[Luke+Seb];A lesson in anatomy; M?

[kaytee]

Music bounced off the windowed walls of the sprawling art room, an electric guitar's wailing reverb slowly dying before the broadcaster's annoyingly peppy voice introduced the next song, a classic Rolling Stones piece that was completely butchered by the low quality of the school's stereos. Although the morning had started off sunny enough, though a bit on the cold side for Luke's liking, looming grey thunderclouds had taken over and were beginning to send sheets of rain upon the Eddingborough Academy.

He rubbed a titanium white-smattered hand across the back of his neck, tilting his head until a satisfying crackle relieved some of the tension. He didn't realize his tanned skin was now streaked with the same color adorning the palette in his left hand, the very tips of his messy blonde hair looking a lot like they'd been partially bleached now. He stood in front of the large canvas, his vibrant blue eyes following the flowing motions of his brush as he blended more white into the blues and greys that created the young boy's face, his gaze flitting between the painting and the small photo pegged to the edge of the easel. It was the weekend, which for Luke meant no classes and sleeping in late. Even though it was nearly eleven, he'd only just woken up, padding down to the art room in the jeans he'd found on his floor, not bothering to even zip them up in the foresight that everyone would be either in bed or out having a life instead of sitting around the art room.

"Oh my god.. song.." he mumbled, swaggering lazily across the room and punching at the preset station buttons forcefully with the rounded end of his paintbrush. It was clear he wasn't a big fan of the Stones. He sifted through a few stations, not finding anything worthwhile per say, but deciding Black Dog better suited his taste than anything else he'd found. He rubbed absently at his chest, hissing surprisedly as a short fingernail scraped across the bruise-haloed gash just below the left side of his collar bone.

Oh yeah. That was there.

He never would've guessed a first year could do that much damage. The boy hadn't exactly been big, and there was no way Luke had even let his back come off of the bed. And yet he would bet money the guy was unscathed today, while he was left with an injury that more resembled something you'd get from the front lines of war than a night of sex and alcohol. He went back to the cool-colored painting he'd been working on, arguing that the gash wouldn't have even been there if he weren't such a sex addict. It was one thing to screw a random face. But letting a first year get drunk enough to agree to his requests?

Damn. He was going to hell.


(( xp this is not good.. ))

[Anna]

Well, this little adventure had been very educational for Sebastien. With the map in his left hand, he'd already circled half the school, marked off roughly a dozen locations, and discovered many interesting things about Eddingborough that he had no idea existed. So far, Seb had discovered a neat little alcove beneath the main stairwell, from which the main entrance hall was visible, but that was not visible from the main entrance hall. He'd found the N122 was the only classroom in all of Eddingborough that didn't have a class in it at any time. He'd discovered that the laundry room didn't have any locks, and that was just fine. He'd discovered that there were several ways to get to the roof.

If you're thinking that Sebastien is interested in the school's architecture, you'd be dead wrong. He was on a mission. A mission to be appreciated by his new favorite toy, Haley Badger.

Currently, he'd wandered into the Fine Arts wing, assuming there'd be all sorts of "creative" places he could mark down for the two of them. He'd already given the theatre the once-over, discovering several places back stage, in the orchastra pit, and on the catwalk. Perfect.

He pushed open the door to the art class, immediately met with the heavily windowed room that smelled of old paint and other things Sebastien couldn't identify. There was loud music blaring, thankfully, that allowed him to enter the room without an obligatory greeting to the one boy in there. He walked by him, too focused on the job at hand to say hello, and began studying the room.

It was a good place in general, with high countertops containing supplies, and many cupboards. Also, the vast expanse of windows would definitely give them a rush, considering that right outside of them, the courtyard and reflecting pool could be seen.

Still, though, for such a creative room, Sebastien's mind couldn't come up with any creative uses for the space. What a pity.

He glanced around, eyes landing on the artist, and a friendly smile curling his lips. Well, why not get an opinion from someone experienced in the area? He was sure to know the ins and outs of this room, and Sebastien was a man on a mission.

He walked over to the boy, pausing by the radio to turn down the volume. "Excuse me," he asked pleasantly, flashing one of his winning I-Want-Something smiles that he often used on his parents. "You look like you spend a lot of time in here, so I thought I'd ask your opinion on something..."

