Ripper Street/Escape to the Suburbs

[thirstforvice]

When Drake is cleared to go back to work, Jackson's sense of unease grows tenfold. He's been anxious ever since returning to their room in Whitechapel, very aware that the Vigilance Men are down but not out, and very aware of where they live. But there's always been the two of them, together, with multiple locked doors between them and the outside world. Now, he's alone, mobility still hugely limited by his broken leg, and Drake's alone on the streets where he can't keep him close.

The worries would have driven him to distraction, or drugs, if not for Mrs Ramsay.

Their landlady truly was a godsend, more than happy to care for her invalid tenant, completely unphased in the knowledge of what he and Drake got up to behind closed doors. She was gifted at tending to his healing injuries, and she was very happy to both prattle on to him and listen in turn. She doesn't judge him nor take offence, either, when he admits to feeling unsafe in her lodgings. Quite the contrary, she offers to find him and Drake some place safer. Whilst he doesn't like being left alone, he appreciates the offer too much to turn her down.

It only takes her a few days before she finds somewhere she thinks would be perfect. As she lays out supper for her favourite doctor and his sergeant, she tells him all about the house in the suburbs. It's close to one of those new underground rail stations, she tells him, making the journey into the city easy despite the distance. It's large but affordable, on a combined wage of a sergeant and police physician. The neighbourhood is respectable, and safe. And, she can't help but slipping in, plenty of spare space for a housekeeper, should they choose to take one (which, really, she feels they should. Did they even know how to cook their meals?).

Her enthusiasm is really highly infectious.

Comments

[thirstforvice]

"We're wonderful neighbours," Jackson looks honestly confused as he reaches up and pulls Drake back down into bed with him.

"A doctor and a police sergeant, can't get much more wholesome than that."

[thegentlemanthug]

Drake's cheeks are scarlet again.

"They might think we've moved in a brothel," he mumbled.

[thirstforvice]

"It's a whole house of our own, Benny," Jackson points out, getting comfortable against the pillows with one arm around his lover and the other hand cradling his cup.

"No adjoining walls. No one to listen in. Even I ain't so loud as to cast suspicion on us from that distance."

[thegentlemanthug]

Drake looks at him doubtfully.

"You scream loud enough to wake the dead, Homer."

[thirstforvice]

"Well, then, who's fault is that?" Jackson grins, raising an eyebrow.

"I just can't help myself 'round you, Ben."

[thegentlemanthug]

And Drake remembers all too well his own words during their embrace.

"Maybe I should be a little less encouraging."

[thirstforvice]

"'nd a little less irresistible too, if you want me to hush," Jackson refuses to give in so easy. He'd rather another broken leg over having to be quiet in his love making.

[thegentlemanthug]

"Oh, give over," Drake says, embarrassed again. Homer can compliment him as much as he likes - he'll never think he's much to look at it, and definitely nothing exciting in the bedroom.

[thirstforvice]

"I don't scream for just anyone," Jackson insists. In his eyes, Drake is beautiful, brave and strong. No matter what the Sergeant may think of himself.

[thegentlemanthug]

Drake says nothing, cradling Homer against his shoulder and sipping his tea. He can't imagine life getting any better than this.