Floating & Flaming - Syd Barrett

Like Black Holes in the Sky.

A/N / Warning: There will be *smut* in this chapter, so continue at your own discretion.

The two of us were silhouetted by the glowing light of the full moon. A light, cool breeze rustled our hair, reminding me how elegant this man truly was. I placed my head gently on his shoulder and breathed in his calming presence. He responded by taking my hand and guiding me up the long, tree-lined path up to his house.

"I never knew you lived out here in the country, Syd," I whispered, in awe.

"Well, my parents don't live here. They... well..." he sighed, "We'll talk about that later. This is actually my Nan's old house. She passed a few years ago and left the property to me. That's part of the reason things are complicated with my parents."

"It's lovely. We don't need to talk about parental issues right now. Trust me, I've got my fair share. Tonight is about escaping it all."

A warm smile spread across Syd's face at my words.

As we approached the front door of the cozy cottage, Syd turned to face me.

"Piper. Look up."

I did and tears flooded my eyes. The stars were so clear, unobstructed by buildings or light pollution. They blanketed the heavens in an extraordinary display.

I looked back at Syd and beamed. He wiped the tears from my eyes, drawing closer to me.

We were breathless, neither of us daring to speak. I guided his head down to my level and kissed his forehead. Then, he was the one in tears.

He pulled me into a tight embrace as we were both shaken by sobs.

"You have no idea how much I missed you while I was away, Piper. There's- there's something I should tell you-"

"I need you, Syd," I cut him off urgently.

He pulled back, confused. "Yes, I need you too. Of course I do. I don't want to be far away from you ever again."

"No, that's not what I mean." I played with his wild hair. My hand trailed down the side of his face, down his jawline, brushing his lips, finally landing on his chest. I was dangerously close to going lower.

"Ah. I see. Let me -ehem- give you the tour," he stuttered. I smirked at him. "Of the house!" he tacked onto the end quickly. I laughed at his bashfulness.

It wasn't fair of me. I had been planning this since he'd left, but he had no time to prepare.

He'll be occupied with other things in no time, I thought.

We continued through the door.

"This is the front room, the kitchen's in there, dining room's in there, living room is off to the left, and here are the stairs," he said, pointing in directions haphazardly.

He paused.

"And what's up the stairs?" I teased.

Syd cracked a smile, his usual confident demeanor returning. "Oh, you know. Toilets, guest rooms, and another set of stairs up to the attic."

"Really? Nothing else?"

"You're acting like there's nothing special about the attic. Come, my love," he said, taking my arm to escort me up the first set of stairs.

Both the first and second floors were beautiful, tastefully furnished and wallpapered, clearly the signs of an older feminine touch. I didn't get to see them for very long, though, as Syd rushed me up to the attic.