A Walk in the Park 3.5
Title: A Walk in the Park
Fandom: RPS
Story: Highway: Transatlantic Flight Path 3.5
Characters: Alan Davies and Robert Sean Leonard
Authors: michelleann68 + evila_elf = evila_ann
Prompt: 77 Memories coclaim100
Word Count: 2412
Rating: PG
Summary: They finally venture outside and Robert shows Alan some of his favorite places.
Author's Notes:
Where it all began:
Big table of prompts is here:
Order of the story is here:
3.4 Pushing the Limits
After the breakfast dishes were put away, Robert and Alan donned on their heavy coats, hats and gloves. Robert disappeared for a second, signaling Alan to wait. He returned with two hats, a black knit cotton one, and a blue wool one. He tossed the wool one to Alan, who looked at it like it was a dead animal. “I could go get the red one with a tassel if you would prefer?” As Alan raised his eyebrows, Robert took the hat away and snuggly settling it on Alan’s head, tucking the curls underneath with a thumb and forefinger. Then he put his own on, carefully pulling it over his ears and straightening his glasses after. “All set?” As Robert reached for the doorknob, Alan laid his hand on Roberts’s arm, catching his attention. Robert turned to see what Alan wanted and he was greeted with a quick kiss. Robert smiled against Alan’s mouth, pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, and turned back to open the door, ready to begin their first adventure together into the lands beyond the apartment.
It was a cold day, the light snowfall during the night shimmering along the sidewalks, bringing out the beauty of the city. Alan stopped to get his bearings and to look around as Robert began walking, turning left down the street. Jogging to catch up, they fell into an easy pace as they walked around the quiet streets. It was still early in the day and they city that never sleeps seemed to be resting.
“Where are we going?”
“One of my favorite places,” Robert replied with a smile.
The smiles were something that Alan had started to treasure. He had started to notice all the different kinds of smiles he had been given so far, and this morning he was treated to a mischievous smile. He filed it away as Robert turned a corner and slowed to a stop.
They had stopped outside Central Park. The park was near empty on this Tuesday morning. There was a peacefulness that blanketed the park and it seemed to sit atop the light dusting of snow and the entire park felt magical as the trees still shimmered from an early frost.
They entered the park and Robert walked toward one of his favorite spots in the whole city.
“Come here often?” Alan joked as Robert negotiated the park grounds as though he lived here.
Robert slowed down, taking the hint and together they walked side by side deep into the park. “When I was between jobs, I would spend hours down here. It became almost a second home to me.”
“What is it about this park?”
Robert slowed down a little more as he thought, trying to find the words. Alan walked in sync next to him, arms swinging slowly, fingers accidentally-or not so--brushing his, small electric charges racing up their arms. “Well, I had no money--everything went to savings--and I could spend the day here and get lost, read a book, watch humanity interact. The Met sits over there,” he raised his arm to point across the center of the park, “so I could literally spend all day here and entertain myself.” Robert looked at Alan and noticed a curl had begun to escape his wool hat. He resisted the urge to tuck it safely back up. “I think I know, or knew, where every vendor was set up, and all the best places to hide away.”
“You know the secret places where we won’t get caught, Robert? Something you need to share with me?”
Robert’s skin went flush and he stuttered, and then gave up trying to explain. “Uh...well, oh forget it. I will never win a battle of innuendo with you.” He pushed gently at Alan’s shoulder and felt himself relax for the first time since Alan arrived literally on his doorstep.
***
Alan was happy that the discomfort of last night was wearing off. This was good for Robert. He was relaxing again and opening up. Alan just smiled, clasping his hands behind his back, turning his head to listen to Robert’s words as they walked down the wide path.
They came to a sculpture of “Alice in Wonderland” and Robert made his way to a bench, sitting down. He leaned forward and stared at the large statue. It was circular and made up of all the characters from the storybook, with Alice in the middle. Robert looked up and seemed captivated by the animated bronze.
“Favorite place?” Alan stood next to him by the bench.
“Yes. When I was young, around 5, my mother read this book to me. I loved it and I asked her to read it over and over.” He sat back and turned to look at Alan. “When I could read by myself, whenever I was nervous, or worried, I would remember ‘Jabberwocky’ the poem, and it seemed to make thing better. My first performance was that very poem to my family at my 7th Christmas.” Robert smiled fondly, remembering the warm smiles of his parents.
