A New Day
Chapter 1
A ringing sound brought Howie out of the most peaceful sleep he'd had in months. He groaned and blinked, suddenly realising that he wasn't in his own room. A muffled and very raspy voice groaned behind him, and Howie turned and found AJ, who was reaching his hand out to pick up the phone from the bedside table. Only problem was, he still had his face buried in his pillow, so he couldn't see what he was doing. Howie watched as AJ knocked his alarm clock to the floor, and he giggled. AJ moaned again as he lifted his head to look at his lover, not finding it funny at all. His hand finally grasped the phone, and AJ grinned triumphantly as he brought it to his ear.
"What?" He growled into the phone, his voice sleep roughened and gravelly.
[Good morning to you too Bone]
"What the fuck Nick? Can't you let a man get some rest?" He asked, annoyed.
[Sorry Aje. I thought you'd be up by now]
AJ sighed and rubbed his free hand over his face. "What time is it anyway?" He asked, noting the sun flooding into the room.
[Almost 4. You must've been really tired last night huh?] Nick informed him.
"Huh. Yeah. I guess."
[I'm surprised Howie let you sleep in so late]
AJ tensed. Did Nick know something? "Whaddya mean?" He asked nervously. Beside him Howie noticed AJ tense and wondered what was wrong.
[I thought he was gonna stay with you last night. He doesn't normally sleep in late like you. I didn't think he would still be in bed that's all]
"Well he is." AJ told him. He suddenly realised how that could have sounded, so he quickly added "At least I expect he is. I mean I haven't heard him moving around yet. And he wouldn't have left without telling me." AJ stopped, realising he was babbling. "Anyway, what do you want?" He asked, changing the subject.
[Huh?]
"You called me, remember. Did you have a reason, or were you just trying to piss me off?"
[Oh, right, yeah. I was just checking we were still on for that club tonight] he told him.
"Shit I forgot about that." AJ paused. He didn't really want to go now, not when he had something, (or someone) better to be doing, but he knew it would sound suspicious if he pulled out now. After all, he had been so enthusiastic about it before, and he didn't want Nick to start asking questions. "What time do ya wanna go?" He asked finally.
He looked at Howie and gave him an apologetic look. Howie smiled softly at him, letting him know it was okay. He'd gotten the gist of the conversation, and knew what they were talking about. He agreed with AJ, they didn't need Nick to start asking questions. Howie reached over and squeezed AJ's hand lightly, getting his attention, before bringing his hand up to his lips and making the gesture for a drink.
"Coffee?" He whispered. AJ smiled and nodded, before watching as Howie slipped out of bed and searched for his boxers. When he finally found them he slipped them on before leaving the bedroom and padding softly down the hallway.
[AJ, Bone? Are you listening to me?] Nick asked.
"Huh? What did you say Nick?" bringing his attention back to his younger, annoying bandmate.
[I said I'll come and pick you up at 8. Is that okay?]
"Yeah Nick that's fine." AJ replied, still slightly distracted.
[Are you okay?] Nick asked.
"I'm fine Nick" AJ snapped. There was silence on the other end of the line. AJ sighed. "Look, I'm sorry Nick, I didn't mean to snap."
[S'okay Bone] Nick replied [I know you're a bear before you get your coffee in the morning. I'll leave you be now. See ya at 8 kay.]
"Kay. Bye Nick"
[Bye] A click on the line announced Nick had hung up. AJ put the phone down and stretched, before getting out of bed. He pulled some sweat pants on before heading down to the kitchen, following the smell of freshly brewing coffee.