He gestured around the room a bit lavishly. "If you were going to have sex in here," he said, "where would you do it?"

[kaytee]

He hated his parents right now. What in hell had made them think he'd come to this school and somehow be magically cured of all the little vices they seemed to hate about him? Because, of course, that's why he'd flown halfway around the world to an all boys' academy in the middle of stuffy richville. To 'get cured'. Just the phrase made him feel like he should be wearing a white straightjacket or fessing up to the drugs he'd been secretly addicted to. If anything, this place had the odd ability to make him feel as thought he was harboring something that needed curing.

And the worst part? He was probably at least three hundred miles from any amount of shoreline.

Oh, he so wished his parents could see what the school was really like. He couldn't help but smile as he imagined their reactions walking down the hallways, boys everywhere in an array of everything but uniforms. And he'd seen his share of private schools before, but this one took the cake for it's sexual activity. It was hard to turn a corner in a hallway without stumbling into something sensual at the least. They were under the impression that walking through the school would fall in line with walking through a monastery.

Luke chuckled to himself, reaching for the tube of Fresh Maroon and smearing a good-size daub onto the palette. It lit up his canvas like fire at midnight, undoubtedly the focal point against the subdued blues and indigos dominating the color scheme.

His lips moved in time with the lyrics blaring from the radio as he brought an arm above his head, the red brush stroke creating a blended dash across the top of his painting, the overlapping electric guitars muting the slight creak of the door as it was slid open.

His hand stopped mid-motion as he caught sight of the blonde boy stepping determinedly past him without so much as a glance. He put down his brush, wiping his paint-smeared palms against the rough fabric of his jeans as he watched the boy studying the bay-windowed room. It was a bit odd, to say the least. He chuckled, too lazy to try and start a conversation himself. Instead, he walked a few paces beyond the easel he'd set up and turned the nozzle on the sink, swishing a few brushes around as the color faded down the drain.

It took a few moments to register that the radio was no longer on. He turned to ask the boy if he would put it back on only to find the blonde's equally blue eyes on him. He managed a 'what do you want' expression as the boy's accented 'excuse me' was voiced so mock-politely and obviously leading into something, it would have made no difference to Luke if he'd just said 'I want-'. His eyes followed the boy's opulently gesturing hand before snapping back to the other's blue eyes, brow furrowing bemusedly.

For real?

A lopsided smirk appeared on his lips as he turned to the boy, twisting the faucet off. "If that was a come-on, I'm disappointed." he teased, flashing the boy a highly amused smile, "You could've at least gotten a bit creative." His gaze flitted beyond the blonde in front of him as he considered the other's question.

If he were going to have sex in here....

"It's a big room." he started, not bothering to bring his gaze back to the boy in front of him for a few moments. "I think I've got just the place." He tilted his head, bumping a bent forefinger against the edge of the rolled-up map. "But first off, I want to know what that is." The guy could walk away if he wanted. It was still morning for Luke, and he'd decided today's mood would be 'difficult'. Did the blonde really think Luke Alexander was just going to tell him what he wanted right out?

Sorry.

[Anna]

Since when had people stopped being helpful? Sebastien had encountered the attitude across the span of Eddingborough since he'd been here. Every conversation, it seemed, was turned into a game. Not that he minded -- Sebastien liked games, after all -- but when the boy was on a mission, it wasn't necessarily his cup to stop for witty banter and flirting. Then again, Seb had always been capable of going with the flow, and it's not like this art boy was necessarily an unpleasant development.

"If it was a come on," he supplied simply, "there would be no question. If you need a demonstration, just ask."

That wasn't necessarily true. Sebastien had no set flirting styles -- anything too over the top or obvious made him cringe. Unless, of course, it was obnoxiously over the top. That was a good strategy as well. He had the bruises on his hips to show how well that plan of attack had worked. He smiled briefly, hands coming to rest on his hips, and brushing the sensitive battle-wounds there.

He studied the boy before him, paint smeared, and -- Seb was pleased to see -- roughly his same height. After so many boys here had towered over him, it was pleasant to see that not everyone would be looking down on him. He met the boy's eyes easily, still maintaining his lopsided smile.

Okay, so Sebastien could take a little time out of his mission. If the boy had 'just the place' to share, then he wouldn't mind working a bit for it. He was surprised the boy had even noticed the map in his hand, but was pleased all the same. How could he not want the chance to brag about his new project?