Alan brushed his sleeve to get his attention and Robert looked up at him. “I bet you still have it memorized.”
“No, well, yes I do. I have a hard time forgetting parts I’ve played. He looked back to the statue and his eyes got lost as he stared into space.
“Say it for me,” Alan teased softly. “Humor me”
“No, not out here.”
Alan stood and walked over towards the large installation and walked around, the words of the poem engraved around the figures. He could feel Robert watching him and that gave him a sense of warmth. Tucking his hands into his pockets, he walked slowly admiringly. He became acutely aware of Robert’s presence behind him. At first he could just feel Robert standing behind him and the soft crunch of the frost under their feet as the walked around the figurines, but then what Alan heard warmed his heart:
Robert’s voice barely a whisper:
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.’
Alan walked slowly, reading the words as Robert recited them, no doubt by memory.
Robert's voice animated the nonsense words, and Alan could not help but smile.
'Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!'
Not wanting to turn around and break the spell that was intertwined around them, Alan walked on to the next plaque.
‘He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought--
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!’
Alan could not resist and turned around, smiling at Robert and noticed his eyes were someplace else. He was back with his mom, in a place he felt safe. Alan jumped a little as Robert raised his voice slightly, the forcefulness of the delivery surprising him.
‘One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.’
Alan chuckled as people around them strained to hear the flawless delivery. Alan wanted to turn around and kiss that perfect mouth that recited those perfect words. Something else he had to tamp down till they were alone. This was going to be a long day.
They arrived at the last plaque and Alan was sad to hear his private show coming to an end. He wondered what else might be trapped in that beautiful brain. Alan felt a warm puff of air against his ear, as though Robert was reading his thoughts.
Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
Alan whispered, “Thank you,” and he felt the loss of Robert as he turned and walked towards the museum. Alan gathered himself and turned around, jogging to catch up.
Once he caught up, Alan looked at the snow and the trees whose bare branches reached for the sun that was starting to peek through the darkened sky.
They reached the large expanse of stairs that led up to the museum entrance and Robert stopped. Alan, who was lost in his thoughts, kept walking three or four more paces until he noticed the absence of his personal tour guide. He stopped and turned around.
Robert was looking at the building the way one would greet an old friend. He laughed and then caught up to Alan and together they walked through the doors into the spacious foyer.
There was a bustling of tourists and natives, shedding their winter coats and dropping the protective clothing off before heading into the various galleries. It felt like the mad rush of commuters heading to the tube stations at close of business. Alan stood in awe and looked around. The entrance had a grand old feeling to it, and he understood why Robert like it so much. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see a twinkle in Robert's eyes as he made the "give me your coat" gesture. Alan shed his heavy coat and took off the gloves and the wool hat, shoving the accessories into the jacket pocket. He shook his head and his curls fell back into place. Alan handed over his coat and watched Robert walk over to the coat check.
Turning back to the museum, Alan looked around, seeing all the various exhibits all with banners advertising the entrance to each one. He looked over and saw Robert engaged in a conversation with an older gentlemen behind the coat check and became distracted by the sight. He liked this relaxed Robert much more then the frightened one that greeted him just a few days ago, and reminded himself that patience was the key word here.
When Robert finally managed to pull himself away from the chatty man, they made their way across a corridor to head into a photography exhibit. Alan looked quickly around to ensure that they were alone. Pulling Robert into a dark corner, he quickly pressed his lips to Robert’s and then pulled back, whispering in his ear, "A tip for my tour guide." Alan turned to stroll back to the gallery.
Robert was a little startled. He traced his lips, still wondering if Alan just actually kissed him in a public place. Shaking his head at the brash action, he walked out of the shadows and caught up with Alan. Standing next to him, Robert brushed his fingers against Alan’s, getting his attention. “On to the Egyptians next?”
“Eat first? I only had that banana this morning and I am getting hungry.”
“Sure, the café here is nice.”
Robert lead Alan past the European Sculpture and Decorative art gallery and then took a right turn into Medieval Art before they arrived at the café. It was a bright enclosed patio, with large conservatory windows that opened out onto Central Park. The small round tables were lined up and the perky hostess greeted them warmly and showed them to a table near the windows. Robert sat with his back to the window and let Alan have the view of the park.
They received their menus and as Robert was skimming over the selections, he noticed that Alan was staring at him. Robert blushed, in a way happy to be the center of Alan’s attention, but in the same breath uncomfortable with the hungry stare.
