*Some alcohol references*

As they drove past the tall buildings, it was a chilly night but somehow you could see couples walking along the sidewalks holding hands. Earl watched them with envious eyes. He wished to hold Alder’s hand, but what would people say? In his trance of thoughts, Alder had been looking for nearby restaurants.

“Wouldn't it be nice to go inside a restaurant?” Earl paused, “We always eat at my place, but what if we try something new?” Alder sank in his seat and said with a timid voice,

“What if someone sees us? I can't get caught; I mean we can’t...” Earl interrupted,

“What's wrong if people see us? Aren’t you proud to be with me?”

“I am, but I don’t want people to see us..”

“If you hide away your whole life you will never live.” Earl turned the car into Alder’s driveway.

“I thought we were getting dinner?” Alder asked, confused.

“I think I need the night alone. It's better if we just go to our separate places.” Earl replied coldly.

“Did I say something wrong? You can’t just leave without an explanation.” Alder looked over to Earl and sighed,

“I know you're mad at me, but if you just give me some time-”

“I've given you time!” He yelled,

“I just want to be a normal couple.”

“There is no such thing as a normal couple.” Alder climbed out of the car, slamming the door behind him.

In a spite of rage, Earl drove to the nearest bar he could find. He was back to his old habits,

“Buddy I think you’ve had enough to drink.” An older man commented.

“Can I get 2 drinks of water?” The bartender quickly filled two glasses and pushed them towards the man.

“You should drink this.” He replied as he placed it next to Earl.

“I’m finee,” Earl slurred as he wobbled in his seat.

“You are not fine.” The old man stood up and put his hand out to let Earl down.

“Let me bring you home.”

“No!” Earl shouted as he stood up from the stool.

Alder suddenly woke up after hearing a loud crash. He cracked the door open to see Earl laying on the floor passed out.

“Earl!” He rushed up to his side and shook his shoulder.

He's wasted, this is just like the first time we met.

Alder slowly dragged Earl over to the couch,

“Huh?” Earl slouched over, swaying from side to side.

“My head.” Earl put his hand on his forehead and leaned back.

“Try to go to sleep.” Alder reached over and pulled a blanket over him. Before he could leave the room Earl called out,

“I’m sorry Alder, I'm a big idiot.”

“It's alright,” Alder walked over and placed a kiss on his cheek.

“We'll talk about it in the morning.”