North and South

Your messed up world will thrill me

AN: It's been a while. Tbh I've no idea what's going on with allegations etc but like yeah believe victim's first always. At this point cause I already had this written I'm putting it out and taking it off hiatus until such a time as things are clarified legally I guess just proceed with caution is all we can do.

Erin gripped on to Graham's hand tightly as he weaved through the crowds making their way up from the tube station. The air was hot and cloying, dank and sewer like. The masses of people packed so close to them made Erin feel nauseous and claustrophobic.

"Do you get used to this?" She said breathlessly as they now found themselves on a crowded pavement.

Graham shook his head.

"No. I don't come into this part of town often. Too many people."

Erin frowned. She hadn't actually thought of how much he may just have been doing this for her benefit and that he may feel completely uncomfortable.

"Sorry. Oh my God I feel so fucking stupid. I didn't mean for you to go out of your way like this. Or to do anything you don't feel comfortable with-"

Graham smiled at her.

"No. I want to show something. I am comfortable... I'm with you."

Erin felt herself blushing shyly. She was glad that he felt that way around her.

She noticed the odd person in the crowd staring at him. And she grinned.

"Does it feel weird being recognised as that bloke from blur?"

Graham looked down at the pavement shyly as they crossed the street.

"I don't get approached much. Thank God. Damon's the one they want the autograph from."

Erin laughed.

"I bet that's not all they want off him." She said as she shook her head.

Graham laughed shyly.

"Yeah."

Erin frowned.

"I know you don't like the attention. I get it. But there must be some benefits. It must have gotten you a few dates at least?"

Graham bit his lip and shook his head.

"Like I said it's Damon that gets the prepositions. And I'm just...I'm not good at talking to people. I can't even tell when people are flirting with me. I mean why would they?"

Erin frowned.

"Why wouldn't they?"

Graham shrugged and chewed on his lips awkwardly. He hesitated for so long that Erin thought he wouldn't answer.

"Because I'm awkward and self conscious and...weird. I spent a lot of time alone in my room playing saxophone for my school band and painting. Those aren't cool things that people want to date you for.  And I'm not just weird on the inside. I'm skinny and wear glasses and I'm basically the furthest from sexy you can get I suppose."

He blurted out.

Erin pulled them into the alcove of a small church that was just right there on the bustling street.

Graham frowned slightly but Erin gazed up at him intensely.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she let the things she so desperately wanted to tell him out into the world.

She smiled.

"Now you're right here I can talk to you in real time without having to write it all down and wait for days for you to get it. Can I tell you the letter I'd write you right now after hearing you say all that?"