Kensington (Toby)

[Tobias Elva Styles]

Tobias heard the mutterings and sniffles, he saw the tears roll down the boys face and the smile- he felt that smile. The optimism despite the struggling words. Toby knew he was sent here to fight for something. That something was the German's and the tyranny of Hitler, well that is what they told you- right, it had to be the right cause. But who's the say that this is built upon unresolved lies and miscommunication. This war- disrupted many lives on both sides, and now total strangers are battled against each other, forcing to take souls. The American knew no one, in retrospect, these people would be complete strangers. Well there was some good in all of this, and that was meeting Stephen.

Instead of fighting against something, he is now fighting for someone. That someone that kept the fire going, to give some sort of motivation with all of this. Upon meeting the boy's eyes again, the officer made a solid promise to return to this lad. To be with him to no end, despite what others think. Even though Toby has no one to turn to for advice, his father would tell him the same- and understand his growing affection.

”We could…. Go for a walk... We could go see the Peter Pan Statue?”[/i]

A smile brushed across Toby's thin lips as he saw the young private stand, placing his jacket upon his body once more. Tobias looked up at the sudden bundle of excitement the man held. He really wanted to make these few moments count, so why not.

"Sure, never knew they had a statue for him."

Tobias gave a few moment's rest before rising from his seat, leaving a tip in the table. The American straightened out his uniform jacket, listening to Stephen ramble on about a fictional character- it did poke some warmth in Toby's tired heart.

”Did you ever read Peter Pan?”[/i]

Another question bloomed through the babble. With the smile still on his face, Toby recalled to nights being read to and reading classics.

"Yes I did, along with Gulliver's Travels and others."

The simpler times, being together with Martin, reading by a lantern. Most of those nights, storms cried outside- others it was calm and peaceful. He noticed the private look around at the patrons. Toby noticed them, but didn't. It was usual military man with his lover or alone, a civilian- but there was this man, sitting alone. He appeared to be older, more experienced- with a missing appendage. He gave some eye contact, but he looked away, retreating back to his thoughts. Suddenly, the American pictured his father being there, watching the two. A dry swallow of emotions dropped down his throat- he needed to leave.

"Where is this statue?"

He said it a bit hastily as he made his way to the door, not caring that he left the private alone at the moment- he needed some air. Maybe some space, something. He could not let those demons attack his pure memories, not right now.

[Stephen Colly]

It was slightly awkward. Well, not awkward – more sad… The man had risen, said that he had indeed read the book of the boy, and walked briskly towards the door. It was sudden and surprised him. He felt alone.

Before leaving, he glanced at the old man again. He gave him a small smile; the man nodded back and raised a hand. ”Good luck.”[/i] was what passed his lips and Stephen nodded his thanks before drawing up close to Toby again.

They entered out onto the street, the sun was oddly warm for this wintery day. Though there was a bit of a breeze and people were wrapping coats and scarves around them as they walked through the street.

”Statue is this way.” he pointed to the nearest gate and crossed the road at a slight jog. He walked through the gate, slightly apart from Toby and down a path away from the road. They walked in silence for a few minutes, passing a few flowers and then came to where the patches of produce was being grown. ”When I was here on a visit before the war, it looked nothing like this.” he nodded to the vegetables. ”Even the King has allowed the gardens of Buckingham Palace to grow produce in.”

They continued to walk. Stephen rounded another corner and in the corner, near the railings was the statue. The little boy looked out onto the garden, a cloth nearby. ”Apparently they cover it at night and when there is an air-raid.” Stephen looked up at the boy’s face, so innocent. ”I think it is one of the best in London.”

[Tobias Elva Styles]

The older gentleman followed Stephen's lead- which made sense due to his knowledge of the statue. Throughout the silent walk, Toby was managing his bittersweet thoughts. Of course it probably caused some seeds of awkwardness between the two, but there was a logical reason behind the American's abrupt exit. But the younger did not ask, nor did he have an outward curiosity about it. Doesn't mean that the private did not care, but he was probably being cautious.

As the two crossed the street and made their way to the statue, the two passed by patches of produce being grown. This reminded Toby of home, well- during the Depression. He was sure that his homeland was growing these Victory gardens, but he has not felt American air since the 40's. His eyes finally met the whimsical iron statue the lad was babbling about. It was impressive, but had a few minor beatings on it.

