Damn it, how will I ever get out of this labyrinth?

[plaguedrat]

He's found a kind of happiness here; Rat doesn't take it for granted. People are...better here than in the West District or No. 6. He's seen them be kind in ways he's never expected. He knows this isn't necessarily an evil or bad place.

But it's still a city that stole him against his will with no way out. It's not something that sits comfortably with him, the restriction, the not knowing. He worries he'll forget that--too caught up in the distractions and pleasures of the city--and give up on himself. It's what drove him to the library today, bringing home books on Darrow's history and cartography. There's got to be something in here that will answer his questions.

If not...who knows.

So he sits on his couch, the books spread open across the coffee table.

Comments

[plaguedrat]

Because a wild rat in a cage will always try and find a way out. He doesn't dislike the city, but being trapped makes him nervous.

"It's just weird."

[silenttrainbaby]

Weird? Weird was brussel sprouts. Grey saw those in a restaurant once and didn't understand them.

Raising the hand he holds, he kisses the knuckles.

[plaguedrat]

If Grey ever expresses that to him, Rat will use the only thing he's ever found that improves every vegetable: Hollandaise sauce.

Rat sighs and leans over, kissing the back of Grey's hand.

[silenttrainbaby]

The cat can occupy itself. Grey turns his attentions to Rat and that sigh. He lifts the other boy's chin and gives him a flickered smile. This is a good place isn't it? Clean and safe with lots of food.

[plaguedrat]

It's not a bad place, but he can't just accept and trust something apparently so benevolent.

There was a time when he thought he'd hate being shorter than Grey, but now he sees the advantages. He kisses Grey, giving in to the distraction.

[silenttrainbaby]

The distraction wasn't so much a distraction as a desire that seemed to simmer under Grey's skin all the time. He loved the way Rat's mouth felt, how he tasted. It made him feel warmer, almost liquid in getting closer.

[plaguedrat]

Rat leans forward so that he can cup Grey's jaw, edging him against the wall so that he can deepen the kiss.

[silenttrainbaby]

Rat can taste Grey's near-smile. They can still hear the cat growling as it pounces on the plastic ring. And when the kiss breaks, he runs his fingers through Rat's hair. He doesn't want to leave. He doesn't want Rat to leave. He likes it here. He hopes Rat will, eventually, too.

[plaguedrat]

It's not in his nature to like, to trust without reason. There is much here to like, Rat knows that and he does enjoy parts of the city. In particular, the boy leaning against him. But he just can't accept it without an explanation, living under this dome.

"I just want to know how this place works. Even if I don't want to leave, I don't like that I can't."

[silenttrainbaby]

Perhaps it is that Grey never questioned. On the train there wasn't anything to question. So, he's here now and that is it.

He ducks his head, nipping kisses along Rat's jaw.

[plaguedrat]

Rat tilts his head back, letting himself forget about those concerns for now. Grey is very good at finding the places that make his mind pleasantly hazy.

[silenttrainbaby]

With another smile, Grey stands back, taking Rat's hand and he pulls him toward the bathroom. He's still not terribly keen on baths, but showers, he doesn't mind. He likes Rat's skin, too, when it's warm.

[plaguedrat]

And Rat is very keen on showers with Grey. It allows him to appreciate all of those tattoos.

[silenttrainbaby]

The water started, Grey watches Rat's face as he strips off his shirt and jeans, leaving them to puddle on the floor, exposing himself to his boyfriend's gaze, open and un-self-conscious.

[plaguedrat]

Rat is similarly un-self-conscious, kicking his clothes away and then closing the space between them. Hands on Grey's waist, he steps over the wall of the tub, tugging him in.

[silenttrainbaby]

The water is warm enough to make Grey shiver. He pulls Rat under the spray and closes his eyes, head tilted back to feel the water sluice down his body, hands firmly on Rat's hips.

[plaguedrat]

Rat smiles and pours shampoo into his palm, running his fingers through Grey's hair and massaging his scalp.

[silenttrainbaby]

That feels nice. So tactile, Grey still takes any touch he can. Goosebumps pop up all over his arms and shoulders and he exhales a silent sigh.

[plaguedrat]

Rat smiles and scrubs through Grey's hair, fingers winding down to the knots and tension in Grey's neck and shoulders.

[silenttrainbaby]

It's better than candy, this. Grey keeps his eyes closed, hands braced on the wall of the shower, letting Rat do with him what he will. He's more than half-hard, but it just feels so nice; he never wants it to stop.

[plaguedrat]

Rat doesn't doubt it; he's similarly tempted at the moment, but for now he focues on the tension, on scrubbing away the dirt they both pick up.

[silenttrainbaby]

Slowly, Grey's learning what it is to be clean. He raises his arms to let Rat have more access. An offering. Though he doesn't know he's doing it.

[plaguedrat]

Rat smiles and lets the water rush over their shoulders, carrying away the soap so that he can kiss Grey's shoulders.

[silenttrainbaby]

Eyes still closed, Grey reaches forward, wrapping his arms around Rat, so they can be close. So water-warmed skin can touch, press. He exhales another happy sigh as they are touching shoulder to hip.

[plaguedrat]

Rat sighs and presses into Grey's arms, knowing that there is real safety and contentment to be had for some people here. Maybe only in Grey's arms.