My light in the dark.
John had never felt the sensation of paralysis before. Not while under fire in Afghanistan, certainly never in a dangerous situation. But listening to Greg's haunting, raw voice alongside the gentle, never-faltering slide of his fingers over the guitar strings rendered John unable to move. He worried that everytime his eyes blinked, Greg and this beautiful melody would disappear, leaving the former soldier entrenched in darkness. The lyrics to the song held a sense of mystery and underlying sadness, but also gave a unique peace which sent shivers up John's spine and made his skin break out in goosebumps! "Come feed the rain, cos' i'm thirsty for your love, dancing underneath the skies of lust. Yeah, feed the rain! Cos' without your love my life ain't nothing but this Carnival of Rust."
John placed his elbow comfortably on the oaken bar with his cheek cupped by his left hand. He now realized that his face was well over due for a shave, rubbing the stubble on his chin. Sighing contentedly John was shocked when he could no longer hear Greg's mellow voice or guitar, but it was instead replaced by light clapping from the small amount of people who had been listening, himself now included. Greg carefully stepped away from the stage and slung the guitar over his back, so now there was only the strap showing across his black t-shirt. He walked towards the barkeep who briefly left the bar and handed the other man some money. Greg looked down at the small amount but gave a small smile to the barkeep. John watched curiously. He felt like he was observing something extremely private. Then Greg's eyes wandered to the bar and noticed John for the first time, shock lighting up his features before breaking into a massive grin. "John!" he yelled happily. The former soldier once again felt frozen, but not out of fear. So, he merely smiled back while Greg made his way to the bar with a spring in his step John had never observed before.
"Wow!" John thought. "He is really handsome." He shook his head slightly. The thought of being with a man had crossed John's mind before, especially in the army. But he had never wanted to act on them. For one thing, it would be very unprofessional. Thoughts like that had been heavily buried until John and Greg were in the same room together. Once again, John didn't do anything out of fear of rejection and because they were only ever truly around each other due to Sherlock. Yet now that Greg was no longer a detective and Sherlock was gone, perhaps John could give it a go. He was unsure though, whether Greg was even interested in other men. He'd have to go about this carefully.
Greg ordered a beer and sat next to John nonchalantly. "What brings you here, John? We only opened last week." Greg's voice appeared to be slightly strained after his singing beforehand. He quickly cleared his throat and took a swig from his cup waiting for John's reply. He shrugged. "Some guy carrying invitations down the street. I saw where the place was and I felt like seeing what it's all about." Greg nodded. "That's Ron. He thought we should branch out around the neighbourhood. Have more people know about the club." He gave John's knee a light tap. "Looks like it could work if you're here." Greg flashed John a big smile. John had found himself unconsciously rubbing his knee where Greg touched it, wishing the other man would do it again. Greg suddenly appeared self-conscious, licking his lips nervously. "So, was I okay? When I sang earlier?" John stared at Greg, shocked. How could this man not know how magical his voice and guitar playing sounded? Before John could answer, the bartender yelled out, "Everyone! We close in 5 minutes." John felt greatly disappointed, until Greg leaned in close and asked him quietly, "I live above this place now. We can continue chatting upstairs if you like?" John simply nodded and Greg chuckled warmly. "Good. Follow me outside." John followed close behind, trying to calm his nerves.
Author's note: Hope everyone liked this chapter. The lyrics I used are from Carnival of Rust by Poets of the Fall.