"Well," he said proudly, unfolding the map and flicking it onto one of the high tables. "This is a map of Eddingborough. But I'm sure you knew that. And these," he added, pointing at a couple of the red X's littering its surface, "are all the places I'm going to... make art with my new friend. As you can see, the art room is lacking a marker, so I thought I'd ask your advice."

He pushed the map closer to the boy. "You're free to use it, if you'd like," he added off-handedly, "but if I ever catch you in one of spots when I want to use it, you better prepare to evacuate."

[kaytee]

He knew he was probably acting like a total prick at the moment. He knew that if someone were acting like he was to him, instead of Luke being the difficult one, he would've slugged them by now. Yeah, so he wasn't the best people-person all the time. But it was slightly amusing to be the annoying one for once, he was usually on the receiving end of that sort of attitude. Plus, this guy didn't exactly seem hard to act forward around.

He tilted his head at the boy's words, raising an eyebrow almost surprisedly. God, he was so tempted to ask for a demonstration, just to see what the other would do. But even he wasn't that low. Although if anyone, it'd probably be this guy he'd ask. It wasn't as if he didn't notice the boy was good-looking.

He also couldn't help but notice the blonde was roughly the same height as he was. That was a nice change. Even Gabriel was just about his height, and he was two years younger than Luke.

He returned the boy's equally blue gaze as easily as the other had, the right corner of his lips tugging upward in the empty space of their conversation. He hadn't actually expected the other boy to give him any insight into whatever was on the rolled-up paper clutched in a relaxed hand, and he was sure the slight surprise showed plainly on his face for a moment when the other proudly begun a pontifical explanation. He glanced over the boy's shoulder, silently relishing the fact that for once he could actually see over someone's shoulder. His gaze traced the boy's finger as he pointed out a number of small red 'x's smattered across the map.

"Should I be feeling privileged to be invited to take part your endeavor?" he asked amusedly, though in reality what this boy was doing didn't sound like the worst idea. The only catch was the lack of a steady friend with which he could make art, the the other had put it. He leaned against the counter the map had been lain out on, one palm lying flat against the granite surface and the other propped on his hip. "Well, wasn't it thoughtful of you to include the art wing." He smiled, twisting the paper with a finger so it was facing him squarely as he pored over it curiously.

"Although, if I'm going to be expected to clear out at your whim, maybe it'd be better not to disclose my favorite place." His gaze slowly drifted from the map to the boy's face, an entertained smile playing on his lips now. Of course he wasn't really going to not tell the boy, he just didn't want to let the other have it without at least a little difficulty.

[Anna]

Oh, so Art Boy wanted to play it difficult? Sebastien fully expected his explanation to do the trick, that the boy would simply hand over the secret place. He was now very curious what the boy had in mind -- it obviously must've been good. Besides, by using the art room, Sebastien and Haley could give their term "making art" a whole new meaning.

He leaned on the counter next to Art Boy, allowing himself to press against the arm the boy was putting weight on. "Thoughtful indeed," he agreed lightly. "I wouldn't want any room at Eddingborough School for Boys to feel left out. Gotta spread the magic, right?"

The kind thing to say next would be to assure Art Boy that, in exchange for his help, Sebastien would gladly make him a copy of the map, and maybe give him a guided tour and demonstration of the things meant to be done at each X. But, oddly enough, he felt rather attached to the idea of this map belonging to him and Haley only. Their thing.

Man, he needed to make art with someone besides Haley Badger soon, before he became one of those boring, monogamous people.

So instead, he gave another of his trademark lopsided grins, and said, "Hey, Art Boy, we had a deal. I tell you what the map is, and you tell me the next best X to add onto it. So please, disclose your favorite place."

He paused at the boy's choice of words, and tilted his head towards him so his amused, curious look could be fully appreciated by the other. "Your favorite place?" he asked, realizing the significance of his words. "You didn't mention that. Do you use it often?"

[kaytee]

A complacent smirk began to form across the expanse of his lips as he caught the mixture of amused challenge and, even better, the curiosity this boy wasn’t able to mask in his blue eyes. So he’d finally gotten him interested. Even if it was a truly miniscule victory, he was feeling lazy enough to relish it. Besides, the blonde in front of him gave Luke the impression that peaking his curiosity even a little was a success. Who was he to be picky about his triumphs?

