we're wilin' out tonight | open

He was soaked through and without a care in the world, iPod in his pocket and a song blaring through his earphones, and in that moment the evening was perfect, and there was no such thing as ghosts. In that moment he didn't have to think about the spook stories, the rumour mill, or how his university might be haunted. In that moment there was rain, street lamps, a good song, and him. There was also no one else around that he had noticed, which meant he was free to let the music move through him, to stay out all night, and soak his shoes by jumping in puddles. He didn't have to concern himself with embarrassment, because, as far as he knew, there was no one in the windows or walking home, which meant the street and road was his private stage, and he was free to dance. He was also free to sing along with the lyrics, his voice louder than necessary because of his earphones, and how he couldn't hear himself over how loud his music played. He didn't even care that he wasn't singing his best, that he wasn't some famous singer, or someone who could make everyone stop and listen. Instead he was just enjoying himself, and wasn't that the most important thing?

Rhys gave a small yawn, tired from a long day at work. While it was hardly a stressful job, there had been plenty to do today and sometimes it seemed like he was the only one that truly worked. He brushed the thought off, choosing not to care too much right then. He still had to make his way home safely.

He walked carefully along the sidewalk, umbrella held overhead to protect against the rain. His favorite coat, and his only coat, provided the warmth he wanted during weather like this. The tattered edges meant nothing to him other than it was well loved. It worked just fine in such gloomy weather and provided comfort that he had found nowhere else. That was one of the main reasons he had never bothered to change it for something else.

The violet haired man let his attention drift, looking over those that were braving the weather to do whatever it was that they needed to. His gaze finally rested on a young man with bright red hair. The boy was obviously in his own world, enjoy his music as he sang along. Rhys raised a brow, watching the boy as he danced through the rain. The only trouble here was that it didn't look as if he were wearing appropriate attire for the chill he was almost certain to get after being drenched.

Hurrying his step, the gamer hurried his step, trying to catch up to the singing male. He silently extended his reach so he could offer the protection of his umbrella. While there was little he could do to warm the red head right now, he could at least offer a little cover from further drenching and perhaps walk him to his destination and ascertain that he got warm quickly. It wouldn't do for him to allow someone to catch a cold for want of better wet weather wear.

It was damned near impossible for Fulton to hear the other approach, thanks to the earphones in his ears, and how music stole his attention. The fact he couldn't hear didn't mean he couldn't see, however, and when he caught sight of the dark shape of an umbrella pass over his head, he almost jumped out of his skin, almost stumbled, and only just managed to keep his footing as he turned to come face to face with... some guy? Well, that wasn't as bad as it could have been. His heart was hammering in his chest, but he was okay, and the guy didn't look like a ghost, or a spook, or a zombie, or something else that would ignore a good kick to the groin if he ended up bad. The fact that some guy had seen his antics, however, was terribly embarrassing, and Fulton really didn't like feeling embarrassed and awkward. It was better than feeling sort of dead, though, he supposed. So he could deal with it. There was heat spreading across his face, and he felt like yelling at the poor guy, but he could deal. “Uh, hi.” He could deal with it, after he had given the guy the most stilted sounding greeting in existence. He chewed the inside of his cheek. He probably looked so lame right now, and something like that was so, so uncool. It was beyond uncool. It was so uncool it was lame and... and he had no idea where he was going with that thought. Shit. “What are you doing?” And that was an awkward question, but the boy had no idea what else to say. He could have asked the man why he was there, but that seemed kind of dumb. He was probably just heading home when he saw this lame kid dancing in the rain, and Fulton really didn't want to think about that. He really, really wanted to move on from that. So what had the guy been doing, anyway? Trying to protect him from the rain with his umbrella? That was kind of nice, he guessed, but what kind of stranger did stuff like that?

The lavender haired man blinked at the loud greeting. He had obviously surprised the young man. Given that the redhead had been listening to music, evident by the earphones, so it seemed reasonable that he hadn't been expected. It wasn't common practice for anyone to expect a stranger to offer cover from the rain, further reason for the other male to give him such a funny look.

He offered a small smile, an expression he wasn't overly familiar with. Strangely, he was able to give good customer service with barely cracking the calm look that seemed to be on his face. I am offering my umbrella, He answered simply, thinking it obvious what he was doing. Kindness was in short supply more times than not, so he had to be a bit careful with how he approached others. Some didn't take to random acts like this very well.