Alan sensed Robert's discomfort and broke into a huge smile, looking down and glancing through the menu. When the waitress returned to take their orders, Alan had decided on Roasted Portabello Mushroom, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil Pesto, and Olive Baguette, and Robert, deferring to Alan's vegetarian preferences, chose Garganelli Pasta, Basil Pesto, Haricots Verts, Arugula, and Cherry Tomatoes.
As they waited for the food to arrive, they kept the conversation light and contained to the restaurant and the morning’s visit to the museum, and not of what had happened the previous night. Alan really wanted to say something reassuring, but it never seemed like the right time. He decided to talk to him that night and just enjoy this day and Robert's company for as long as he could.
"Does that sound good, Alan?"
Alan looked up, “Sorry Mate, you caught me daydreaming. What did you ask?"
"So after the Egyptian wing, we can swing by the store and pick up dinner. I'll cook and we can stay in tonight. Is that fine with you?"
"Sounds fab."
Lunch was served and they both resumed the small talk. As they ate, they preformed a simple dance; a glance of a finger, a leg stretch that rubbed an ankle… Nothing concrete, all just small incidental touches that started to drive Alan mad with desire. He hastily finished his sandwich, antsy to be up and walking again. They split the lunch bill and walked over to finish looking at the remaining exhibits.
***
Lugging their heavy coats back on, they bundled up and headed back outdoors. It was late afternoon and things had started to cool down significantly. Alan headed off to the right, the direction they had come in from and Robert laughed, calling him back. They needed to take a longer way home to stop by the store first.
"Any preferences for dinner?"
Alan looked up from the gray concrete at his feet. "You are going to actually cook?"
"I'm a good cook, really."
“You are the entire package: You sing, recite poetry, cook, and are very sexy."
Robert had no idea what to say in response, so he sputtered a few syllables and then changed the subject. "Do we need anything else? Maybe for breakfast?"
"We could use some more bananas. Ate the last one this morning."
Robert nodded, mentally adding the fruit to the list in his head. “Here we are.” He placed a hand on Alan’s back briefly as they turned to go into the store.
Alan felt the hand burning a pleasing hole through his jacket long after it had been removed.
3.6 Kitchen Confidential
Fandom: RPS
Story: Highway: Transatlantic Flight Path 3.5
Characters: Alan Davies and Robert Sean Leonard
Authors: michelleann68 + evila_elf = evila_ann
Prompt: 77 Memories coclaim100
Word Count: 2412
Rating: PG
Summary: They finally venture outside and Robert shows Alan some of his favorite places.
Author's Notes:
Where it all began:
Big table of prompts is here:
Order of the story is here:
3.4 Pushing the Limits
After the breakfast dishes were put away, Robert and Alan donned on their heavy coats, hats and gloves. Robert disappeared for a second, signaling Alan to wait. He returned with two hats, a black knit cotton one, and a blue wool one. He tossed the wool one to Alan, who looked at it like it was a dead animal. “I could go get the red one with a tassel if you would prefer?” As Alan raised his eyebrows, Robert took the hat away and snuggly settling it on Alan’s head, tucking the curls underneath with a thumb and forefinger. Then he put his own on, carefully pulling it over his ears and straightening his glasses after. “All set?” As Robert reached for the doorknob, Alan laid his hand on Roberts’s arm, catching his attention. Robert turned to see what Alan wanted and he was greeted with a quick kiss. Robert smiled against Alan’s mouth, pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, and turned back to open the door, ready to begin their first adventure together into the lands beyond the apartment.
It was a cold day, the light snowfall during the night shimmering along the sidewalks, bringing out the beauty of the city. Alan stopped to get his bearings and to look around as Robert began walking, turning left down the street. Jogging to catch up, they fell into an easy pace as they walked around the quiet streets. It was still early in the day and they city that never sleeps seemed to be resting.
“Where are we going?”
“One of my favorite places,” Robert replied with a smile.
The smiles were something that Alan had started to treasure. He had started to notice all the different kinds of smiles he had been given so far, and this morning he was treated to a mischievous smile. He filed it away as Robert turned a corner and slowed to a stop.
They had stopped outside Central Park. The park was near empty on this Tuesday morning. There was a peacefulness that blanketed the park and it seemed to sit atop the light dusting of snow and the entire park felt magical as the trees still shimmered from an early frost.