He returned his gaze to the map, counting up the red X’s scattered over various rooms of the sprawling boys’ academy. Unless the boy had begun his little project some time ago, his agenda seemed pretty booked to Luke. His straightened arm buckled slightly as he felt the other casually press against him, feeling the least bit ridiculous when no move was made on his part to shift away at all. He decided to blame it on the fact that, despite his current attitude, he was still half asleep.

He chuckled at the boy’s concurrence, lazily pushing the fingers of his unoccupied hand under the rim of his pocket. “Right” he agreed amusedly, his boyish grin falling on the blonde as he turned away from the map. He had a feeling this guy wasn’t seriously going to just let him borrow the other’s master-plan idea, hand over his carefully-laid plans to some boy he’d run into while scoping out the art wing. If it was his scheme, at least, he knew that’s how he’d feel. There were many things he was. A sharer? Not always.

Admittedly, he wouldn’t mind too much sharing the map with this boy if it was his. Maybe illustrate what was supposed to be accomplished at those little X’s.

His smile widened as he placed his other hand on the tabletop, leaning forward slightly as he fixed his gaze with the other’s. “Alright, first off, it’s Luke”, he started, though Art Boy wasn’t half bad in all truth, “And you never said that was part of the deal. Let’s not go making things up quite yet.” He emphasized his rebuttal by sticking his face closer to the other’s, sliding the map in between them. His head nodded slowly at the boy’s question as he tilted his curious, amused gaze towards Luke. He had to admit, the guy could turn on the charm when he wanted to.

Not many people seemed aware of the little alcove he’d discovered, and suddenly giving it’s location away didn’t come easily. “Occasionally”, he replied lightly, “I’ve got to spread the magic, right?” He spun the map with a forefinger against the granite counter. “So you’re the artist on these endeavors?” he inquiringly teased, though it hardly seemed a question to Luke.

((omg I’m sorry for this post.. I’m having to write it during newsboard, and my teacher keeps eyeing the screen over my shoulder D8< ))

[Anna]

"Oh, don't be smart with me," said Seb, though his voice was not threatening, but rather light and playful. After all, if Sebastien was fishing for the boy to give him something, pissing him off wasn't going to squeeze it out of him. "When I asked, you told me you had the perfect place, but before you would tell me, I had to divulge what this was."

He snatched up the map now, and folded it up. The boy had gotten a good enough look. Luke, huh? Sebastien would probably ignore that. Art Boy had a certain ring to it. He should appreciate the fact that Sebastien had cared enough to give him a nickname at all. Or rather, that he had wanted something out of him bad enough to give him a nickname. Either way, he should be somewhat flattered.

It looked like this could take away. After giving the boy's side a casual, barely-there bump, he pivoted so his back was to the counter, and pushed himself onto the table top so his feet dangled above the ground. From this position, he could look at Luke straight on, and he caught his eye.

"Of course I'm the artist," he said, lopsided grin turning his lips. "It's a new piece though -- Eddingborough's still .. a blank canvas. And I'm guessing that your secret location will be the little je ne sais pas I'm looking for. So spill, Art Boy, unless I'm going to spread my magic all over your painting."

It was a wonder, really, that these words didn't come off as bratty or rude. Oh, Seb. What a charmer.

[kaytee]

He couldn't help the amused smile expanding lopsidedly over his face as the other retaliated quickly, his voice neither angry nor whiny as Luke would've expected it to be. On the contrary, the blonde seemed good-natured despite Luke's headstrong first impression. "Yeah.. though I don't remember ever saying more than I have the perfect place" he teased, falsely implying that he'd never meant to give the boy his favorite spot in the first place.

He wasn't surprised the boy had taken the map up, he knew he wasn't exactly fulfilling his share of the bargain so far. He couldn't help but tilt his head inquiringly when the other made no effort to give Luke his name, or a nickname of any sort. He'd have to take it upon himself to find one for the boy, in that case.

He leaned back to make room for the boy's legs as the blonde sat himself on the counter, catching Luke's equally blue gaze. His stomach bumped against the boy's legs, but he decided not to take a step backward. It would be up to the other to move away if he wanted to.

Of course Luke had guessed right, he couldn't see this boy letting anyone have the upper hand over him. He wondered if anyone had ever gotten the better of the blonde now sitting on the granite counter in front of him, though.

