Thaddeus closed his eyes again as Alfarinn stroked his hair and let hands trail down his back in a soothing touch. Finally lifting his head to look at his companion properly, he smiled gently at the affirmation though the expression turned to raised eyebrows as Alfarinn seemed to realize just how roughly he’d bitten. A flicker of anxiety passed through him as his companion ran his fingers over the bruise, but the realization seemed to bring Alfarinn contentment rather than worry.
Seeing that his companion was apparently quite ready to be up and around, he obligingly rolled off and onto his back, surprised to find how close he was to the edge of the bed. Moving up a bit more, he let his head hang over the edge, watching Alfarinn’s retreat to the bathroom upside down.
Alfarinn seemed…perfectly happy. Absolutely normal. Thaddeus wondered if his concerns were all in his head, if he were making too much of what had been an incredible experience for both of them. He reflected that he had thought similarly the first time Alfarinn bit him; that it was a shame the mark would fade all too soon. Why would it be any different for his companion?
He shook his head. That wasn’t the point, really.
Still hanging his head upside down, he watched long legs walk back into the room and scooted back into a slightly more normal position on the bed, letting the world come right side up again. He couldn’t help but feel a little incredulous at Alfarinn’s normalcy, his completely unconcern. Perhaps his companion had likewise been too far gone to realize what happened, in which case he should explain.
Sitting up properly, he gently took the towel from Alfarinn’s hands and finished cleaning himself off as he spoke.
“I was…quite beyond myself when I bit you. I wasn’t as careful as I should have been.”
He reached up and pushed a strand of hair behind Alfarinn’s ear, regarding his companion with a tilted head.
“That worries me; I could have hurt you.” His expression serious, he leaned forward and gave Alfarinn’s forehead a soft kiss. “I’m quite glad you’re alright but it unnerves me to think that I bit you when I wasn’t thinking clearly and being careful.” His forehead creased into a frown. “I really was rather rough with you. And so soon after you were hurt…” Sighing, he leaned back on his elbows. “You are so precious to me, I feel I should be more careful with you.”
Apartment Sweet Apartment
Getting the wolf home was easier than he expected; once Skodde was coaxed into leaving the small brownstone by the bone he followed readily enough. Alfarinn smiled at him and set the bone down in the kitchen.
"You've been very good. Thank you, Skodde."
Who knew what Lykaios had called the canine but without some sort of collar or tag there was no object upon which to possibly garner such information.
He placed Natt's mate on the counter and saw Natt settle in protectively beside her. Digging around in the kitchen, he found them both some suitable food before considering the animals all taken care of for the moment.
Alfarinn turned back to Thaddeus with a grin and leaned in towards his companion. Feeling around in Thaddeus's pockets for his phone, he felt the extra touches were absolutely necessary. Alfarinn layed his arm gently on Thaddeus's shoulder and dialed the number with the tip of his thumb; leaning in for a quick kiss while he waited for it to connect, he then put the phone to his ear and headed down the hall.
It was a quick conversation to let Dani know that they and the wolf were home safe and he thanked her again for coming to help them so quickly and so much.
He hung up the phone and set it on the counter in the bathroom and then moved to turn on the water for the shower. Setting out a couple of towels, he then carefully undressed here on the tile lest he track more grime than necessary elsewhere. Piling up the clothes into a small stack off to one side, Alfarinn turned to his companion.
"So shall we conserve more water? Behaving or not is entirely optional."
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn had to smile at finding Thaddeus hanging over the edge of the bed when he had come back in the room. It was an adorable image, one could almost think him the teenager he appeared to be.
He watched Thaddeus take the towel away from him with a sigh but put it away none the less when his companion was done. Smiling when Thaddeus reached up to tuck back his hair and kissed his forehead, Alfarinn sat back on the bed and gathered his lover into his arms.
"Thaddeus, you did not hurt me, nor would you have."
Pressing his cheek against his lover, he closed his eyes.
"You say you were beyond yourself. I doubt that, I know that you like to think things through more fully but that does not mean that you would have done something to harm me. Besides, I asked you to as I recall."
He blushed and gave Thaddeus a reassuring hug.
" I asked and I'm sorry it has made you uncomfortable. You were no rougher than I would have wanted, you're always thoughtful. I'm not made of glass, you won't break me. I haven't managed to do it in over 2000 years and you'd be surprised at some of the lengths I've gone to to test that. "
He had certainly tried some stupid things for which he probably should not be sitting here but now was not the time to remember them. He should have known his request would have bothered Thaddeus who was always so gentle. It made him feel rather ashamed of his baser instincts; perhaps he should have thought it through clearly himself but every situation could not be planned out ahead of time. Still he found himself feeling selfish and had the even more selfish urge to crawl under the covers and hide. He looked down at the floor, remembering the tears Thaddeus had shed and wondered now if he'd been wrong about them after all.