They entered the park and Robert walked toward one of his favorite spots in the whole city.
“Come here often?” Alan joked as Robert negotiated the park grounds as though he lived here.
Robert slowed down, taking the hint and together they walked side by side deep into the park. “When I was between jobs, I would spend hours down here. It became almost a second home to me.”
“What is it about this park?”
Robert slowed down a little more as he thought, trying to find the words. Alan walked in sync next to him, arms swinging slowly, fingers accidentally-or not so--brushing his, small electric charges racing up their arms. “Well, I had no money--everything went to savings--and I could spend the day here and get lost, read a book, watch humanity interact. The Met sits over there,” he raised his arm to point across the center of the park, “so I could literally spend all day here and entertain myself.” Robert looked at Alan and noticed a curl had begun to escape his wool hat. He resisted the urge to tuck it safely back up. “I think I know, or knew, where every vendor was set up, and all the best places to hide away.”
“You know the secret places where we won’t get caught, Robert? Something you need to share with me?”
Robert’s skin went flush and he stuttered, and then gave up trying to explain. “Uh...well, oh forget it. I will never win a battle of innuendo with you.” He pushed gently at Alan’s shoulder and felt himself relax for the first time since Alan arrived literally on his doorstep.
***
Alan was happy that the discomfort of last night was wearing off. This was good for Robert. He was relaxing again and opening up. Alan just smiled, clasping his hands behind his back, turning his head to listen to Robert’s words as they walked down the wide path.
They came to a sculpture of “Alice in Wonderland” and Robert made his way to a bench, sitting down. He leaned forward and stared at the large statue. It was circular and made up of all the characters from the storybook, with Alice in the middle. Robert looked up and seemed captivated by the animated bronze.
“Favorite place?” Alan stood next to him by the bench.
“Yes. When I was young, around 5, my mother read this book to me. I loved it and I asked her to read it over and over.” He sat back and turned to look at Alan. “When I could read by myself, whenever I was nervous, or worried, I would remember ‘Jabberwocky’ the poem, and it seemed to make thing better. My first performance was that very poem to my family at my 7th Christmas.” Robert smiled fondly, remembering the warm smiles of his parents.
Alan brushed his sleeve to get his attention and Robert looked up at him. “I bet you still have it memorized.”
“No, well, yes I do. I have a hard time forgetting parts I’ve played. He looked back to the statue and his eyes got lost as he stared into space.
“Say it for me,” Alan teased softly. “Humor me”
“No, not out here.”
Alan stood and walked over towards the large installation and walked around, the words of the poem engraved around the figures. He could feel Robert watching him and that gave him a sense of warmth. Tucking his hands into his pockets, he walked slowly admiringly. He became acutely aware of Robert’s presence behind him. At first he could just feel Robert standing behind him and the soft crunch of the frost under their feet as the walked around the figurines, but then what Alan heard warmed his heart:
Robert’s voice barely a whisper:
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.’
Alan walked slowly, reading the words as Robert recited them, no doubt by memory.
Robert's voice animated the nonsense words, and Alan could not help but smile.
'Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!'
Not wanting to turn around and break the spell that was intertwined around them, Alan walked on to the next plaque.
‘He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought--
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!’
Alan could not resist and turned around, smiling at Robert and noticed his eyes were someplace else. He was back with his mom, in a place he felt safe. Alan jumped a little as Robert raised his voice slightly, the forcefulness of the delivery surprising him.
‘One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.’
Alan chuckled as people around them strained to hear the flawless delivery. Alan wanted to turn around and kiss that perfect mouth that recited those perfect words. Something else he had to tamp down till they were alone. This was going to be a long day.
They arrived at the last plaque and Alan was sad to hear his private show coming to an end. He wondered what else might be trapped in that beautiful brain. Alan felt a warm puff of air against his ear, as though Robert was reading his thoughts.
Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
Alan whispered, “Thank you,” and he felt the loss of Robert as he turned and walked towards the museum. Alan gathered himself and turned around, jogging to catch up.
Once he caught up, Alan looked at the snow and the trees whose bare branches reached for the sun that was starting to peek through the darkened sky.
They reached the large expanse of stairs that led up to the museum entrance and Robert stopped. Alan, who was lost in his thoughts, kept walking three or four more paces until he noticed the absence of his personal tour guide. He stopped and turned around.
Robert was looking at the building the way one would greet an old friend. He laughed and then caught up to Alan and together they walked through the doors into the spacious foyer.
