turps

There's two special birthdays today.

First,

dazzlingstar Happy birthday, honey. I hope you have a fantastic day filled with everything you love.

Second,

ninjetti75. Happy birthday, Josh. You're fantastic and I'm proud to call you my friend. You give the best feedback, advice and friendship that I could ever want. I'm blessed by having some close online friends and you're certainly in that camp. Pimping you over to the sparkly side was one of the best things I've ever done. I hope you have a wonderful day, you deserve it. Love you *huge hugs and kisses*

I wish I had your birthday story done. I know you'll say I've nothing to apologise for, but I am sorry. It won't take long to finish, ask

interlock she's seen it.

I wanted you to have something today. It's not my best work being as I did it this morning, but it's something at least. This is a scene from JC and Chris' journey in the Boxes universe.

The sun is nothing but a slither on the horizon when they finally reach the shoreline. The ocean seems to blaze vividly red. Glowing against the darkening sky and all they can do is watch, silent spectators to the greatest show ever. For a moment Chris is lost, feeling insignificant and alone against the might of nature, then JC takes his hand, grounding him with touch.

They move when the sun disappears completely, slowly walking along the cliff top path. Chris is still tired and dirty, but he also feels relaxed and free, as if something’s loosened inside of him that’s been wound tight for years.

“We need to find somewhere to sleep,” JC says at last, and he moves closer to the cliff edge, trying to look at the beach below. Chris goes with him, but stops on the path and holds tight to JC’s hand, preventing him getting too close to the edge. “There’s a cove down there, do you want to check it out?”

Chris walks a little closer to the edge, peering over as JC reassuringly squeezes his hand. The cove looks deserted and boats are upside down near the cliff, suggesting the tide doesn’t cover all the sand. “It looks good,” Chris says, and he squints, trying to see if there’s a path to get down.

“There, look,” JC is looking too, and he suddenly points at a dark line that has to be the path. “We should get down before it gets too dark.”

Chris agrees with a small nod and soon they’re standing next to the path that winds steeply down the cliff. JC goes first, sure-footed and graceful but always within touching distance as Chris follows more slowly, trying not to look down.

They jump down onto the sand at the same time, and Chris looks around, taking in the battered boats and high cliffs that tower above them. They’re totally alone and JC seems to realise that at the same time as he suddenly grins and runs, dropping his bag and stripping off his t-shirt as he heads toward the ocean. Somehow he manages to kicks off his shoes and pants without slowing down and Chris can’t help laughing when he belly flops into the waves with a yell that echoes repeatedly.

“Come on!” JC shouts when he appears again and he beckons to Chris while standing thigh deep in water. He looks wonderful, all sleek lines and dark hair that clings to his neck and Chris can’t keep away as he strips off his own clothes. He lets them drop to the sand in a heap then runs into the water, shouting with delight as he jumps onto JC so they both fall backward.

Spluttering and laughing when he surfaces Chris stays on his knees, enjoying the feel of the cool water against his hot skin. For the first time in days he feels refreshed and clean, and he smiles as JC moves until he’s pressed against Chris’ back.

“Have I told you lately that I love you?” JC asks seriously before kissing Chris’ shoulder.

“Not in the last hour,” Chris replies, and he turns to look up at JC. “You’d better tell me again.”

So he does.