Rhys lowered his gaze for a moment, considering his next words carefully. If one remains in cold, wet clothes for too long, something as serious as hypothermia can set it. I didn't think you would want to fall so ill, He said, hoping that this boy would accept that answer. It was a good point and hypothermia was nothing to scoff at. While he had no way of knowing how long the redhead had been in those wet clothes, however, better safe than sorry.

Fulton pursed his lips, caught between a pout and thought, as he stole another look towards the umbrella above them. He wasn't sure the reason, but he almost expected to see one of those home-made ghost dolls hanging from one corner, the kind that was in all the rainy day anime styled illustrations that were over the web. It would seem fitting, wouldn't it? This town was a creepy place, haunted and the like, and here was a mysterious stranger sheltering him from the downpour. "Thanks for that, I guess?" Aware that was far from an enthusiastic thank you, the young man cleared his throat, feeling distinctly awkward and put on the spot. He could be very gracious when he had reason to be, and he didn't want his new, random companion to think otherwise, but that was just it. This encounter had come out of no where, and Fulton wasn't used to random strangers, randomly holding their umbrella of randomness over his head. It caught him on the wrong foot. What his stranger said next didn't help him regain his balance, either. What he said was true, Fulton could believe that, but it also wasn't something he had thought about before. He was always in the rain when he could be, and simple tee-shirts and light jackets were what he always wore. He rarely wore heavier clothes or sweaters that would block the nip of cold in the air. He rubbed at his arm, as though that might warm him up. Normally he ignored the cold rather well, but now that he was standing still, and thinking about chills he could die from, the air felt chillier than it had before. "I s'pose that's a good point." It definitely sounded like a very, very good point. Fulton didn't think hypothermia sounded particularly pleasant. "I should probably head in now, anyway." The sunset was over, so he wouldn't have to miss his favourite part of the day, but what was he supposed to do with the man and his umbrella. He supposed they could part ways here, head back to their apartments and be done with this encounter, probably never to run into each other again, but that seemed sorta rude to him. He had held this guy up, apparently worried him, so he should make up for that somehow. "Do you wanna come inside for a mug of hot chocolate or something? You don't have to, of course, but you could think of it as thanks or something." His gaze fell to the wayside as he spoke, and he ran a hand back through his sopping wet hair, slicking it back and away from his face. He normally used gel to keep it out of his eyes, but the rain hadn't thought much of that. And he'd just realised he was inviting this guy back to his place without so much as an introduction. That was probably considered creepy as all hell, wasn't it? Right. He had better remedy that quick, then. "Uh, the name's Fulton, by the way. Fulton Rakes. Hi." Again. Because apparently he hadn't made himself look lame enough already.

Rhys was starting to worry a little. He had clearly intruded on the redhead's evening and felt a little unwanted. Granted, he hadn't been invited to share his umbrella. He didn't know the other male and there had been no reason for him to force himself into this person's life. His practicality had simply overruled and he didn't want another to get terribly sick. Even a common cold was never any fun.

However, how was he supposed to make this encounter less strange? The answer was he didn't. There was no way not to fix the weirdness of him simply being him. Rhys was just an overly nice person and didn't know how to monitor his own actions. He didn't know when to stop and say "Hey, maybe I shouldn't do that." Or at least say something before acting as he did.

He gave a small nod as the other boy acknowledged his point and considered just how far he should follow his new found, forced companion. What surprised him most was the offer of hot chocolate. Just like others didn't offer their help so readily, he didn't often get anything as a thank you other than the words themselves. Of course, that was when the people were actually nice and could take his odd behavior in stride.

I appreciate the offer but I feel as if I've already disturbed your night, Rhys replied, not sure if he should really take the redhead up on the warm beverage. After all, since when do strangers act so friendly towards each other. Okay, well, he did but he had to be the exception to the rule.

Then, as Fulton introduced himself properly, he realized his own rudeness. He cleared his throat, a little embarrassed at his own mistake. I'm Rhys Sweets. A pleasure to meet you, He said. He went silent for a moment, thinking about his actions. I am sorry if I bothered you. Some times I don't really think things through.