Ashton walked through the town, enjoying the atmosphere around him. He had always loved his home in the city, despite the noise, despite the organised chaos. He loved everything just the way it was.

But he could not be at ease, not right now. Walking just behind him and a little to the side was Edmund, hands in his pockets as he went and whistling a merry tune.

Ashton was amazing at how carefree and relaxed Edmund was, when he himself felt terrified and incredibly awkward and out of place.

It had been a pleasant walk, if not a little awkward and uncomfortable with Edmund right behind him, but he had not said a single word since they left the garden of Ashton’s home.

When at last he did speak, it caught Ashton by surprise.

‘What?’ he said, having not heard Edmunds words. His mind had been so far away, thinking only of a metal pole.

‘I said let’s go down that way’ Edmund said.

He had stopped now and was pointing in one direction, towards a narrow street. More like an alley than anything else. It didn’t really lead anywhere, it was just a sort of shortcut to another part of the city, another street.

‘There’s nothing really there’ Ashton told him. ‘It’s just a shortcut.’

‘I want to go that way’ Edmund insisted, continuing to point. ‘Let’s go this way.’

Ashton realised then with growing trepidation, that he and Edmund would be alone if they went that way, and he turned to glance the other direction longingly, not wanting to be away from the people walking to and fro in the streets, going about their business.

But he could think of nothing to say, and his voice caught in his throat, his mouth suddenly dry.

He looked back towards the alley, forcing himself to be calm, to breath easy.

Ashton took a step forwards, heading now towards the alley, with Edmund walking a little behind him and off to one side, as he had been before.

For a time nothing happened. They were alone together, Ashton and Edmund. They continued to walk in silence.

Then Edmund glanced behind him briefly, before looking forwards again.

He smirked.

Edmund reached for Ashton then without warning, grasping him gently but firmly around the wrist.

Ashton stopped walking, turning back in confusion.

Edmund pulled him back towards him, before moving to position Ashton between himself and the wall of the alley behind him.

He pushed Ashton teasingly back, softly but deliberate.

Ashton let out a gasp as he felt Edmund press his body again him, tilting his head and opening his mouth, eyes closed.

He kissed Ashton then, slipping his tongue into him, moaning lightly, caressing him, his hand moving down his body, the other still holding Ashton by the wrist.

Ashton closed his eyes, body tense he let out a whimper.

Edmund looked at him, breaking away from him then and leaning back.

‘What’s wrong?’