There was a bustling of tourists and natives, shedding their winter coats and dropping the protective clothing off before heading into the various galleries. It felt like the mad rush of commuters heading to the tube stations at close of business. Alan stood in awe and looked around. The entrance had a grand old feeling to it, and he understood why Robert like it so much. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see a twinkle in Robert's eyes as he made the "give me your coat" gesture. Alan shed his heavy coat and took off the gloves and the wool hat, shoving the accessories into the jacket pocket. He shook his head and his curls fell back into place. Alan handed over his coat and watched Robert walk over to the coat check.
Turning back to the museum, Alan looked around, seeing all the various exhibits all with banners advertising the entrance to each one. He looked over and saw Robert engaged in a conversation with an older gentlemen behind the coat check and became distracted by the sight. He liked this relaxed Robert much more then the frightened one that greeted him just a few days ago, and reminded himself that patience was the key word here.
When Robert finally managed to pull himself away from the chatty man, they made their way across a corridor to head into a photography exhibit. Alan looked quickly around to ensure that they were alone. Pulling Robert into a dark corner, he quickly pressed his lips to Robert’s and then pulled back, whispering in his ear, "A tip for my tour guide." Alan turned to stroll back to the gallery.
Robert was a little startled. He traced his lips, still wondering if Alan just actually kissed him in a public place. Shaking his head at the brash action, he walked out of the shadows and caught up with Alan. Standing next to him, Robert brushed his fingers against Alan’s, getting his attention. “On to the Egyptians next?”
“Eat first? I only had that banana this morning and I am getting hungry.”
“Sure, the café here is nice.”
Robert lead Alan past the European Sculpture and Decorative art gallery and then took a right turn into Medieval Art before they arrived at the café. It was a bright enclosed patio, with large conservatory windows that opened out onto Central Park. The small round tables were lined up and the perky hostess greeted them warmly and showed them to a table near the windows. Robert sat with his back to the window and let Alan have the view of the park.
They received their menus and as Robert was skimming over the selections, he noticed that Alan was staring at him. Robert blushed, in a way happy to be the center of Alan’s attention, but in the same breath uncomfortable with the hungry stare.
Alan sensed Robert's discomfort and broke into a huge smile, looking down and glancing through the menu. When the waitress returned to take their orders, Alan had decided on Roasted Portabello Mushroom, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil Pesto, and Olive Baguette, and Robert, deferring to Alan's vegetarian preferences, chose Garganelli Pasta, Basil Pesto, Haricots Verts, Arugula, and Cherry Tomatoes.
As they waited for the food to arrive, they kept the conversation light and contained to the restaurant and the morning’s visit to the museum, and not of what had happened the previous night. Alan really wanted to say something reassuring, but it never seemed like the right time. He decided to talk to him that night and just enjoy this day and Robert's company for as long as he could.
"Does that sound good, Alan?"
Alan looked up, “Sorry Mate, you caught me daydreaming. What did you ask?"
"So after the Egyptian wing, we can swing by the store and pick up dinner. I'll cook and we can stay in tonight. Is that fine with you?"
"Sounds fab."
Lunch was served and they both resumed the small talk. As they ate, they preformed a simple dance; a glance of a finger, a leg stretch that rubbed an ankle… Nothing concrete, all just small incidental touches that started to drive Alan mad with desire. He hastily finished his sandwich, antsy to be up and walking again. They split the lunch bill and walked over to finish looking at the remaining exhibits.
***
Lugging their heavy coats back on, they bundled up and headed back outdoors. It was late afternoon and things had started to cool down significantly. Alan headed off to the right, the direction they had come in from and Robert laughed, calling him back. They needed to take a longer way home to stop by the store first.
"Any preferences for dinner?"
Alan looked up from the gray concrete at his feet. "You are going to actually cook?"
"I'm a good cook, really."
“You are the entire package: You sing, recite poetry, cook, and are very sexy."
Robert had no idea what to say in response, so he sputtered a few syllables and then changed the subject. "Do we need anything else? Maybe for breakfast?"
"We could use some more bananas. Ate the last one this morning."
Robert nodded, mentally adding the fruit to the list in his head. “Here we are.” He placed a hand on Alan’s back briefly as they turned to go into the store.
Alan felt the hand burning a pleasing hole through his jacket long after it had been removed.
3.6 Kitchen Confidential