Exploring London with Sherral

[runningred]

Jay opens the door out into a very expensive hotel suite. "Let me just grab my own gear." He gestures towards the balcony and the view across the city.

Comments

[runningred]

"I'm Seth, by the way." He sets Sherral down and nods toward the source of the music and noise. "The one currently dancing with your boyfriend is Danny. Where are you from?"

[fluffiest_archadian]

As soon as he's set down, he stands up even more ramrod straight than usual, like he's subconsciously compensating for the surprise of it all by being even more soldier-y than usual.

(Should he be denying that Jay is his boyfriend? He's not sure.)

Sherral has just realised that he literally knows of only two locations on Earth, which might make answering this question a shade awkward.

"Just a little village up North," he says, because little villages and compass directions tend to be Things no matter where you are. "Are you from around here?"

[runningred]

"Thought I caught a Scottish twang in your voice." Seth teases, heading for the keg and pulling Sherral a beer. He nods and smiles, pointing up to one of the project housing towers. "Born and raised in there. Doubt I'll live anywhere else."

Jay and Danny come over, still laughing. "Nice run." Jay offers, Seth a handshake and throws an arm around Sherral. "That was fun."

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral settles one arm around Jay and takes the offered beer with the other hand.

"Aye, you looked like you were having fun," he remarks fondly to Jay.

[runningred]

"Well, Danny here is a better climber than I gave him credit for." Jay grins, ducking at Danny throws a playful punch at Jay's shoulder.

Seth grins. "Sherral's no slouch ether. Even for a Scot."

The two locals spot a friend and wave at Jay and Sherral. "You guys have fun. We'll see you a bit latter on." They take off.

Jay chuckles and heads towards the fire a little, still warm from the run. "You've been making friends."

[fluffiest_archadian]

"As have you," Sherral replies wryly, following with Jay.

[runningred]

"London has a big free-running scene, mostly in the poorer areas." He nods to the stark concrete housing towers. "I grew up in an area like this. Not quite to vertical but this sort of poverty."

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral curls a hand into Jay's hair a little, leaning around and kissing him, solidly but gently.

[runningred]

Jay sighs into the kiss, his arm warm and solid around Sherral's waist. "Hmm, not that I object in the slightest but what was that for?"

[fluffiest_archadian]

"Do I require a reason?"

[runningred]

Jay grins warmly. "Never." He nods towards where a band is playing, steel drums beaten out of scrap metal and other improved instruments.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral glances over at them, smiling a little. "They're good. A little unusual, perhaps," he adds wryly. "But very good."

[runningred]

"It's the right sound for this place. Their own." He tilts his head and grins. "Dance with me?"

There is already a teeming dance floor, the semi-Jamaican sounds inspiring fast and playful latineque movements.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral laughs. "I make no promises about being any good at it, but as you will."

[runningred]

Jay chuckles and draws Sherral towards the dance floor. Jay's a natural dancer, moving to the rhythm of the music. He dances close and tight with Sherral, hands resting on Sherral's shoulders.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral settles his hands on Jay's sides lightly and does his best to copy Jay's movements. He's not a natural in the same way that Jay is, but he has a rhythm, and he manages not to trip over his own feet.

[runningred]

Jay doesn't mind but just enjoys the feeling of being close to Sherral, their bodied warm and close. He pulls Sherral in and kisses him, loving this open, relaxed side of the young soldier.

[fluffiest_archadian]

"What was that for?" Sherral asks wryly once the kiss ends.

[runningred]

"Because I love you." Jay answers, unabashed.

[fluffiest_archadian]

Sherral makes a slightly surprised noise, eyebrows rising.

"- I profess, not the answer I expected," he says, flustered but smiling.

[runningred]

"It's the truth." Jay promises, kissing him again.

[fluffiest_archadian]

"I don't doubt it," Sherral says afterwards. He pauses, clearing his throat, then very quietly: "I love you too."

[runningred]

Jay smiles comes from the heart, warm and almost painful in it own way.

He opens his mouth to speak but there's a shout of Raid from the other side of the party and the music stops abruptly. His look becauses serious. "Time to go."

[fluffiest_archadian]

"All right," Sherral says, pulling back. "Lead the way."

[runningred]

People scatter in a hurry at the call, picking it up and passing it along in warning. Danny and Seth come bouncing past them, directing people out of the square as sirens start to sound in the distance.

"Do you guys have somewhere hole up?" Danny calls to them.

Jay moves with the people, automatically managing crowd control to get everyone safely away. "Not close, no."