Kerr read the forms with some surprise, wondering why mortals would sign up for an activity that listed so many things that could go wrong and potentially kill them. They paid well for the opportunity, too. Once he'd satisfied the company's demand that he legally declare them not liable for any injury or death he sustained during the bridge climb by signing his name, Kerr and Ben took their clipboards back.
They were ushered into the next room with a bunch of other people, handed jumpsuits and locker keys and shown to a place they could change. They were told by an instructor that the conditions were windy on the bridge so the suits they were given were warm, the torso crossed with high-vis reflectors on the back. They were given the option of keeping their clothes on underneath - for warmth - but Kerr stripped down to his boxer briefs and pulled on the grey and blue onesie. If any of the general public touched them, flimsy clothing would be a good excuse as to why they were cold (if he could be bothered letting them think about it).
When he came out and caught Ben dressed in his identical coveralls, he couldn't resist grinning at him. It was probably the most unattractive outfit his lover had ever worn and, because of that, Kerr thought he looked absolutely adorable. Somehow, the suit managed to enhance the captivating aspect of his eyes, which was as amusing as it was exasperating. Nothing looked bad on him. Kerr shook his head wryly as he was headed off from talking with Ben by staff members that wanted to get his belt and gloves fitted. He was encouraged to lock all his belongings away in his locker - which was only his keys and his phone - before he headed to the harness section.
More and more people came in but there seemed to be staff to cater for the influx because, in no time, everyone was suited up and being sat down for their final preparation talk. A clinical psychologist was sitting with two pale-looking climbers; Kerr heard her identify herself and her role and start discussing what the two should be preparing themselves for in order to overcome their acrophobia. They seemed largely unconvinced but watched her face avidly, nodding along as she discussed fear centres in the brain and overcoming instinctive responses. She sounded very caring and committed to getting the terrified pair to the summit, assuring them they could do it and when they did, they'd feel amazing.
The climb staff herded them into seats and introduced themselves, discussing what their roles would be and giving more detailed information about the climb. There would be pauses along the way as the guides stopped to relay information about the bridge, its construction and facts about the city. There would also be some path changes as they moved up ladders, along gantries and ascended curved stairways, exploring the different features of the bridge itself along the way. Some stops would be purely for photographs (which they had the option of purchasing later). Kerr hadn't realised they'd be getting a history and architectural lesson as well - he'd thought it would be a matter of just climbing to the top, looking around and climbing back down - so he perked up at the thought they'd be learning as well as experiencing.
At the head guide's instruction, the climbers began to form up into a single file arrangement with guides interspersed between them. The jingle and clink of everyone's harness and guide cables (still disconnected at this stage) being caught and held became muffled by nervous giggles and excited comments. There was a sense of impending wonder hovering over everyone, the enthusiasm palpable and contagious, intensified by the group dynamic. Kerr grasped Ben from behind, wrapping his arms about his waist and giving him a squeeze as he leant down to place a kiss on the side of his neck. "Love you," he murmured, feeling too full of anticipation to express anything more, despite the fact that they hadn't had a chance to speak to each other through the whole preparation.