"I hope you'll forgive me."
There really wasn't much more he could say. Excuses weren't helpful and he wouldn't waste their time on them. He would certainly understand if Thaddeus were angry with him; he was rather angry with himself.
He watched Thaddeus take the towel away from him with a sigh but put it away none the less when his companion was done. Smiling when Thaddeus reached up to tuck back his hair and kissed his forehead, Alfarinn sat back on the bed and gathered his lover into his arms.
"Thaddeus, you did not hurt me, nor would you have."
Pressing his cheek against his lover, he closed his eyes.
"You say you were beyond yourself. I doubt that, I know that you like to think things through more fully but that does not mean that you would have done something to harm me. Besides, I asked you to as I recall."
He blushed and gave Thaddeus a reassuring hug.
" I asked and I'm sorry it has made you uncomfortable. You were no rougher than I would have wanted, you're always thoughtful. I'm not made of glass, you won't break me. I haven't managed to do it in over 2000 years and you'd be surprised at some of the lengths I've gone to to test that. "
He had certainly tried some stupid things for which he probably should not be sitting here but now was not the time to remember them. He should have known his request would have bothered Thaddeus who was always so gentle. It made him feel rather ashamed of his baser instincts; perhaps he should have thought it through clearly himself but every situation could not be planned out ahead of time. Still he found himself feeling selfish and had the even more selfish urge to crawl under the covers and hide. He looked down at the floor, remembering the tears Thaddeus had shed and wondered now if he'd been wrong about them after all.
"I hope you'll forgive me."
There really wasn't much more he could say. Excuses weren't helpful and he wouldn't waste their time on them. He would certainly understand if Thaddeus were angry with him; he was rather angry with himself.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus wrapped his arms around Alfarinn, letting long hair slide through his fingers as his companion spoke. He couldn’t help but feel comforted when Alfarinn pulled him close, but it was clear that he had upset his companion with his worries. He sighed inwardly; why couldn’t he just let the matter rest? Alfarinn had clearly felt more than fine and it was his hang-ups that seemed to be at issue, not anything his lover had said or done.
He pulled tighter when his lover alluded to testing his own limits, a shiver of fierce protectiveness going through him. He wondered if that particular quality of his was one that Alfarinn found grating; a smaller, three hundred year old vampire feeling insanely protective over a two thousand year old ancient.
Frowning at his companion’s mention of forgiveness, he could only shake his head at himself. He really should just fight his mental battles internally rather than dragging Alfarinn into his worries, but his companion would likely know something was troubling him anyway and think the worst. Still, he felt like a bit of an idiot for making Alfarinn uncomfortable with something they had both so clearly enjoyed.
“Alfarinn, there is nothing for me to forgive. There is no reason you shouldn’t ask for what you want and honestly I quite enjoy the same.” Suddenly shy at that pronouncement, he pulled closer, stilling his hand and simply holding onto Alfarinn securely. “I trust you completely. I just need to be able to trust myself as well. That was…incredible and when you asked there was nothing I wanted more. It all just brought out a side of myself that I’m not used to being, a side I wasn’t certain, in retrospect, you would like.”
Nuzzling into his companion’s neck, he blushed slightly, feeling the need to explain himself more fully but unsure of how to phrase the matter.
[I suppose I’m less than sure of myself when it comes to…what’s alright. I know you won’t break like glass but it’s quite important to me that you enjoy yourself rather than bearing with me if I go too far.]
Sighing and realizing he was coming dangerously close to rambling, he lifted his head, resuming the light strokes to Alfarinn’s hair.
“I imagine I’m over thinking things…you’ve said you enjoyed it, I definitely enjoyed that…that should be the end of it. I suppose I have a way of making things complicated.”
He really should, he reasoned, just stop there and let the matter rest. Of course, once he started talking he occasionally had a hard time stopping, particularly when he had already said far too much.
“I made a promise to myself not to bite anyone, for any reason, without being in full control. Without being certain I would not hurt them, that I would know exactly when to stop. At the time I didn’t imagine I would ever be so overcome with this passion I feel when I’m with you. I suppose I’m trying to reconcile that in some way, to recognize that even when this wasn’t deliberately thought out you were still alright.”
Moving closer once more, Thaddeus rested his cheek on Alfarinn’s head as he continued, mind to mind once more. It was a comfortable means of communication, both more intimate and revealing and safer at the same time.
[I’ve never trusted another person enough to completely lose myself in the moment this way. With you I can and I love every minute of it but I was afraid I had gone too far.]
He pulled tighter when his lover alluded to testing his own limits, a shiver of fierce protectiveness going through him. He wondered if that particular quality of his was one that Alfarinn found grating; a smaller, three hundred year old vampire feeling insanely protective over a two thousand year old ancient.
