Their Little Beauty (MxMxM+GF)

Chapter Twenty- The Fatiguing Task of Shopping

Shopping list in hand and a few notes of cash in the other, Briar got out of the taxi and handed the driver her well earned money. With a small smile, he stepped back as she drove off then took a moment to breathe in deeply. 

The air held a nip that stung his nostrils ever so slightly, his chest feeling cold even beneath the thick jacket but despite the chill working its way under the fabric, he would have taken it over the insufferable heat of summer any day. 

Summer, although beautiful and leading to more opportunities for fun activities, could never compare to the delight of autumn. Partially because he preferred the cold but mainly, it was because of what came throughout the autumn months. 

There was Halloween, Guy Fawkes night and Christmas- just to name a few. The first of those had already passed and Briar had spent it watching horror movies with his housemates, eating cookies Quinn decorated into ghouls and pumpkins while Devon and Jesse argued over how much alcohol was allowed to be consumed. As midnight struck and Halloween ended, the master and submissive were passed out on the floor, beyond drunk, leaving Briar and Quinn to enjoy all of the sofa space and snacks- and change from horror to Disney movies. 

Guy Fawkes had been spent together too, only this time they all camped in the back garden around a large bonfire, tents pitched, and fireworks being sent off at random intervals. It was a mellower celebration, spent mostly talking or admiring the beauty of the night sky illuminated by vibrant colours, all while sipping hot drinks and burrowing into sleeping bags.

But now, Christmas was fast approaching and there were still so many things to worry about. Namely, gifts. Jesse's presents were already bought and wrapped, the item for the little fox had come to Briar immediately and he was really happy with it. Devon and Quinn however were difficult to buy for- they were grown, mature men after all. Not that Jesse was an adolescent in his mind, but they definitely were much more forthcoming with the things they enjoyed. 

Choosing to divide and conquer his tasks, Quinn was chosen as the first person to buy for. So, he walked down the high street, spending perhaps two hours walking around the winding streets until his fingers felt so cold, he worried they would be gone the next time he looked. 

Seeking refuge from the rapidly dropping temperature for just a few moments, he stepped inside the closest shop and released a shaky breath the moment hot air blew down on him.

Shit, that makes me really need to pee.

Pulling out his phone to check again, he looked at the maps and was confused on how he could still not find the shop he was looking for. Deciding that he would just have to seek help, Briar walked up to the cashier and smiled at the young girl in what he hoped was a friendly and non-threatening way; his face was so cold, he had no idea what it was doing. 

"Hi, I'm a little lost and I was wondering if you would be able to help?".

"Sure, where're you needing to be?" she asked, and he sagged in relief that she wasn't going to make him buy something expensive first.

"Um, I think it's called Ray Mears, but I've also seen it advertised as Woodlore? It's supposed to be all about outdoor gear and nature things. The map said it's right around here, but I've been looking for ages and can't find it".

At first, the girl looked blank. Disheartened, Briar was just starting to wonder if he would have to resort to ordering online and risk the gifts coming late, when her face lit up in recognition.

"Oh, yeah! Tsk, I wish they would put up more signs or something but yeah, you're not the first person to get confused like this. It's actually in the mall a few streets away but since the maps makes it seem like it's on this street, we get loads of people looking for shops inside the mall. If you just follow the sign for Harrods- the chocolate shop-, the mall is right next to it".