He decided that, if the situation ever arose, it would be his ambition to do just that.

"Oh, it certainly would." he replied lightly, propping his arms across the boy's thighs and leaning forward slightly, tilting his chin up in the least so his bright eyes met the other's. "And how would your.. friend.. feel about you going around making propositions like that, Picasso?" he inquired amusedly, skimming over the part where he should've given over his secret spot.

[Anna]

When Luke's arms landed on his thighs, Sebastien let out a low chuckle, but held his tongue as he waited for him to finish talking. After all, he didn't want to be impolite by interrupting with all the comments he desired to make -- because Seb was oh-so polite. He wanted to say something about how he wasn't to be distracted from his goal by a pretty boy leaning on his legs.

It would be, Seb mused, a good time to kiss him. Maybe shut him up as he attempted to get the upper hand from Seb. Cover that smart little mouth of his and stop the questions that Sebastien didn't really care to answer, and instead, kiss him until he spoke what he did want to hear. Sebastien had done it before. People were surprisingly easy to persuade after a good make out.

But Seb was a man on a mission, and he wasn't about to let this Art Boy think he was winning whatever unspoken battle they were currently taking part in.

"First of all -- what would he think?" Seb repeated, mocking disbelief painting his blunt features. "Are you kidding me? Defacing someone else's hard work by way of public masturbation? He'd be jealous he hadn't thought of it first. And second of all -- "

His hands dropped down, fingers gripping the boys arms and lifting them from his lap so they were suspended between their bodies.

"Tell me what I want to hear, and then we'll talk about touching."

[kaytee]

He couldn't help but chuckle at the obviously mocking shock of disbelief crossing the boy's face. While Luke wasn't too keen on the idea of having this guy all over the abstracted portrait he was currently working on, and he had the feeling the blonde wasn't one to bluff often, admitting such would mean a surrender on his part. If opening his mouth meant admitting defeat.

And that wasn't about to happen anytime soon.

Luckily, he didn't have to, his lips set into an amused smile as he let the other continued, raising an eyebrow before pulling his arms out of the boy's grasp. "Let's say I told you.." he started lightly, leaning away from the blonde and propping his arms on either side of the other, "Then you'd know my secret and probably wander off to wherever it is you go."

His smile had faded slightly, the amusement still reflected in his light blue eyes as he held the boy's gaze. "What's in it for me? Why should I feel compelled to hand it over?" he inquired, managing to turn the boy's same unwhining, unbratty tone back at him.

It had gotten him wondering, what exactly would happen after he divulged what the boy was seeking. After all, he couldn't say he wasn't enjoying this guy's company.

[Anna]

If Sebastien had wanted to, he would have kept a strong grip around the boy's arms. After all, he had lifted them from his lap to show that it was Sebastien, not anyone else, who decided when and where there would be physical contact. People were not allowed to just touch him whenever they wished. Unless of course they had earned that right. Luke hadn't. But he would definitely be closer by whispering that little secret in Seb's ear.

Sebastien clucked his tongue. "Is that what you're worried about?" he asked about the boy's prediction. It was partially correct; Seb hadn't planned on sticking around after learning the secret spot. He had to meet up with Haley so the two of them could enjoy the map together. "That as soon as you tell me, I'll have no use of you? That's cute, Art Boy."

He hopped down off the tabletop now, landing lightly in front of Luke and grinning at him. He cocked his head to the side in consideration, but opted to completely ignore the latter question. Sebastien wasn't up for negotiating. "So," he said mildly. "Are you going to show me or not?"

[kaytee]

He shrugged his shoulders in respondence to the boy, still not convinced that the other wouldn't just leave after he'd revealed what the blonde wanted to know. "Well, it is my very favorite place. And by giving it to you I run the risk of relinquishing it if you happen to get there before me." He'd only begun to think about that side of the agreement. After all, he hadn't even managed to use it with Blaine, and if he was forced to relocate because of this boy..

That couldn't happen. It simply wouldn't.

He felt compelled to rock back, his bare feet sliding over the cool tile to allow the boy breathing room as he lightly slipped off the counter, tilting his head with the same amused grin across his face. A very cute grin, Luke had to admit. He sighed, rubbing at his cheek in dramatic consideration to the other's question. "I suppose you won't let this go until I do", he teased, though he was actually enjoying the other's company. He turned slowly, walking lazily across the large room and taking hold of a looming blank canvas, pulling it aside to reveal a small door.