Frowning at his companion’s mention of forgiveness, he could only shake his head at himself. He really should just fight his mental battles internally rather than dragging Alfarinn into his worries, but his companion would likely know something was troubling him anyway and think the worst. Still, he felt like a bit of an idiot for making Alfarinn uncomfortable with something they had both so clearly enjoyed.
“Alfarinn, there is nothing for me to forgive. There is no reason you shouldn’t ask for what you want and honestly I quite enjoy the same.” Suddenly shy at that pronouncement, he pulled closer, stilling his hand and simply holding onto Alfarinn securely. “I trust you completely. I just need to be able to trust myself as well. That was…incredible and when you asked there was nothing I wanted more. It all just brought out a side of myself that I’m not used to being, a side I wasn’t certain, in retrospect, you would like.”
Nuzzling into his companion’s neck, he blushed slightly, feeling the need to explain himself more fully but unsure of how to phrase the matter.
[I suppose I’m less than sure of myself when it comes to…what’s alright. I know you won’t break like glass but it’s quite important to me that you enjoy yourself rather than bearing with me if I go too far.]
Sighing and realizing he was coming dangerously close to rambling, he lifted his head, resuming the light strokes to Alfarinn’s hair.
“I imagine I’m over thinking things…you’ve said you enjoyed it, I definitely enjoyed that…that should be the end of it. I suppose I have a way of making things complicated.”
He really should, he reasoned, just stop there and let the matter rest. Of course, once he started talking he occasionally had a hard time stopping, particularly when he had already said far too much.
“I made a promise to myself not to bite anyone, for any reason, without being in full control. Without being certain I would not hurt them, that I would know exactly when to stop. At the time I didn’t imagine I would ever be so overcome with this passion I feel when I’m with you. I suppose I’m trying to reconcile that in some way, to recognize that even when this wasn’t deliberately thought out you were still alright.”
Moving closer once more, Thaddeus rested his cheek on Alfarinn’s head as he continued, mind to mind once more. It was a comfortable means of communication, both more intimate and revealing and safer at the same time.
[I’ve never trusted another person enough to completely lose myself in the moment this way. With you I can and I love every minute of it but I was afraid I had gone too far.]
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn looked up at Thaddeus's statement unsure that his companion was not just telling him it was okay in order to get past something that bothered him. It was then that the full meaning of his lover's words hit him along with a sense of shyness that made him and run his hands along Thaddeus's back.
'Did he just say?'
Thaddeus had continued on though and Alfarinn put the other thought aside to listen to his companion fully.
Bending down to kiss Thaddeus on the forehead, He nuzzled his lover in return as he said.
"Hmm, you can lay that worry to rest then. I quite enjoyed that side of you. I can understand your apprehension though; I had wondered the same when you seemed upset."
He sighed happily as the fingers continued their way through his hair once more and found himself silently amused at them both. Alfarinn raised both eyebrows at his companion's statement that he had made things complicated, and replied with mock sternness.
"Thaddeus Grey, you may be complex, a fact that I find immensely attractive by the way, but you are hardly complicated. "
Chuckling at the thought, he continued.
" You make it sound like I'm suffering here and I suppose in truth I wonder if you are from time to time but I think we are just very much alike more than we realize, worrying about the same things. It is a good thing we end up talking it through or we are likely to come to some wrong conclusions. I love these discussions of ours and that we have them. So many couples don't say what bothers them until its too late. Not to go on about it or anything.. I hope it didn't sound like a lecture. I just love that we talk and I find you very much worth talking to and listening to."
He held Thaddeus close at the revelation that he had made a vow that he was trying to keep.
"I'm sorry perhaps it was something we should have talked about first. I am really very much alright. I find your promise to yourself so very noble and very much what I've come to expect as a quality that you seem to have in great quantity. If it eases your mind any, I don't think the bond would have.. well.. allowed isn't the correct word, but think on it this way, if you were hurting me with the bond so open as it was...I think we'd both know about the same time. I know that does not take care of whether or not we feel differently afterwards but it does reassure me that I will know how you feel while I am biting you."
His empathy worked much the same way for him with anyone he bit and Alfarinn had been told time and again that he wasted perfectly good blood by not taking an enemy down in such a way. It was hard for those without the ability to understand those feelings of fear and helplessness that are made so strong by the closeness and seemed, in his mind at least, to be heightened by taking in their blood. Alfarinn firmly believed it would feel like a part of himself was dieing along with them and that he would be haunted by the feelings of their passing under his fangs. Which did not excuse him from the lives that he had taken in other ways, it was not so noble as selfish in his mind, unlike Thaddeus's vow to himself.
[ We are here together. I don't think you could go too far, I'll be right there with you.]
Alfarinn leaned over and pulled the covers down and fell over backwards in the right direction with his arms still around Thaddeus. He loosened his hold in order to pull his legs under the covers before turning to his lover and propping himself up on one elbow.
[Now did I hear you straight? Did you tell me you enjoyed "playing rough" so to speak?]
