vince push food around his plate. The younger man looks up at Howard after a minute, his eyes still wide.

“Is that why you’ve never left?”

Howard sighs. “Sort of yeah, but it’s more than that. If I leave then I can never avenge Tommy. Plus I do what I can to help protect the citizens of Moonstone. There are still many good people here.”

“What do you think he’ll do when he finds me here? Will he boot me out?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I think maybe we need a cover story for you. That’s the reason I’m taking you to see Monty this morning. He’s an actor, he might be able to help create something for you. Make up a back story, you know. That’s if you do definitely want to stay for a bit.”

Howard looks away after this last line, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.

“Of course I want to stay. I’ve only just got here. Besides me and you’ve got a whole lot of things to do.”

“Things to do?”

“Yeah, we’ve got a shoddy mayor to bring to justice.”

“Okay Vince. The coast looks fairly clear.”

Howard is peeking out of the door of the jailhouse. Vince is standing ready behind him. Howard had tried to insist he wear something less conspicuous and had offered a pair of woollen trousers and shabby old duster coat. Vince had flatly refused saying that he’d rather be dead than be spotted wearing them. Consequently he is still dressed in most of Montgomery’s costume.

“So stick close to the buildings and stay behind me alright. If I stop you stop. Don’t talk to anyone, don’t make eye contact with anyone, and don’t touch anything. Are you ready?”

“I’ve been ready for ten minutes. Can we just go?”

“I’m just trying…”

“…to protect me. Yes I know Howard, you’ve told me that twenty times already. Now can we go please?”

With one last look in all directions Howard is out the door gesticulating to Vince to follow suit. Vince calmly strolls out the door shutting it behind him. It would be incorrect to assume Vince isn’t nervous because he is. He is determined not to let Howard see those nerves though. The Sheriff is tautly strung enough.

“Okay then, the barbers is at the other end of the street across from the saloon. Let’s move.”

Howard and Vince stride quickly and purposefully along to the barber’s, keeping tucked into the shadows as much as possible. They arrive quickly and without incident. In fact the whole street is pretty quiet and seemingly devoid of any of Bainbridge’s gang. Howard takes a peep through the barber’s window and spots Monty seated in an overstuffed leather armchair at the rear of the shop. One of the barbers, Jean Claude is also inside, busy sharpening his razor. As Howard enters Jean Claude nods a hello and departs the room.

“Where’s he going?” asks Howard of Monty.

“I told him we needed to speak in private. Jean Claude understands.”

That is true. As two of Moonstone’s original residents Jean Claude and his brother Jack were no more in support of Bainbridge than Howard, it’s just that they’d rather not get involved.

Howard cautiously moves further into the room. As he does so Vince steps out from behind him. He moves towards Monty, his trademark grin on his face and hand out in greeting. Monty’s jaw drops, but Vince doesn’t seem to notice. Howard does though and smiles to himself. He’d clearly not been exaggerating the force of Vince’s ‘impact’.

“Alright. You must be Mr. Flange. Nice to meet you. I’m Vince, Vince Noir. Thanks for letting me borrow your threads.”

“That’s absolutely fine my boy. And my goodness how well you wear them. Now do I a favour would you lad and just go lock the door there? Pull that shutter across a little too.”

As Vince turns towards the door Monty makes eye contact with Howard and mouths a “wow” at the Sheriff. Howard replies with a “told you.”

Howard pulls up a couple of chairs and he and Vince join Monty. The Sheriff perches apprehensively whilst Vince drops into his and immediately curls his legs up under him.

Howard starts, “Monty. I’ve told Vince about Bainbridge, about his rules on visitors. He’s said he wants to stay a while and I’d like to help him out with that. What we need therefore is a backstory, and I thought with your knowledge of books and plays you might be able to concoct one.”

Monty looks at Vince and finds himself drawn into the lad’s eyes. He can definitely see how Howard’s been so easily hooked.

“You really want to stick around boy?”

Vince nods eagerly. “Yeah, for a bit at least.”

“You don’t have a home to be getting back to?”

“Not exactly no. I tend to wander, picking up work where I can.”

“No wife then?”