”When I was here on a visit before the war, it looked nothing like this.” [/i]

Of course nothing holds it's previous apperance during war. It is a morbid bidding, but it is the reality of the period they are living in. Surroundings change, and even people- but somehow it can be for the best. The American stayed silent, acknowledging what the young man had to say, but taken in by the statue. He did notice the tarp that was used to cover the iron, not noteworthy protection, but it did shield it thus far.

"This is a very nice statue... Hopefully I can see it again one day."

With a small smile, the officer looked over at Stephen, he let the expression linger- but turned his head back to what was before him, letting the smile melt into neutrality.

[Stephen Colly]

Toby did not seem to say much. The silence made it all a bit awkward as Stephen gazed up at the statue, thinking about the night before. He wasn’t sure what else to say to him, he liked him – liked his company, his personality, his looks… But now he was not going to see him again… or for a long time that was.

”When did you say you had to go?” he asked, looking back up at the man. ”Why? Are you going back to France then?” he shuffled his feet, kicking the gravel a bit – not knowing quite what to do. He was trying to make light of the situation, trying to not let it show that it affected him so much that the man was leaving so soon and so suddenly.

”Shall we stroll back? I think you might have left a few bits and pieces in the room.” he began to make his way back the way they had come. He wanted to kiss him again, but knew a public place was not the place to do it.

OOC – I am so sorry this has taken so long!

[Tobias Elva Styles]

”When did you say you had to go... Why? Are you going back to France then?”[/i]

The question Toby wished he had a solid answer for. He knew that he would be cleared to be sent back into combat, but he knew not where. The officer knew that it would be mostly likely in France, but with so much fighting all over the world- it was hard to know exactly where his feet will land. All he could do was be as honest as he could be to his partner.

"I believe I will be in France, but it's hard to know. I am needed sooner than I expected, but it should not be surprise because this war is full of unexpected turns."

Toby knew that the young man was bothered by it, well he had to be because it surely bothered the American. He remained in silence until Stephen spoke up once more.

”Shall we stroll back? I think you might have left a few bits and pieces in the room.”[/i]

Ah, of course. This was a simple idea, but a good one. The officer had a feeling that he probably left a few small things here or there, he should get his things together anyways.

"That will be fine."

Tobias left it at that, no need to prod the matter of him leaving any more. At that moment, the American was oblivious to any romantic advances the young man wanted to do- his mind was already taken back to the battlefield, but one parting kiss would not hurt him.

((ooc: that is fine kitty, i am sorry that this is late.))

[Stephen Colly]

"I believe I will be in France, but it's hard to know. I am needed sooner than I expected, but it should not be surprise because this war is full of unexpected turns."

Stephen silently nodded, and then said – ”Well, we must write. Will you write to me? I mean…. You could write to my base and, and they could then pass it on to me and I could write back. We could do some sort of code….” ideas whirled around in his head. He imagined a secret code that only they could know and words that could – to them – mean such wonders.

Not much from Toby, the man seemed to be lost in his own thoughts.

It took them around 10 minutes to walk back to the hotel. As he walked through the lobby area, he caught sight of the woman they had seen earlier talking to two policemen. She watched them as they passed. Stephen felt suddenly very worried. He kept his head low and took the stairs up to the room, closing the door behind Toby quickly.

”Do you think they know?” he worried, biting his lip. He glanced at the door and then back at Toby.

[Tobias Elva Styles]

”Well, we must write. Will you write to me? I mean…. You could write to my base and, and they could then pass it on to me and I could write back. We could do some sort of code…."[/i]

Over the silence, the American heard the suggestion. He wanted to continue talking to his partner, to make sure that his heart was still beating, but it would be very difficult. It would be nice to develop a code that only them know. Toby gave the young boy a nod with a small smile. The two men continued to take their path to Stephen's hotel room.

As the men entered into lobby, their sights were greeted by the familiar female stranger and two officers. The two men continued walking, but the young private noticed that the young woman hushed her words and watched the two carefully. The two men made their way to their room, silently and quickly.

”Do you think they know?”[/i]

A sense of worry crossed Stephen's voice as he glanced at the door, later returning his look back to the officer. Tobias let out a huff as his mind began to be pounded with the thought of being caught. The American came up with a plan just in case a knock comes to the door, but until then, he needed to get this leftover items together.