The look of innocent surprise that he gave his lover did not hold out long in the battle with the mischievous grin.
'Did he just say?'
Thaddeus had continued on though and Alfarinn put the other thought aside to listen to his companion fully.
Bending down to kiss Thaddeus on the forehead, He nuzzled his lover in return as he said.
"Hmm, you can lay that worry to rest then. I quite enjoyed that side of you. I can understand your apprehension though; I had wondered the same when you seemed upset."
He sighed happily as the fingers continued their way through his hair once more and found himself silently amused at them both. Alfarinn raised both eyebrows at his companion's statement that he had made things complicated, and replied with mock sternness.
"Thaddeus Grey, you may be complex, a fact that I find immensely attractive by the way, but you are hardly complicated. "
Chuckling at the thought, he continued.
" You make it sound like I'm suffering here and I suppose in truth I wonder if you are from time to time but I think we are just very much alike more than we realize, worrying about the same things. It is a good thing we end up talking it through or we are likely to come to some wrong conclusions. I love these discussions of ours and that we have them. So many couples don't say what bothers them until its too late. Not to go on about it or anything.. I hope it didn't sound like a lecture. I just love that we talk and I find you very much worth talking to and listening to."
He held Thaddeus close at the revelation that he had made a vow that he was trying to keep.
"I'm sorry perhaps it was something we should have talked about first. I am really very much alright. I find your promise to yourself so very noble and very much what I've come to expect as a quality that you seem to have in great quantity. If it eases your mind any, I don't think the bond would have.. well.. allowed isn't the correct word, but think on it this way, if you were hurting me with the bond so open as it was...I think we'd both know about the same time. I know that does not take care of whether or not we feel differently afterwards but it does reassure me that I will know how you feel while I am biting you."
His empathy worked much the same way for him with anyone he bit and Alfarinn had been told time and again that he wasted perfectly good blood by not taking an enemy down in such a way. It was hard for those without the ability to understand those feelings of fear and helplessness that are made so strong by the closeness and seemed, in his mind at least, to be heightened by taking in their blood. Alfarinn firmly believed it would feel like a part of himself was dieing along with them and that he would be haunted by the feelings of their passing under his fangs. Which did not excuse him from the lives that he had taken in other ways, it was not so noble as selfish in his mind, unlike Thaddeus's vow to himself.
[ We are here together. I don't think you could go too far, I'll be right there with you.]
Alfarinn leaned over and pulled the covers down and fell over backwards in the right direction with his arms still around Thaddeus. He loosened his hold in order to pull his legs under the covers before turning to his lover and propping himself up on one elbow.
[Now did I hear you straight? Did you tell me you enjoyed "playing rough" so to speak?]
The look of innocent surprise that he gave his lover did not hold out long in the battle with the mischievous grin.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Smiling at the tender kiss to his forehead, Thaddeus felt something in him relax as Alfarinn spoke, easing his mind.
“I love that we talk too, though sometimes I think I talk too much. I’m glad you don’t mind when I go on."
He knew that there were other times when he couldn’t seem to put his thoughts into words at all so he supposed his bouts of rambling balanced that out. It was, however, a comfort to be so understood and he found he made a great deal more effort to explain himself when it came to Alfarinn even when it was difficult.
"I suppose that's another way we're similar; I quite enjoy listening to you talk as well."
Finding himself pulled close as his companion continued speaking, he rested his head on his companion’s chest and listened quietly, his forehead creasing a bit.
“I should have said something; I'll admit to being somewhat self conscious about my habits and there's just been so much going on that it never seemed like the right time to mention that I'm a touch jumpy about biting. I’m glad at least we’re talking about it now.”
When Alfarinn mentioned his promise being a noble one, though, he shook his head, a bit sadly, and wrapped one arm around his lover. At times his companion really did give him too much credit and while sometimes that was endearing and even convincing, he’d rather not have Alfarinn believe that of him in this case.
[Not really.]
The denial was about as deep as his thoughts went on the matter and he didn’t push the issue any further than that. At Alfarinn’s explanation of the bond and the awareness they had, he smiled softly, finding the idea reassuring.
[That does ease my mind.]
He slid his legs under the covers and went to move close to Alfarinn once more when his companion revisited an earlier point. He hesitated for a moment, recalling just what he had said while he lightly trailed fingertips down his lover's arm.
Not quite meeting Alfarinn's eye, but at the very least not burrowing his head under the pillows either, he sent.
[Alfarinn, I quite enjoy –everything- we do together.]
Somewhat embarrassed, he moved closer, running his hand down his companion’s side, over one hip, trailing down Alfarinn’s thigh before traveling back up.
[And I suppose that’s what it comes down to. I love you. I want you. I want you rough and gentle and in this bed and…] Realizing his cheeks were gradually heating up, he moved closer to rest his head on Alfarinn’s cool shoulder. […everywhere and everything.]
