#dilliam

-

With that plan in mind, his eyes raised skyward once more in a quest to find the ideal spot to watch the fireworks. He had half an hour, that would be plenty of time to explore the city on foot. His destination was unknown, but Damien trusted his feet to lead him in the right direction. He simply needed somewhere with few obstacles overhead and a clear sky. Everyone would be either at home or with friends. There wouldn’t be anyone on the streets… But a hand grabbing his wrist and sharply tugging him backward swiftly proved otherwise.

“Damien? What the devil are you doing out here walking with your head in the clouds?!” The man was a head taller than him, eyes almost as wide as the large, circular glasses. Both his hair and moustache were unkempt, and his outfit was a simple shirt and trousers.

“William?! I could ask you the same thing! Aren’t you supposed to be on call in the barracks?”

“Yes, but I couldn’t stick it tonight. I forgot how close to the centre the barracks is, and everything is - it’s loud. I needed to get some air, but it’s worse out here than it was in there!”

Damien’s gaze lifted skyward again. He hadn’t registered the sound, while William couldn’t focus on the colour. There had to be a middle ground…

“Come back with me. I have an idea, but I need my car.”

“Your car? Dames, I really don’t think hiding in -”

“No no, trust me… Please.” 

-

Damien held William’s hand the entire walk back, squeezing the soldier’s hand tightly every time a firework went off overhead. William was one who often kept his worries and fears to himself, but now was not the time to talk about it. Instead, Damien wanted to keep William company, especially now that they did have the chance to spend time together.

When they returned to the Mayoral Residence, Damien quickly unlocked the car and gestured for William to take the passenger’s seat.

“I really don’t think this will help,” William admitted quietly. “A car isn’t soundproof. The metal is far too thin to provide any sort of muffling.”

“I know. But that’s not why I wanted the car.” Damien stuck the key into the ignition and turned on the engine. The car sputtered to life and set off. Normally, Damien had a driver, but it was nice having his own independence. “It will help us get to our destination.”

“Our destination?”

“Yes. Somewhere outside the city. I think the hills would be nice to watch the fireworks. It should be far enough away to lessen the impact of the sound.”

“Ah.”

After that, silence fell. They were the only ones on the road, and both were made keenly aware of how quiet the streets were. No one would be out until the new year rang in. For now, the car was the only disruption to the tranquil night. Every road was quiet, and it was the first time that Damien was greeted by only green lights. His light-hearted comment about wishing he could get green lights when he was going to meetings fell flat. William really was troubled by this.

However, when they reached the edge of the city, William asked if they could stop by his cottage. Damien obliged, asking whether William wanted to go home instead. The soldier refused, reminding Damien that he would need to go back to the barracks after this. He didn’t give further clarification before he hopped out of the car and dashed inside.

Damien, too, stepped out of the car and leaned against it to look toward the sky. He couldn’t see the actual fireworks, instead being forced to be content with the faint flashes of colour. It reminded Damien of one of his visits to Mark backstage in the theatre, where the poor actor was fumbling as he tried to help hold a spotlight in place while a member of the backstage crew reattached it. 

The view was pretty, but it wasn’t as impactful as when he was walking. If they stayed here, this wouldn’t do at all. But if it made William feel more comfortable, then he would gladly take the sacrifice.

“Dames?” At the sound of his nickname, Damien turned around just in time for him to be covered by something red.

“Since we’re going out, I thought I’d bring something to make it a date.” William lifted the blinding item - a blanket - so he could reveal a small basket with a bottle of wine and two glasses. The fact that William had specified they were going ‘out’, along with the items, had Damien blink as he processed the information.

“Will? You had a basket?”

“I’ve wanted to invite you out for a picnic for months but I’ve been too nervous to do so.”

“Nervous? Why would I refuse a picnic with the man I adore?”

“Because I can’t make bloody presentable sandwiches, and I’m not asking the Chef in Mark’s place for help. He’d never let me live it down!”

Damien laughed, taking the basket so he could put it in the back seat. “I certainly don’t object to a liquid lunch with you tonight.”

-

The further out of the city they went, the lighter William’s mood became. He was starting to register how the explosions of the fireworks were quieter when viewed from a distance. He was why Damien nearly twisted his ankle with how fast William dragged him up the hill.

The sky was clear, the view was perfect from the hill, and yet not a single other person had the idea to travel out. Damien held the basket while William spread out the blanket. The solider sat down first and offered a hand to Damien, and he was gently guided to rest his head on William’s shoulder.

The plan to share the wine was forgotten as the pair simply enjoyed the unexpected company of the other. Damien had even dozed off against William, but he hadn’t realised until he was startled awake by a sudden barrage of noise in the distance.

William chuckled, unaffected by the sounds. “I think it’s the new year, Dames.”

Damien rummaged in his pocket for his pocket watch, and gasped when he realised the time was indeed just after midnight. “You’re absolutely correct. Happy New Year, my love.”

“Happy New Year, dear.”