"Probably, but just in case, I know what to do."

Tobias moved away from the door and began collecting his fallen articles of clothing or anything else. Just before he could finish, a knock on the door could be heard. He remained silent and continued to gather all that he could. Another knock, one more louder than the other, could be heard.

"This is the police we want to ask you a few questions."

[Stephen Colly]

Stephen watched as Toby calmly picked up all the clothing on the floor. He stepped over to the sofa and began to carefully pick up the smashed glass and mop up the spilt wine that had been left there from their antics. His mind raced with ideas of them getting caught and being put in prison. His friends and family would be shocked – though perhaps, he could pretend it was for another “crime.” Though, why should it be called crime – for it wasn’t. He was not a criminal; he was a soldier and a soldier who loved men – what was bad?

The knocks – first one light, second one harder – did not come as a shock but he still jumped. What was he to do? He stood up straight, the bits of glass in the cloth in his hand and stared at the door. The voice that came through was harsh-sounding. He walked over to the bin and dropped the glass and cloth into it. Glancing at Toby, he went into the bedroom and hurriedly tidied the bed. It was a state.

He lent against the door frame once he was finished, wanting Toby to open the door not him. He began to calm his breathing.

[Tobias Elva Styles]

The knocking became more hastily, apparently they were in a rush for something. Growing aggravated himself, the Flight Officer released an agitated grunt before speaking.

"Wait one moment."

He had to catch his tongue from slipping in damn. Well the situation was frantic in itself. Looking to Stephen, he simply motioned to the bedroom with his head and tossed the clothing on the ground near the door. He waited until the younger man was out of sight before opening the door- clearly with a haggard, wild look in his sharp blues.

"Whatever it is it better be damn important to wake me from my rest."

This time he added the word. The officers were a bit taken aback by how brash Toby was, but at the same time they picked up on his American accent and calmed down a bit.

"We are here about a... concern."

Stepping outside and closing the door behind him, Toby waited with a cross look.

"A concern?"

This was new. It wasn't often that anyone would express a concern to the man but at the same time he was just frolicking with a lower ranked solider not too long ago. Crossing his arms he allow the words to be rough around the edges; he simply wanted to know what this fuss was about and to send the officers on their way.

"Ah yes, there have been a string of thefts from the time you have arrived and left. We want to know-"

"No I have not stolen anything... and have not seen anything strange."

Before one of the officers could even finish his statement, Toby simply spoke up. With his arms folded across his chest he felt both relief and annoyance claw at him. Perhaps answering so quickly could raise a suspicious brow but clearly the officers did not question any further, just jotting something down in their notepad before apologizing and bidding a goodbye. Releasing a calmer breath, Toby returned back into the hotel room and locking the door.

"It's fine, just some officers askin' about a thief."

It was relieving that those officers did not prod further down a more personal route. After he gave his signal of 'all is well', Toby picked up the articles that he tossed down and folded them in a neater fashion. What he would do for a cigarette right now.

---

ooc; i apologize about this being so late, i hope this is fine. let me know otherwise.

[Stephen Colly]

Stephen frantically moved to the bedroom and waited out of sight. He listened intently at the conversation, drawing back into the shadows of the room in case the police men decided to take a look around the apartment.

After a few minutes, he heard the door shut and a shuffle of feet as Toby approached. Stepping aside, Stephen’s eyes rested on the door. He breathed a sigh of relief. ”That was close.” he muttered, glancing at Toby before turning away towards the bed and began to make it. The rush of excitement tinged with alcohol had evaporated and he just felt coldness. The harsh coldness of reality. The fact that by the end of the day, he may never see Toby again.

”What time do you leave?” he moved towards the sofa and flopped down on to it, rummaging around for his jacket and finding a cigarette packet. He chucked it in Toby’s direction, not before taking one for himself and then searching for a lighter. Once found, he breathed in, lit it and started to puff away contently, closing his eyes.
”Sometimes I think – what will life be like in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time.” he opened one eye to look at Toby. ”It feels that all we are doing is living in the moment. Where will you be? Where will I be…” he shrugged and sighed. It was hard to think so far ahead when all one thought about was surviving the next day.

(OOC - Sorry for shortness. And LOVE IT)