Pulling back a bit, he reached up to run his fingers along blond strands, smiling in a somewhat self depreciating manner.
“I’m a greedy, greedy person Alfarinn. And now you know.” Blushing, he leaned forward and kissed his companion’s chin. “In any case, I suppose the short answer would be ‘yes’.”
“I love that we talk too, though sometimes I think I talk too much. I’m glad you don’t mind when I go on."
He knew that there were other times when he couldn’t seem to put his thoughts into words at all so he supposed his bouts of rambling balanced that out. It was, however, a comfort to be so understood and he found he made a great deal more effort to explain himself when it came to Alfarinn even when it was difficult.
"I suppose that's another way we're similar; I quite enjoy listening to you talk as well."
Finding himself pulled close as his companion continued speaking, he rested his head on his companion’s chest and listened quietly, his forehead creasing a bit.
“I should have said something; I'll admit to being somewhat self conscious about my habits and there's just been so much going on that it never seemed like the right time to mention that I'm a touch jumpy about biting. I’m glad at least we’re talking about it now.”
When Alfarinn mentioned his promise being a noble one, though, he shook his head, a bit sadly, and wrapped one arm around his lover. At times his companion really did give him too much credit and while sometimes that was endearing and even convincing, he’d rather not have Alfarinn believe that of him in this case.
[Not really.]
The denial was about as deep as his thoughts went on the matter and he didn’t push the issue any further than that. At Alfarinn’s explanation of the bond and the awareness they had, he smiled softly, finding the idea reassuring.
[That does ease my mind.]
He slid his legs under the covers and went to move close to Alfarinn once more when his companion revisited an earlier point. He hesitated for a moment, recalling just what he had said while he lightly trailed fingertips down his lover's arm.
Not quite meeting Alfarinn's eye, but at the very least not burrowing his head under the pillows either, he sent.
[Alfarinn, I quite enjoy –everything- we do together.]
Somewhat embarrassed, he moved closer, running his hand down his companion’s side, over one hip, trailing down Alfarinn’s thigh before traveling back up.
[And I suppose that’s what it comes down to. I love you. I want you. I want you rough and gentle and in this bed and…] Realizing his cheeks were gradually heating up, he moved closer to rest his head on Alfarinn’s cool shoulder. […everywhere and everything.]
Pulling back a bit, he reached up to run his fingers along blond strands, smiling in a somewhat self depreciating manner.
“I’m a greedy, greedy person Alfarinn. And now you know.” Blushing, he leaned forward and kissed his companion’s chin. “In any case, I suppose the short answer would be ‘yes’.”
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn watched Thaddeus move closer and slid forward as well, wrapping his arms around his lover.
[ I am so terrible making you blush...so I shall have to make it up to you. ]
Running one hand along his companion's shoulder and up around behind his neck, Alfarinn pulled them closer still, gently kissing Thaddeus. After misunderstandings on both their parts it was wonderful to be able to hold and to touch and put the rest aside.
[ I want every part of you as well. ]
Leaning back, he smiled and then bent down again, touching his lips in a light caress on Thaddeus's cheek.
[This part]
And his shoulder
[This part]
Up along his neck to behind his lover's ear.
[And for certain this part.]
He then kissed Thaddeus on the tip of his nose.
[And we wouldn't want to forget that part. ]
Snuggling close to his companion under the covers, Alfarinn sighed contentedly
[You realize of course that everywhere leaves a lot open. I could think up some truly scandalous places... like the limo, the opera, the library...]
He smiled and winked at Thaddeus to let him know that he was kidding...certainly,mostly, quite probably. Alfarinn found himself laughing softly and shaking his head slightly, lest he dislodge the hand that was busy playing with his hair
"Yes? He said yes!"
Alfarinn found his mood was beyond light to rather silly but he found that, all things considered, it was difficult to be shocked or dismayed by that.
"Does this mean, 'I do'? You won't get cold feet on me will you? I'd hate to get all dressed up to be stood up at the altar."
In his mind, of course, they had already said the most important "I do's" when they created the bond, there was nothing more precious and unifying than that. He realized now that he'd never asked Thaddeus his thoughts on such a thing.
"We've never really discussed that. How have we managed to miss that in all the conversations we've had? Is there something more formal that you would like?"
It wouldn't be legal perhaps, at least not now but then neither of them could have their birth name on a wedding document anyway. Alfarinn wasn't sure what should be done or if anything needed to be done at all but perhaps Thaddeus had thoughts to share on the matter. His companion had been thinking of them moving in together before Alfarinn had mentioned it and he wondered now what else Thaddeus might hope for their future. It seemed like a good time to discuss such things.
[ I am so terrible making you blush...so I shall have to make it up to you. ]
Running one hand along his companion's shoulder and up around behind his neck, Alfarinn pulled them closer still, gently kissing Thaddeus. After misunderstandings on both their parts it was wonderful to be able to hold and to touch and put the rest aside.
