for peter_weps_ince

[mute_clay]

It’s the ocean. The Sea.

He’s never seen it before.
Has always imagined it to be like the lake.
Just bigger.

He hadn’t thought it would be like this.

There are people about, noises, smells, but all he can hear is the sound of the waves, the heart of the great water beating against the shore. The pier. It is all he can smell – no – all he can taste.

The lake was like a looking glass hidden in the heart of the forest, but this –
This is like the woods themselves. Beautiful, and dark, and terrifying. Calling, just like the forest could, but with rhythmic sounds instead of whispering trees.
A drum instead of a flute.
And yet, so alike.

He’d been elated when Orlando had taken him to the state park, but there had been paths, and people. And picnic tables. This is more like it.
This is wildness.
Ancient and untameable.

Clay’s aware that he probably looks like a moron standing there. But it doesn’t matter. How can anything matter when the world is wild and beautiful?

He walks closer.

Comments

Re:

[peter-weps-ince.livejournal.com]

Weps reads the words Clay's written and inwardly kicks himself. He's worried that his initial teasing about the girl has resulted in Clay revealing something about himself that he didn't intend to.

"I'm sorry, Clay - you don't need to explain yourself - your feelings are your own. It's just me, buttin' in as usual, wantin' to put the world to rights, you know? You don't need to tell me this stuff - you don't know me at all."

Re:

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay looks at Weps. Then he taps his own heart before reaching over and tapping Weps'

I like you. I think we could be friends. I don't mind telling you

Then he grins, despite himself and writes

I've only told David

That is sort of amusing, seeing as how Weps seemed less enthusiastic about David.

Re:

[peter-weps-ince.livejournal.com]

"I like you too, Clay - a lot. I just don't want you to tell me things that you might feel uncomfortable about later. But you can trust me. Truth and honesty are important things to me."

He grabs Clays hand between his own.

"Friends" he says and grins when he reads the words about David.

"I'm glad you've got David as a friend. Don't get me wrong - I like David; just wouldn't want to have to live with him..." He chuckles. "I like peace in my life, Clay."

Weps pauses. Thinks for a moment about what he's going to say.

"And if you ever need somewhere peaceful to stay for a while, there's plenty of room at my place... ok?"

Re:

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay's eyes crinkle up as he smiles.

Yeah?
Thanks

He signs hammering and moves one hand, palm up from himself toward Weps.

And if you've got anything that needs fixing..

Re:

[peter-weps-ince.livejournal.com]

Weps grins at Clay's smile.

"Nothin' at the moment - but it's a rented house and you never know.." A pause as he finishes his drink.

"Would you like a lift back to Orlando's? My truck's at my place, just down the road."

Re:

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay considers, then shakes his head. He quite likes walking.
He signs that, walking a hand across the table-top, giving a thumbs-up.

He finishes his beer.

Re:

[peter-weps-ince.livejournal.com]

Weps nods and stands up. "Sure - no problem."

Weps scribbles something on one of the napkins on the table and hands it to Clay.

"My address - I live just 5 minutes down the road from here. I have to live near the sea - I can hear the ocean when the windows are open. Anyway, I might see you on the beach sometime... or call in. I hope we'll see each other again soon, Clay."

Re:

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay takes the napkin and folds it carefully. Then he writes Orlando's address down on another and hands it to Weps.

He gets up, stretches, and signs that he'll look forward to seeing Weps again, smiling.

Then he makes his way out of the bar and heads toward Orlando's.