Prompt - kissing in the rain before running inside laughing (Lucien Sebastian)
In droves it came tumbling from the dark cowl drawn over the sky. Chasing people and laundry alike indoors. Though the torrent made most into shut ins, the silvered grays and empty streets were a lure to some. The soft applause of the verdant earth meeting the essence of sky with yearning beckon to Sebastian. A call for fresh air and wandering.
Answering the urges, he dips down to drag the sneakers from beneath his desk. He pulls up his feet one at a time to slip them on and lace them up. With impatience, he lunges to sweep up a clean hoodie from the end of his bed. A flurry of struggles tugs it over his frame. Followed closely by a dive to swipe his umbrella from beneath the bedframe. Stowing it in the hoodie pocket, a short bit of snatching at his ruffled hair has him ready at last.
The scent of soaked soil that greets his senses at the porch gives him a shiver of delight. Sebastian sets off in no particular hurry, inviting the moisture to bathe his hair, unbothered by the damp that bleeds to his scalp. Use of the umbrella can wait just a little while, he enjoys the freshness of a downpour.
Far across the quaint cozy town, where the sea meets shore and docks twist out into the waves, is another who has been tempted out of hiding. Lucien, the mellow and easy-going farmer has been drawn from his fields to the tide. An overcast and a deep love for fishing has given him hope for a great catch. He eagerly came to cast his line and try his luck. The wet of rain does not bother him any more than it bothers Sebastian. He weathers the shower with enthusiasm.
Perhaps he would have been joined by the local fisherman given the chance. But, Willy was off and away in his beloved little trawler. Likely fishing in this drizzle out on the sea, every bit as eager for a good catch as Lucien. Luck be with him.
For Sebastian, he too was out to find a catch. But, rather than fish, he sought amphibious friends. Newts, salamanders, toads, and especially frogs. He has loved their wide eyed little faces, slick sheen, and spindly toes since he was small. Their elusive and private nature gave him a sense of kinship.
He would stoop every so often to overturn a rock, or a scrap of wood and bark, or bit of debris to peek in the mud beneath. There'd be a moment to appreciate whatever tiny soul he found and he would then place back their shelter. Exactly as he had found it. Otherwise he would softly poke through tall grass and ferns and watch other scrawny creatures give a hop or scamper away. There would be no chase as Sebastian did not want to stress them. It was enough just to see them, to appreciate them through a glance.
Sebastian does not dally long at any particular spot. He moves with more purpose than he let's on. His soles destined for somewhere beyond the streets of the tiny town. He does not want to miss an opportunity beyond watching the shy creatures of his homeland.
There is a tide unknown to Lucien. A tide that is pulling in a catch he does not expect. He gives a tug to his line but, only his eyes snag upon something. His gaze lured to a silhouette down at the shoreline. His focus bobs for a moment as a tempting hook sways before his vission. He takes the bait; a slender frame draped in black with a ghostly trail of smoke drifting forth.
With elegant speed Lucien reels in his cast and tucks the rod to his shoulder. In an eager stride he glides down the dock and out onto marshy sand. As he approaches, his visitor prepares to receive him.
Sebastian brings out the umbrella and unfurls it like arms opening for Lucien. He plucks from his pocket an engraved tin, etches of angels and roses to its lid. With a well practiced gesture he snuffs the cigarette that plumes the ghastly smog within. And drops it again within the safety of his pocket. More than ready by the time Lucien reaches him.
There's a soft tug at Lucien's wrist as Sebastian pulls him beneath the sheltering crown that now shadows him from the rain. It's a bit of a silly insistence as Lucien is thoroughly soaked, although Sebastian himself is quite damp by this point too. But, in the absence of the drizzle, the warmth of skin and breath can emanate between them. Working away the chill of the storm as they idle in each other's presence.
There's a soft silence for a short while. Only broken by the patter of droplets, the sighs of wind, and the wash of the surf. It is not uncomfortable, just a moment of appreciation and comfort. In the waves of relaxation their eyes stay held in the haze of meeting. Until a smile curves Sebastian's lips, content to stay. Lucien's mouth mirrors him.
Sebastian arks his hand up into a reach to brush away the dusky gold strands of hair plastered to Lucien's brow. Then falls to run a thumb over the mark at his jaw. Lucien does not try to hide the heat in his face as he leans into the caress. Some mysterious magnet pulls, and they are drawn tight together. A deep lingering kiss takes over and all gets forgotten. Until cool water wakes them from their dreaming as Sebastian's arm falters and drags the umbrella away.
In the aftermath of the sudden clarity, he quickly jerks their cover back into place. Lucien chuckles in endearing amusement and infects Sebastian's lungs with it. They are both laughing before they've realized how embarrassing it could have been, unbothered by the possibility now. Hand in hand they stifle their humor and retreat to safety. To a cozy cabin on a little farm in paradise.