[ I want every part of you as well. ]
Leaning back, he smiled and then bent down again, touching his lips in a light caress on Thaddeus's cheek.
[This part]
And his shoulder
[This part]
Up along his neck to behind his lover's ear.
[And for certain this part.]
He then kissed Thaddeus on the tip of his nose.
[And we wouldn't want to forget that part. ]
Snuggling close to his companion under the covers, Alfarinn sighed contentedly
[You realize of course that everywhere leaves a lot open. I could think up some truly scandalous places... like the limo, the opera, the library...]
He smiled and winked at Thaddeus to let him know that he was kidding...certainly,mostly, quite probably. Alfarinn found himself laughing softly and shaking his head slightly, lest he dislodge the hand that was busy playing with his hair
"Yes? He said yes!"
Alfarinn found his mood was beyond light to rather silly but he found that, all things considered, it was difficult to be shocked or dismayed by that.
"Does this mean, 'I do'? You won't get cold feet on me will you? I'd hate to get all dressed up to be stood up at the altar."
In his mind, of course, they had already said the most important "I do's" when they created the bond, there was nothing more precious and unifying than that. He realized now that he'd never asked Thaddeus his thoughts on such a thing.
"We've never really discussed that. How have we managed to miss that in all the conversations we've had? Is there something more formal that you would like?"
It wouldn't be legal perhaps, at least not now but then neither of them could have their birth name on a wedding document anyway. Alfarinn wasn't sure what should be done or if anything needed to be done at all but perhaps Thaddeus had thoughts to share on the matter. His companion had been thinking of them moving in together before Alfarinn had mentioned it and he wondered now what else Thaddeus might hope for their future. It seemed like a good time to discuss such things.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus sighed in contented pleasure as Alfarinn gently kissed his cheek, smiling at the long blond hair tickling his arm as his companion moved down.
He crinkled his nose instinctively when Alfarinn chose that spot to deliver his attentions, chucking softly. He found he was shaking with laughter as his lover continued, suggesting various places they might enjoy each other.
[Scandalous! I’m certain there is a Grey Family Rule against such behavior. Fortunately for both of us, I seem to have forgotten it. Convenient, that.]
Somewhat bewildered by Alfarinn’s sudden elation, he gave his lover an incredulous stare before he caught on. Grinning, he put his bare feet over Alfarinn’s cooler ones, kicking the covers up in the process.
“Do they feel cold to you?”
He blinked once at the question, pleasantly surprised and in fact quite delighted but confused nonetheless.
“Alfarinn, I imagine you might have noticed this, but…we’re both –men-. I mean…is that done? I don’t think that’s done.” Frowning in thought for a moment, he added: “Though really I don’t see why it shouldn’t be. There ought to be something in any case.”
Rolling onto his back and pushing up on his elbows, his expression grew even more serious and he nodded with a somewhat determined air.
“Yes. We should have…something. I don’t know what, yet, but when I figure it out we’re going to have it.”
Nodding again, firmly, he turned to Alfarinn, rolling over onto his stomach and propping his chin in his hands.
“There is one thing, actually…but that needs time.” He bent down and kissed Alfarinn’s shoulder. “A surprise. Now I’ll have to do my best not to think about it so you won’t guess.” Grinning, he placed another kiss on his companion’s chin. “Hmm, that’s better. I hope you don’t mind, I must distract myself, you see.”
He crinkled his nose instinctively when Alfarinn chose that spot to deliver his attentions, chucking softly. He found he was shaking with laughter as his lover continued, suggesting various places they might enjoy each other.
[Scandalous! I’m certain there is a Grey Family Rule against such behavior. Fortunately for both of us, I seem to have forgotten it. Convenient, that.]
Somewhat bewildered by Alfarinn’s sudden elation, he gave his lover an incredulous stare before he caught on. Grinning, he put his bare feet over Alfarinn’s cooler ones, kicking the covers up in the process.
“Do they feel cold to you?”
He blinked once at the question, pleasantly surprised and in fact quite delighted but confused nonetheless.
“Alfarinn, I imagine you might have noticed this, but…we’re both –men-. I mean…is that done? I don’t think that’s done.” Frowning in thought for a moment, he added: “Though really I don’t see why it shouldn’t be. There ought to be something in any case.”
Rolling onto his back and pushing up on his elbows, his expression grew even more serious and he nodded with a somewhat determined air.
“Yes. We should have…something. I don’t know what, yet, but when I figure it out we’re going to have it.”
Nodding again, firmly, he turned to Alfarinn, rolling over onto his stomach and propping his chin in his hands.
“There is one thing, actually…but that needs time.” He bent down and kissed Alfarinn’s shoulder. “A surprise. Now I’ll have to do my best not to think about it so you won’t guess.” Grinning, he placed another kiss on his companion’s chin. “Hmm, that’s better. I hope you don’t mind, I must distract myself, you see.”
