3. Rain
Rain was never a good sign when the Nautilus was decked. Normally, the crashing and twisting of a storm was no trouble to the mighty submerging ship, but it was a ship none the less, and it did have to surface, unfortunately when the waves were the most unyielding. Nemo wasn't happy about it, but there was nothing that could be done when his ship was in bad need of repair and the next discreet place available was far off course. So for now, the crew and occupants of the Nautilus were on solid ground while the ship was fixed, leaving the remaining members of the League on soggy, cold, unpaved earth.
Dr. Jekyll stood under a thick black umbrella observing the crew scurry around the hull and onto land, retrieving parts and yelling commands in a foreign tongue over the roar of water. Nemo paced around with them, looking slightly like a mother hen despite his rough beard and sharp eyes.
Jekyll's hair was plastered back against his forehead in the damp air. On his right was Ms. Harker under a similar umbrella carried by Sawyer, who looked about as chivalrous and proud as could be. The pair gazed at the commotion with Jekyll, more aware of each other than the rain.
"I don't see why we couldn't have just stayed on board," mumbled Sawyer, his remaining hand tucked under his arm for warmth. "Seems like a lot more trouble to be out here."
Jekyll glanced at the couple under the umbrella, noting Mina's mouth pursed in annoyance .
"As I recall, Mr. Sawyer," she replied coolly. "Nemo wasn't the one who wanted us out here." Tom looked at her dumbly. "I said fresh air and some solid earth would do us good, and you felt obligated to escort me. Thank you for the company, but I think I should get that air I need." and with that, she turned on her heels and stalked off as best as anyone could in two-inch mud, Sawyer fumbling behind her moments later with the umbrella, calling out reproachfully.
Jekyll chuckled. That boy perusing that woman was a futile cause, but he played it amicably. Foolishly, but still amicable. He pulled the umbrella closer to himself, blocking the sudden change in wind and water.
"Just like home, eh 'enry?" Skinner was heard before seen, as is naturally the case, but he was covered to his feet this time. He made a soft squish as he approached, white face and dark pince-nez sticking out against the gray world. He smiled his crooked smile and took position beside Jekyll, tilting his head back, the water streaking the grease paint from his face, leaving translucent ridges.
"Though I can't say London's very nice place to be, it rainin' like this all the bloody time. But here, at least there's a warm bed to run back to." the invisible man said, still facing the sky. 'He'll catch a chill like that,' the doctor in him sang. Jekyll took the few steps towards Skinner, stopping the onslaught of drops to the man's pale face with the umbrella. Skinner frowned confused, then stood straight again and looked at Henry quizzically.
"I doubt Nemo would appreciate you passing the flu to his crew from insisting on being out here." Jekyll sighed. He didn't look at him, but could feel Skinner's mischievous smile find it's place.
"Well then," Skinner said. "move over and let me get warm." With that, he snaked his hand around Jekyll's arm holding the umbrella to his chest. Their limbs locked, he pressed against Henry's side, a meeting of damp warm bodies. They kept still in compatible silence, joined together, watching the ship and Indians sway in the storm.
Jekyll felt languid and content, intoxicated on the smell of rain and the awareness of Skinner's warmth next to him. Skinner smiled sweetly as Henry fought to keep his eyes open, his chin traveling south. Skinner tsked softly before removing his hand and wrapping both his arms around the taller man, encompassing the umbrella handle and Jekyll's hand in his, caressing a gloved finger over the pale skin. Henry's head changed direction, falling back onto a leather clad shoulder, and let out a soft pleased moan. Skinner chuckled and rested his chin against Henry's shoulder, squeezing him closer.
The rain was really a lovely thing when you had something warm to come back to.