It was an accident that he'd come upon it at all.

He struggled with the door handle before finally being able to wrench it open, revealing a smaller room that was mostly used for storing progressing sculptures. It wasn't overly intricate, but the stained glass and slightly domed ceiling weren't to be underestimated. There were open platforms scattered about the room, the perfect surface for creating a masterpiece. There was always the chance this guy would shrug the place off, maybe it was only Luke that was so enthralled by how everything was heightened and multiplied somehow by the architecture of the small room. But that would be the other's loss. He wasn't going to complain; it would, after all, leave it free and waiting for whatever spontaneous endeavor he might partake in.

He stood against the opened door, flourishing his arm theatrically as he returned the boy's amused smile. "After you, of course", he offered.

[Anna]

Sebastien Lenoire loved the feeling of getting what he wanted. He followed after Luke with a self-satisfied air, as though he deserved to be led to this secret place. As if it was already rightfully his. As the boy moved a blank canvas out of the way, Sebastien couldn't help but be intrigued. He hadn't begun to imagine what sort of place the boy would be leading him, and the fact that where ever it was involved a secret passage made it all the better. It was definitely a surprise, and Seb loved surprises.

As he trailed along behind the boy toward the door, he grinned and said, "Rest assured, Art Boy, you don't have to relinquish anything. I'm sure we'll be able to share it just fine."

The door was opened, entrance offered, and Sebastien couldn't help but offer a slightly amused look as the boy gestured him in. He slid by him, stopping briefly in the threshold to meet his gaze and say, "I'm Sebastien Lenoire, by the way. Just in case you wanted to know who you'll now be sharing property rights with," and stepped into the room.

It was quite the place; Art Boy hadn't disappointed. Sebastien wasn't sure what he'd expected, but all the drawn out banter and joking had made it seemed to him like the secret place couldn't possibly be as interesting as the boy was letting on. But it was. Oh, he couldn't wait to show Haley.

He let an appreciative silence hang in the air as he navigated the small space and appraised it. It would work beautifully. Even being in the space brought thoughts to his head. He didn't want to have to wait for Haley. Haley would understand.

He tossed a look over his shoulder to the other blond. "So," he said casually, wondering how much use he could squeeze from the boy, "you going to show me how to use it?"

[kaytee]

He merely nodded his head slowly at the blonde's assuring words, still not totally convinced that had been any sort of promise. At the number of little red X's dotting a fair portion of the school's various floors and rooms, there was opt to be a pretty good chance they'd both have need of it simultaneously at one point or another. But still, he was willing to give this guy the benefit of the doubt.

Maybe they'd actually avoid any run-ins.

"Oh, so I get to know your name?" he teased, feigning mock incredulity as he let the boy pass him. He followed after Sebastien once he'd stepped through the offered doorway, his fingertips dragging the door behind him until it barely clicked shut. Blue gaze followed the other's slow path throughout the room, sighing into the silence before taking a step forward, rubbing the his hand through the back of his messy blonde hair.

He cleared his throat quietly, slouching against the wall as he eyes trailed along the boy's impeccable physique. Yeah, he'd gone there. It wasn't off the rules to make silent remarks, right? Still, it was fairly safe to say the boy was thoroughly occupied already, and that was what drove his thoughts back to the canvas still waiting outside the smaller room. He'd shown Lenoire what he was supposed to, and now he was sure the other blonde would thank him in that same charming way only to practically vanish. His mouth opened to ask if he could get back to what he was doing, to tell him that he would need to pull upwards before twisting the door handle to get it to open, when he was cut off by the other's coy invitation.

Wait. What?

He blinked, a slightly confused grin alighting on his features as he stepped forward, wondering if he'd even heard right. By the look on Sebastien's face, however, he was slightly shocked to realize he had. Still, it wasn't as if he wouldn't have offered himself. Lenoire wasn't exactly the kind of boy he'd turn down. A lopsided smirk ran across his lips as he came within an inch of the other boy, his face close enough that he could feel Sebastien's hot breath against his cheek. "Only if you ask nicely enough" he teased, dropping his voice to a whisper as he lightly pushed the boy against the raised platform behind them.