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn smiled at the Grey family rules that were conveniently forgotten in this case, pondering just what kind of scandalous acts he could think up that would be on the border of shocking and yet still be enjoyable for his less extroverted friend.
Having the warmer feet placed up against his own, Alfarinn laughed.
"Point taken."
Biting the inside of his cheek in order to keep a straight face, he managed to nod solemnly at Thaddeus's observations.
"I had indeed noticed that but thank you for pointing it out lest I had missed that very important fact. "
The look of determination in Thaddeus's eyes at them having some sort of ceremony replaced the humor with affection and appreciation. Alfarinn moved closer and nuzzled Thaddeus's neck tenderly.
"I am sure we'll think of something. "
He was taken by surprise as Thaddeus rolled over and pronounced that he was up to something. Alfarinn raised both eyebrows and grinned like a kid who had been told birthdays presents had already been arranged. It was a pleasant sort of anticipation and excitement that he had rarely felt in ages.
"A surprise?"
The kisses of distraction made him smile and he laid back, pulling Thaddeus on top of him. Looking up at his lover, he gently pushed back the hair that had fallen forward and said.
"Well then we best distract me effectively then."
With that said, he pulled Thaddeus to him and kissed him thoroughly, running his hands down the smooth expanse of Thaddeus's back, enjoying the feel of warm skin underneath them in contrast to the linen and covers that brushed the tops of his cool hands.
Having the warmer feet placed up against his own, Alfarinn laughed.
"Point taken."
Biting the inside of his cheek in order to keep a straight face, he managed to nod solemnly at Thaddeus's observations.
"I had indeed noticed that but thank you for pointing it out lest I had missed that very important fact. "
The look of determination in Thaddeus's eyes at them having some sort of ceremony replaced the humor with affection and appreciation. Alfarinn moved closer and nuzzled Thaddeus's neck tenderly.
"I am sure we'll think of something. "
He was taken by surprise as Thaddeus rolled over and pronounced that he was up to something. Alfarinn raised both eyebrows and grinned like a kid who had been told birthdays presents had already been arranged. It was a pleasant sort of anticipation and excitement that he had rarely felt in ages.
"A surprise?"
The kisses of distraction made him smile and he laid back, pulling Thaddeus on top of him. Looking up at his lover, he gently pushed back the hair that had fallen forward and said.
"Well then we best distract me effectively then."
With that said, he pulled Thaddeus to him and kissed him thoroughly, running his hands down the smooth expanse of Thaddeus's back, enjoying the feel of warm skin underneath them in contrast to the linen and covers that brushed the tops of his cool hands.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus smiled at the assurances that they would think of something, imagining that he could spend hours dreaming up ideas and dreaming up what it was they could do. Likely he was a hopeless romantic but the question had been so unexpectedly wonderful that he could hardly help but be excited at the thought.
Grinning at his companion’s apparent interest in a surprise, he simply laughed helplessly as Alfarinn pulled him close, though the passionate kiss quieted him soon enough. He was beginning to think he shouldn’t have said anything, as there would be expectations now and his idea probably wasn’t anything like what his companion had in mind, but he would rather Alfarinn not be hurt at the thought of him keeping a secret.
Finishing off the kiss with a playful tug on Alfarinn’s lower lip, he reflected ruefully that it seemed worrying his own lip was no longer enough and he had moved on to his companion’s as well. He slid down and rested his head on Alfarinn’s chest, taking a strand of hair between his fingers and holding it like a paintbrush, drawing little patterns on his lover’s arm and sighing contentedly.
“We should probably check on Skodde…make sure he hasn’t torn up the apartment apart or something.” He stretched over Alfarinn, finding more cool skin to futilely attempt to warm up, and lifted his head. “And there’s…probably phone calls to make. Things to do. Responsibilities.” He signed his full name with flourish up Alfarinn’s arm before returning to his random pattern, resting his head back on his companion’s chest and deciding he didn’t much feel like moving just yet.
Grinning at his companion’s apparent interest in a surprise, he simply laughed helplessly as Alfarinn pulled him close, though the passionate kiss quieted him soon enough. He was beginning to think he shouldn’t have said anything, as there would be expectations now and his idea probably wasn’t anything like what his companion had in mind, but he would rather Alfarinn not be hurt at the thought of him keeping a secret.
Finishing off the kiss with a playful tug on Alfarinn’s lower lip, he reflected ruefully that it seemed worrying his own lip was no longer enough and he had moved on to his companion’s as well. He slid down and rested his head on Alfarinn’s chest, taking a strand of hair between his fingers and holding it like a paintbrush, drawing little patterns on his lover’s arm and sighing contentedly.
“We should probably check on Skodde…make sure he hasn’t torn up the apartment apart or something.” He stretched over Alfarinn, finding more cool skin to futilely attempt to warm up, and lifted his head. “And there’s…probably phone calls to make. Things to do. Responsibilities.” He signed his full name with flourish up Alfarinn’s arm before returning to his random pattern, resting his head back on his companion’s chest and deciding he didn’t much feel like moving just yet.
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn was just enjoying the kiss and the little tug on his lip when Thaddues pulled away and settled closer. He could certainly find this comfortable as well and his eyes drifted shut as his lover took up a piece of his hair.
He smiled not opening his eyes as he felt the little designs being drawn on his arm and wondered if he should get Thaddeus a paint set for Christmas, having not forgotten one of his lover's fantasies. The idea of laying still while his beloved drew whatever designs he was inspired to make was both peaceful and erotic at the same time.
Hearing Thaddeus speak logically, Alfarinn opened his eyes and frowned playfully at his companion.
"I cry foul, Mr Grey, no fair distracting me with responsibilities those are far less enjoyable. "
Thaddeus was right however, and Alfarinn scooted out from under the covers to go check on the animals. They were, he felt, his responsibility as he insisted they keep the wolf.
"I will be right back then."
The newly named Skodde barked once at him as he made his way down the hall but upon seeing him, and Alfarinn supposed remembering who had fed him last, the wolf laid his head back down and closed his eyes. He set out some of the meat that had been brought with them and a bowl of water for the canine, who opened one eye and looked at it before deciding that, yes, eating again was more appealing than sleeping.
Natt and Svarta had finished their meal and were huddled together sleepily. He got a blanket and curved it around behind them to give them something to hide in and keep them a bit warmer. Alfarinn added several perches on the list of things to get for the church but decided a day without them would be fine. Moving to one of the windows, he carefully cracked it open, wincing at the brief exposure to sunlight.
Holding on to his burned but healing knuckles, he made his way back to Thaddeus.
[I'm alright, just opened a window in order for Natt to be able to come and go. ]
As he slid into bed, he noticed the strip across his midsection that had been burned as well but not as much as his hands.
[ You'd think I was old enough to know better and to plan for these things.]
Snuggliing gratefully under the covers now that all the animals were taken care of, he kissed Thaddeus and smiled.
[Do you think the phone calls can wait until after we sleep or do wish to call them now? ]
Dani knew that he was alright and she could take that news back to Evenhet though not many there had cause to wonder otherwise. Claire might let the people in Anantya know but they had never suggested she do so, therefore it might be wise to make certain.
He smiled not opening his eyes as he felt the little designs being drawn on his arm and wondered if he should get Thaddeus a paint set for Christmas, having not forgotten one of his lover's fantasies. The idea of laying still while his beloved drew whatever designs he was inspired to make was both peaceful and erotic at the same time.
Hearing Thaddeus speak logically, Alfarinn opened his eyes and frowned playfully at his companion.
"I cry foul, Mr Grey, no fair distracting me with responsibilities those are far less enjoyable. "
Thaddeus was right however, and Alfarinn scooted out from under the covers to go check on the animals. They were, he felt, his responsibility as he insisted they keep the wolf.
"I will be right back then."
The newly named Skodde barked once at him as he made his way down the hall but upon seeing him, and Alfarinn supposed remembering who had fed him last, the wolf laid his head back down and closed his eyes. He set out some of the meat that had been brought with them and a bowl of water for the canine, who opened one eye and looked at it before deciding that, yes, eating again was more appealing than sleeping.
Natt and Svarta had finished their meal and were huddled together sleepily. He got a blanket and curved it around behind them to give them something to hide in and keep them a bit warmer. Alfarinn added several perches on the list of things to get for the church but decided a day without them would be fine. Moving to one of the windows, he carefully cracked it open, wincing at the brief exposure to sunlight.
Holding on to his burned but healing knuckles, he made his way back to Thaddeus.
[I'm alright, just opened a window in order for Natt to be able to come and go. ]
As he slid into bed, he noticed the strip across his midsection that had been burned as well but not as much as his hands.
[ You'd think I was old enough to know better and to plan for these things.]
Snuggliing gratefully under the covers now that all the animals were taken care of, he kissed Thaddeus and smiled.
[Do you think the phone calls can wait until after we sleep or do wish to call them now? ]
Dani knew that he was alright and she could take that news back to Evenhet though not many there had cause to wonder otherwise. Claire might let the people in Anantya know but they had never suggested she do so, therefore it might be wise to make certain.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus made some show of protest as Alfarinn worked his way out from under him and out the bedroom door, as he was quite comfortable where he was and hadn’t meant to imply that his companion ought to get up. He was perfectly willing to get up and check on the animals, though he wasn’t certain Natt would take kindly to someone other than Alfarinn. In any case, he was going to stop playing with his companion’s hair and get out of bed any minute now. