ONE-SHOTS

Duff and Broken Hearts - the Simpsons

This story was requested by WonderGirl1059, based on the ship Smoe (Smithers x Moe). We both agree Burnsmithers is the OTP to end all OTPs, so this is kind of an experiment, to see if it would work. It's based after Waylon had a pretty bad day, and in this (can I call it an AU? ) version of the Simpsons universe, he goes to Moe's tavern to talk about his problems to Moe. And Moe kind of likes him. Also, there's alcohol mentioned in this, so be warned. It may be a little sad too, we'll see how it goes. Enjoy!

The doorbell to Moe's rang out softly in the quiet tavern. The snow swirled heavily outside, sending pale crystals of ice flying across the stained floor. The figure in the doorway slammed the door, blocking out the howls of the wind, and pulled down his hood. His glasses were frosted over and covered in snow, and he ran a gloved hand through his short-trimmed grey hair before hanging up his coat, removing his gloves, and sitting opposite Moe.

The thoughts that ran through Moe Syzslak's head at that moment were confusing, to say the least. He shook them off and pulled a glass from the stack behind him, hiding his face from the rest of the group; Barney, Homer, Lenny and Carl, and most of all, Waylon Smithers. He poured a glass of Duff Dry, and it made a soft wooded clunk as he set it on the table before Waylon.

"Tough day?" he heard Lenny ask.

"You don't know the half of it," Waylon replied as Moe turned, having composed himself. The younger man was sipping the beer quietly, but fast. Moe had half a mind to take it away from him, he always acted worse drunk - although he wouldn't stop a paying customer. That's what he told himself.

After Waylon's second glass he announced, "I was fired." The rest of the tavern went silent, except the slightest groan from Barney, now lying on the floor.

"Fired?" Moe asked, disbelieving. "But you were the employee of the month last month, and you're the most hard-working, loyal-" He stopped himself and refilled Homer's glass, his face heating a little. Nobody noticed. Except Waylon, though he didn't understand until later. But not long later.

Homer stood up, holding his coat, around ten at night. "I have to go, Marge'll be wondering where I am."

"Oh yeah, Midge. Tell her hello, from me." At that moment Moe glanced at Waylon and saw a flash of hurt glaze his eyes, but it disappeared so fast he barely recognised it was there. But that look opened a hole in the pit of his stomach.

Barely after Homer had left, Lenny and Carl stood up. "'Night Moe," they said, and stepped out into the frozen wasteland that was the streets of Springfield.

Moe stretched and stood, stepping around the bar and over to Barney. He nudged him and when he didn't stir, pushed him to the side.

"Moe." Waylon's voice came suddenly, causing Moe to start. He turned around.

"What is it?"

"I-" Waylon seemed to be on the verge of saying something, but stopped before he could get the words out. "I, uhm...
"Could you drive me home?"

Moe's face was a blank slate, but his cheeks were ever-so-slightly reddening as he nodded. He would never have done for anyone else, and he couldn't quite register why he was nodding, but he did, and helped Waylon over the threshold and handed him his coat.

He looked at Barney passed out on the floor and left him there, but without Waylon there he probably would have hauled him outside. As it were he stepped out into the frigid night with Waylon's warm presence by him, and out to his car.

Assisted by the occasional short instruction he navigated to the small apartment. He helped the younger man up the steps and into the small, barely heated apartment. Navigated through a sea of coloured boxes and Malibu Staceys on the creaking shelves to the small bed in the corner of the apartment. Waylon sat down on the bed, but when Moe tried to leave, he gently held his wrist.

"Stay with me, please."

Moe only nodded.

Like I said, this is not a ship I would usually write about, I'm a loyal Burnsmithers fan, but I think this one turned out okay! If you like this ship please comment, I want to know how many people actually ship this. Remember to vote and look out for some new oneshots next Friday!