Vince grins sheepishly. “I don’t think I’m really the marrying type Sir. I don’t really know what husbands are supposed to do.”

Monty looks at Howard.

“You’re wearing your Sheriff’s badge I see. Better late than never Howard.”

“For much good it will do me.”

“Well Howard, it’s given me a thought.”

“What?”

“It needs fleshing out a bit, but what if you make Vince here your Deputy?”

Silence.

Vince looks at Howard. He raises his eyebrows in question. “Howard?”

“Wouldn’t that just be putting Vince further into the line of fire?”

“Better hidden in plain sight. Plus Bainbridge might be a twisted bastard but he’s not stupid, he’ll not act out unless he feels really threatened.”

“I dunno, it still doesn’t explain how he got here though does it? How did I find him?”

Howard and Monty both look at the floor in thought, the former rubbing his chin, the latter rotating his cane by its silver tipped handle.

“Can I say something?”

Vince uncrosses his legs and stands. He moves to a mirror, removes his hat and fluffs his hair before replacing the hat and coming back to lean over the top of the chair.

“I reckon I should still say I came on the mail wagon ‘cause that’s what I did. I didn’t know about Bainbridge’s rules, I just bummed a ride. A wannabe Deputy Sheriff looking for a job”

Monty responds.

“Why Moonstone?”

“Because Howard Moon lives here. Lots of peeps my age have heard of Howard Moon. He’s sorta famous.”

Monty looks at Howard.

“Kid’s got something there Howard. You did have quite a reputation back in the day. It isn’t an unlikely story that someone like Vince could want to meet you and be schooled by you.”

Vince nods in agreement.

“That’s right. In fact it’s all absolutely true, besides me ending up here by accident of course. That was just pure luck. If I’d have known that wagon was destined for Moonstone though I’d have jumped on it anyway.”

“Well not lying at all would be the easiest thing I suppose.” Howard scratches at his stubbled cheek. He’s not yet convinced. “How do I explain to Bainbridge that I need a Deputy?”

“You say this kid came knocking at your door asking for a job and you’re giving him a trial because you feel a bit sorry for him.”

“Yeah. We can say I turned up here with no clothes, no money, and no food, just like I did. Say you took pity on me just like you did.”

“Tell him that this kid isn’t very bright really. Play down Vince’s intelligence. Tell him he’s a harmless innocent soul and that he’ll be no bother to anyone. That you’ll get him doing some of the shit jobs like repainting signs and chopping firewood.”

“I can do that for you anyway. I’m pretty handy with a paintbrush.”

Howard turns to Vince who’s still leaning over the back of the chair. “Come and sit down again.”

Vince does. He can see Howard has something serious to add. Howard looks at Monty and then directly at the young cowboy.

“If we do this Vince I want you to promise me one thing.”

Vince nods. “I’ll try, what is it?”

“If anything starts to go wrong, if you feel you’re in danger of any sort, you take my horse and you get the hell out of here.”

“Sure.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“And you still stay away from The Salty Bullet as much as possible. If we go in then we go in together.”

“Sure. We go in together.”

“Monty.”

“Yes Sheriff?”

“We never had this chat. I’ve only introduced you today because I’m asking if Vince can borrow some of your clothes. This makes sense as Bainbridge knows we are mates, and clearly you’re more Vince’s size than I am.”

“Sure. It’s hardly a lie at all. I’ll be acting out fact not fiction. Easy.”

“Well then I reckon we need to get this show on the road. You ready to go meet Bainbridge Vince?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be I guess.”

“Okay then. Next stop the saloon.”

“Oi Moon!”

The booming voice comes from behind them.

“Shit!”

“Howard?”

“Shit, shit, shit!”

“Howard, is that him?”

“Moon!” the voice booms again, “Where are you going Moon?”

Howard and Vince have already stopped in their tracks in the middle of the street.

“Just turn around slowly Vince, follow my lead and stay behind me.”

They turn back to face where they had just come from, and immediately spot Bainbridge standing on the veranda of the grain store located next to the barbers. Vince tucks himself in behind Howard’s shoulder as Bainbridge descends the few steps to street level. He walks aggressively towards them, finger pointing directly at the Sheriff.

“I asked you a question.”

“I was just on my way to see you Bainbridge. How the devil are you?”

If Howard was nervous then there was not a hint of it in his voice. Vince is impressed that he can’t pick up even the slightest waver in Howard’s tone. He himself is feeling a little queasy. However he can’t stay hidden behind Howard the whole time, which would be ridiculous. And anyway, surely Bainbridge has already seen there were two of them. Vince takes a deep breath and steps from out behind Howard’s tall frame.

“What the..?”

Bainbridge takes a step backwards in surprise..”.Who the hell are you?”

Vince swallows. “I’m Vince Sir, Vince Noir. Some call me the Elec…”

“I don’t give a toss what some call you. What the hell are you doing in my town?”

Howard puts his arm protectively in front of Vince, keeping him back.

“Bainbridge, that’s what I, well we, were coming to see you about. Vince here arrived on the mail wagon late yesterday evening. Came looking for me as it turns out. Seems I have a fan. I thought I’d give the lad a job. This kid’s looking to learn the ropes as a Deputy Sheriff. I was just coming to clear it with you. I’m not trying anything underhand here.”

“What the hell is he wearing? I thought it was that flouncing actor friend of yours.”

“They are Monty’s clothes yes. It seems Vince here arrived on a bit of a whim and forgot to pack a case.”

Vince pushes Howard’s arm away and steps forward again. He puts on a wide-eyed look and goes for the most slow-witted sounding voice he can think to muster up.

“Mr. Mayor Sir. I’ve always wanted to be a Deputy Sir, and when I realised there was a wagon coming to Moonstone I just had to come and meet Mr. Moon here. My daddy used to tell me stories about him and I just wanted to meet him so bad. I didn’t even think about clothes sir, I just jumped straight onto that wagon without a care.”

Bainbridge looks back at Howard frowning. Howard takes a step or two towards the Mayor.

“Can I have a quick word in your ear Bainbridge?”

The two men walk slightly away from Vince.

“Look, this kid just turned up at my door. I didn’t plan it. Neither did he by the sound of it. I don’t think he’s got any family, and he’s harmless enough. I don’t want any trouble with you okay. I’m going to make him my Deputy, just as an honorary thing like, to make the kid feel good about himself. Then I’ll get him doing some manual labour, take care of my horse, keep house, that kind of stuff.”

“You know what, it’s about time you found yourself a wife.”

“That’s not it at all Bainbridge, how dare you.”

“Oh get over yourself Moon. Remember, I know your dirty little secrets. Are you trying to tell me you’ve just taken pity on this Vince? Bullshit. And look at you in your badge. How long’s it been since you last wore that? Trying to impress him are you Sheriff? Bet you got him to polish it for you too.”

Howard flushes slightly at the near accuracy of Bainbridge’s reproach.

“You know what Moon, you are pathetic. You make me sick. Go ahead, have your little stable boy fun. Why do I care? If it keeps you out of my way then all the better.”

With that Bainbridge brushes past Howard and walks directly over to Vince. He stands right in front of him and stares directly into his eyes. Vince tries to make his expression as innocent and gormless as possible.

“I’m watching you lad, you understand? You put so much as hair out of line…”

They stare at each other for a few seconds more before Vince finally drops his gaze. With that Bainbridge pushes him to the side and strides into the saloon, the swing doors nearly jumping off their struts as he forcefully pushes them open. Howard walks back over to Vince.

“Come on little man. Let’s just go.”

“So did that work Howard?”

“For now yeah, I think so.”

The two men start back towards the jailhouse.

“What did he say to you Howard?”

“Nothing really. He just seemed to buy it that you’re a bit, sort of, unthreatening.”

“I thought I acted that quite well actually.”

“Yeah, well if you will go around wearing sequin shirts and a silly grin I guess you’re going to fool a lot of people.”

“Never judge a book.”

“I try not to Vince.”

The men walk silently for a bit, both pondering the morning’s events. As they reach the door of the jailhouse Howard turns to Vince,

“So I guess I should say welcome to Moonstone then.”

“Thanks Howard.”

“And I also guess we need to be thinking about living arrangements, seeing as you’re going to be around a while longer.”

“Are you suggesting we rearrange and redecorate the jailhouse because if you are then I am well and truly your man?”

“Well, no, I didn’t quite mean….”

But it was too late. Vince was already through the door and babbling loudly about throws and rugs and splashes of yellow.

Howard follows him in shaking his head but with a soft smile on his face.

“Okay Vince. Tell me what I can do.”

Howard stands in the middle of his beloved jailhouse not quite believing what he is seeing. It looks entirely different. Nothing is where it was. Everything familiar has been primped, fluffed or re-utilised as something else. Most of the contents of his cell have been pulled out and distributed around the walls, over the furniture, across the ceiling. And once he’d let on to Vince that he played piano then the battered old one he’d been holding on to was dragged out and given pride of place next to the fire.

The room looks incredible. Full of life, full of colour and full of warmth.

“Ouch!”

“Vince, you alright?” Howard’s attention is pulled back to the cell where he’d left Vince hanging a variety of throws from the overhead beams.

“Yeah, just stabbed myself with something.”

Howard enters the cell. Even in such a small space it takes a second to spot Vince among all the material hanging down and over the floor. He’s sitting on the end of Howard’s cot bed, his finger in his mouth and frowning.

“You sure you’re alright?”

“Yeah, it’s just a small cut.”

Howard looks around him again, amazed at the transformation he’s witnessing.

“This looks great. Really, really great.”

“Well I wanted to finish it off properly for you so I thought I’d divide the cell up into three areas, one for you to sleep, one for me to sleep, and a dressing area. I just cut my finger a little on this metal gate.”

“What are you gonna do with that?”

“Well I’m giving you a bedhead. It’s the perfect width. Can you help me lift it in place please Howard?”

The two men position the gate at the head of Howard’s cot and sure enough it sits perfectly. Vince then grabs some blankets and a couple of cushions, and makes the bed finishing the whole thing off with a large fluffy throw. Howard reaches down to stroke it.

“Wow that’s really soft. I’d no idea that was in here.”

“Nice isn’t it. It’s my piece de resistance.”

Howard sits himself down on the end of the bed as Vince finishes picking up the last few bits from the floor. He distributes them around the room and into perfect spots.

“There, all done!”

“Seriously, I love this.”

“Cheers Howard. I’m pretty pleased with it myself.”

“Where do you get all your ideas from?”

“I don’t really know. It just seems to come naturally.”

“Monty would love you as a set designer. That’s if he still had a theatre company.”

“Yeah shame about that. That would be a great job. Speaking of Monty I need to get out of these clothes and into some new ones. You think he’d mind if I borrowed a few more things?”

“No Vince, he’s fine with it. Help yourself.”

Vince moves between the drapes and into the ‘dressing room’. Howard removes his jacket and slides backwards up the bed. He rests against his new bedhead, enjoying the spongy feel of all the blankets beneath him. He closes his eyes for a few seconds, letting an easy peace flow through him. As he reopens them he notices movement and realises there’s a gap in the drapes. He can see Vince but the angles are all odd. It takes him a moment to realise it’s the mirror he can see, and Vince reflected into it. Howard swallows.

“So now all this is done I thought we could do something about the outside too.”

Howard’s not sure when Vince started talking.

“It could do with a lick of paint don’t you think? But not just any old boring colour though.”

Howard is holding his breath. Vince has his back to the mirror and is pulling the black shirt out from the waistband. He starts to undo the belt.

“Red could work. Red’s a really powerful colour. It would set you apart from the other buildings.”

Vince puts one hand against the wall and with the other pulls off a boot. Then the other boot followed by his socks.

“Or blue. Now blue’s a nice calming colour.”

With his back still to the mirror Vince begins unbuttoning the shirt. Howard can hear the gentle jangling sound of the belt hanging open on Vince’s hips.

“There’s the veranda too. Now that’s just crying out for a pair of rocking chairs don’t you think?”

Vince undoes the final button and slides the shirt of his shoulders to reveal a slender back as porcelain as it is flawless. Muscles ripple slightly under the skin as he pulls the belt through the runners of his trousers.

“It would be well cool, us two sharing a drink on the veranda and watching the world go by.”

Vince’s arms are far more muscular than Howard would have guessed, and as if on cue his right bicep peaks as he reaches to hang the belt over a bar.

“And we can invite Monty over. I bet he’s got some stories. Between the two of you I won’t have to read a book again.”

Vince turns now, his hands holding on to the top of his trousers ready to pull them down. As he turns he looks into the mirror and catches Howard’s eye. Both men freeze.

“Shit Vince, shit, stupid shit, I’m sorry. I just, I dunno, I’m really sorry.”

Howard starts to scoot off the side of his bed. Vince charges quickly through the drapes and stands at the foot of it.

“Howard stop!”

“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. It’s like I can’t help myself. It’s so wrong, I’m so sorry.”

“I said stop!”

Howard having stood dares to look up into Vince’s face. He winces slightly as he sees the seriousness of Vince’s expression. He hangs his head.

“I’m sorry!”

The Sheriff plonks himself back down on the bed ashamed to look anywhere but at the ground.

“Have you finished apologising?”

Howard nods his head uncomfortably.

“Can we talk about this then please?”

Vince walks around the side of the bed and sits on the far end of it. He sits fully on, legs crossed beneath him, his chest still bare.

“Howard please look at me.”

Howard complies and turns to face the younger man. With difficulty he manages to keep his eyes from Vince’s naked torso.

“I keep catching you staring at me.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. I just…”

“Please don’t start apologising again. It’s fine you know.”

“What?”

“It’s fine. In fact I kind of like it. You don’t have to keep saying sorry.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Well it is a little bit pervy, but, to be honest, it’s very flattering too.”

“But you don’t mind that I’m, you know…”

“What?”

“A man?”

“Ha, no! Why would I care that you’re a man? Each to their own Howard.”

“I just thought it might scare you off if you found out that I was, you know…”

“You have trouble saying what you mean sometimes don’t you? Are you trying to tell me you’re into men?”

“Vince, I’m really sorry. This wasn’t meant to happen. I really didn’t think you’d be staying this long, and now you’re here, and I’ve made it all weird.”

“Are you into men?”

Howard looks away and at the floor again.

“Will you leave if I say yes?”

There’s a sudden silence between the two of them. Howard scrunches his eyes shut. It’s out there now, right out there in the open, hanging between them. He feels the mattress move as Vince shifts his weight. He assumes Vince is getting up off the bed, but instead he suddenly feels a hand upon his shoulder. He jumps in surprise.

“Howard, can you look at me again please?”

Howard sheepishly does as he is asked. The seriousness in Vince’s expression is still present, but he realises that there’s no anger in the eyes. If anything they are sparkling.

Vince pushes against Howard’s shoulder in order to get the larger man to shuffle around a bit. Now facing each other properly Vince lowers his hand and puts it instead on Howard’s knee.

“I want to tell you something Howard and I want you to listen properly and understand it okay?”

Howard nods slowly as if hypnotised. He’s placated by the hand on his knee, by the proximity of Vince’s body, by the rich gentle tone of his voice.

Vince removes his hand and settles back slightly. He’s sitting on the side of the bed now, mirroring Howard, one bare foot on the floor, the other tucked beneath him. He’s not broken eye contact once.

“I’m not really into men myself…”

Howard grimaces but before he can close his eyes in shame Vince’s hand is on his knee again.

“No Howard, just listen. I said I’m not really into men. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had a bit of fun with a couple now and again.”

“What? You’ve been with a man?”

“No, I’ve not been with a man, if you’re talking about what I think you’re talking about. I’ve kissed a couple though when I was really drunk. An old mate of mine called Rusty used to try it on a bit now and again. He’d pinch my arse, squeeze my thigh, that kind of thing.”

“But you’re not into men like I’m into men are you?”

“No, you’re right, I’m not. I’d be lying if I said I was. But I’m also saying that I’m not bothered that you are.”

There’s silence again as Vince lets these words sink in. “Howard?”

“It’s not as simple as that though is it Vince?”

“What’s not?”

“Us.”

“I’ve only known you a day Howard.”

“Yeah I know, but you’re, well you’re, you’re…”

“I’m turning you on?”

“Do you have to be so blunt?”

“Well someone has to be. It would take you an hour to spit it out.”

“Okay, yes, you’re turning me on.”

Vince can’t help but giggle.

“Are you laughing at me?”

“No, of course not. It’s just, as I say, we’ve only known each other a day and look at us. You’ve already spilled your soul to me, we’ve moved in together, and now I’m sitting half-naked on your bed with you confessing your love to me. It is kinda funny.”

“Is it really?”

“It is a bit yeah. Oh come on Howard, I’m not taking the piss, I promise I’m not. I feel it too, you know. Something special between us. I felt it from the moment we first touched yesterday. Can’t say I’ve ever had that reaction to a bloke before. Scared me a bit to be honest.”

“Scared the shit out of me too.”

Vince chuckles again but this time Howard joins him. Howard looks at Vince and is rewarded with a smile.

“You are very beautiful though Vince.”

Howard can’t believe he just let those words out of his mouth. His eyes widen in astonishment at his own frankness. Vince’s eyes widen too, but he’s smiling.

“You can touch me if you want to Howard.”

The Sheriff is still staring wide-eyed at Vince. He’s not sure if he’s heard correctly. “What?”

“I said you can touch me if you want. I think I’d quite like that.”

Howard’s still not quite sure he’s heard right.

Without breaking eye contact Vince reaches forward and takes Howard’s hand into his. He clutches Howard’s hand in both of his and slowly brings it up to meet his lips, kisses it softly and holds it there against his cheek.

“I’m giving you permission to touch me. Nothing more though. I’m not sure if I can handle any you know what. Let’s just take it slowly yeah and see what happens.”

Howard is finding it hard to speak. Vince’s stubble is grazing his knuckles. He rubs his thumb across Vince’s cheek and finds the prickly softness of his sideburn. Vince leans his head into the touch.

“But you’re not into men Vince.”

“I know Howard, but I might be into you. I’m not sure yet. Can we just try a couple of little things tonight yeah, just to test the water so to speak?”

Howard can hardly believe what he’s hearing. He feels a little detached from himself and wonders how they got here, this wonderful creature on his bed offering himself to him. Things like this didn’t happen to Howard Moon, well not anymore. He’s not sure if he deserves it really but he damn well isn’t going to pass on this opportunity. He’s sick of being the underdog, the meek and mild Howard Moon, the apologetic and penitent Howard Moon. He used to be so full of guile and energy, he used to be so sure of himself, of his actions, of his words. He used to be brave. Well for tonight he was going to be brave again.

Howard, still rubbing the side of Vince’s face, frees the rest of his fingers from the younger man’s hands and reaches around to the side of Vince’s neck. He runs his fingertips through the soft hairline behind the ear and moves his thumb from the sideburn to Vince’s earlobe. He gently runs the pad of his thumb across it and then up around the outer ear. Vince shivers and closes his eyes. Howard moves his hand further to the back of Vince’s head and gently but firmly pulls Vince’s face towards his own. He leans in and plants a tiny kiss on each of Vince’s closed eyes, pausing longer on the second to lip-nibble at his eyebrow, before moving his kisses down the side of Vince’s face. He finds himself again at Vince’s sideburn and kisses and nips down to its tip. He keeps going until he rests his mouth just to the side of Vince’s lips.

Howard pulls back. “You still okay Vince?”

Howard’s voice though a whisper is full of concern. Vince feels his heart melt. He opens his eyes to look at his admirer.

“Yeah Howard. It’s really nice.”

“You’ll tell me if I do anything you don’t like won’t you?”

“I will. Don’t worry, I trust you.”

Howard runs his thumb across the side of Vince’s face again. “Would you mind lying down for me then?”

Vince smiles and climbs fully onto the bed. He lays back against the cushions and wiggles against the softness of the throw beneath his back.

“I knew this was a good choice.”

Howard laughs and turns to face Vince. The men look at each other for a while, both starting to breathe heavily in anticipation. Eventually Howard reaches out and puts his hand on Vince’s sternum. Vince doesn’t move, just continues to hold Howard’s lustful gaze with his own.

Howard starts tracing patterns into Vince’s chest hair with his forefinger. He traces out letters. E. L. E. C. T. R. O. making Vince giggle and close his eyes. Howard flattens his hand into a palm and rubs upwards across Vince’s chest, along his shoulder, and down to the bicep that he’d been so avidly admiring early. He squeezes it gently encouraging Vince to flex it for him. He caresses back across the shoulder, and to the chest where he starts making circles around Vince’s right nipple. He gets closer and closer, watching fascinated as it begins to harden. He looks at Vince’s face but the young man is making no move to stop him. He circles once more and then lightly takes the nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Vince bucks slightly but keeps his eyes closed. Howard starts delicately rubbing the nipple until it’s fully hard. He then leans forward and takes it in his mouth, moving his hand across to the other nipple to work both together.

A groan escapes Vince’s lips. Howard doesn’t think he’s ever heard a more beautiful sound and decides right there and then that making Vince moan may be his true purpose in life.

Howard kisses across to that delicious patch of chest hair and then moves beyond to the other nipple. A second groan makes Howard’s very being disappear into itself. He feels his own penis growing in response but tries to compartmentalise that. This isn’t about him tonight, this is about Vince, about making this man feel at ease under his touch, and about showing him that already he means so much to him. About making him moan like again.

Howard licks the left nipple and then blows across it. Vince squirms. Howard pushes himself away from Vince and pulls his shirt off over his head. Vince opens his eyes.

“Do you mind? It’s just that I’m getting rather hot.”

“It’s fine Howard, I just wondered where you’d gone.”

Howard kicks off his boots and socks so both men are now only in their trousers. Howard gets onto the bed and lies on his side next to Vince, head propped up on his left hand. His right he returns to the middle of Vince’s chest to play with the hair.

“You can kiss me if you want to Howard.”

“I wasn’t sure if you’d want that.”

“I know. I wasn’t sure myself but I’d like to try it now.”

“Okay. Sit up then.”

“Sit up?”

“Yeah, it will be better if you sit up.”

Both shuffle to a seated position. “Why sit up?”

“Because I can’t do this when you’re lying down.”

Howard places a hand on either side of Vince’s face and leans in. Vince closes his eyes again and suddenly there they are, Howard Moon’s lips against his own. Vince’s instant response is to want to push Howard away, but that’s only a reaction to the ticklishness of the Sheriff’s moustache. It doesn’t feel right at first. The lips kissing him should be soft and delicate, not prickly and firm. Howard realises that Vince has become slightly unresponsive and quickly moves away from his lips, instead cupping Vince’s chin and kissing his way up his jawline. He whispers something indecipherable into Vince’s ear that makes the smaller man shudder, and then he nibbles at his earlobe finally putting the tip of his tongue out to lick the ridges. Vince groans some more. Howard can sense the younger man relinquish himself with every lick and nip, with every touch. The Sheriff slowly kisses his way back to Vince’s mouth and this time finds the lips moist and slightly parted. He takes Vince’s bottom lip between his own and sucks at it gently, putting out his tongue every so often to taste the younger man. Vince yields and begins to kiss back, angling his head into it. Howard puts his tongue out again and this time Vince catches it between his lips, encouraging Howard to enter further. The Sheriff needs no second invite. He cups his hand behind Vince’s head and pulls him into a stronger, more urgent kiss. Vince opens himself completely and their tongues clash into each other as if dueling.

Howard wonders if the other man will dare to touch him back at any point. That’s okay though, he wouldn’t change this for the world. He moves his right hand downwards, over Vince’s shoulder and down his back, feeling for the first time the tiny bumps and ridges of Vince’s spine. Resting his hand against the small of Vince’s back he pulls him firmly toward him. Vince murmurs something appreciative but then breaks the kiss, breathless and red cheeked.

“You still okay little man?”

“Yeah Howard, but a part of me is not so little anymore.”

“I had noticed Vince. Did you want me to help with that?”

“Umm, yeah, I reckon.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

Howard strokes Vince face affectionately before pulling him back into a kiss and pushing gently against the smaller man to make him lie down again. He softens his kisses, teasing Vince by staying slightly out of reach and then pecking chastely at his lips. And Vince responds by finally reaching out and grabbing Howard’s head, pulling him down into a kiss so deep Howard nearly forgets to breathe. In the midst of this kiss Howard trails his fingers down the centre of Vince’s chest, back through the chest hair that has become his new favourite place, and further down to Vince’s belly button. He circles around this and finds the silky trail of hair beneath. He doesn’t need to look, he knows exactly where it is having seen it only this morning as Vince lay sleeping. It has been in his mind ever since. Vince whimpers below him and he knows he has permission to keep going. He follows the trail down to the loose waistband of Vince’s trousers and edges his way beneath. He keeps going down, and just before he grabs Vince’s cock he pulls out of the kiss, determined to see the younger man’s reaction. He’s not disappointed.

Vince bucks almost violently and grabs at the makeshift metal bed-head behind him. His head goes back too revealing an oh-so slim neck that’s glistening with moisture. Howard’s insides flip at the sight, and he tugs at Vince’s trousers, demanding better access. Vince opens his eyes but not in protest. Instead he raises his hips and allows Howard to free him. Howard doesn’t look away from Vince. He doesn’t look down although he desperately wants to. He’s aware of how exposed Vince will be feeling right now and doesn’t want to do anything that might jeopardise Vince’s pleasure.

Howard readjusts his grip around Vince’s penis and starts steadily pumping. Vince immediately shuts his eyes and throws his head back again. Howard can’t resist sucking at the exposed neck and jawline. Vince pulls him into another kiss, moaning desperately into Howard’s mouth as the Sheriff’s pace quickens below. Howard runs his thumb across the tip of the head and then down the underside of Vince’s member right to the base. Beneath him Vince has become shiny with sweat. He’s going to orgasm, Howard knows it as sure as he knows how to fire a gun. And he definitely wants to be watching Vince’s face when it happens. So he pulls out of the kiss and moves to work on Vince’s nipples, nibbling and sucking at them, keeping his rhythm at top in line with whatever he is doing down below.

Vince reaches for Howard’s head and runs his fingers through the fine hair. He’s close to the climax and very surprised at how quickly he got here. Howard’s clearly had quite a bit of practice giving hand-jobs. He wonders about that for a second, a second that is until Howard suddenly moves to below his testicles and starts massaging the area there. Vince feels like he’s on fire. His nervous system is in overload. Howard moves back to his cock and pumps faster now, squeezing harder, pulling longer, circling the head and then back to the base. Vince tenses. Howard can feel the heat radiating off of him and lifts himself higher up on his arm so he can see Vince’s expression. This beautiful man below him is literally glowing. His skin has become sleek and his fringe is sticking slightly to his forehead. His lips look fuller where they have reddened from kissing, and he is mouthing unheard words. Howard circles underneath the testicles again until Vince’s breaths becomes shallower and shallower and shallower. Howard waits a minute, two minutes until suddenly he’s pulling on Vince’s cock quicker and quicker until Vince throws his head back one more time, knuckles white where he’s gripping the bed-head, and orgasms with a ferocity that’s anything but innocent. He cries out in a kind of victorious gasp and bucks into Howard’s hand, before laying spent beneath him, chest rising and falling, heart hammering, head dizzy and swirling. His body jolts a couple more times. Howard falls flat to the bed beside Vince. He lies staring at Vince again, equally short of breath and very happy.

Vince eventually rolls over onto his side to face Howard, his eyes open but glazed. He smiles languidly and moves his hand to stroke the side of Howard’s face before leaning in to give him a peck on the lips.

“Wow.”

“That okay then?”

“Yeah Howard that was more than okay.”

Vince shuts his eyes and Howard watches him as he drifts off to sleep. He plants a kiss on Vince’s forehead and gently raises himself off the bed. He pulls a throw across the young man’s body and moves quietly out the room to both clean himself up and fix himself a stiff drink.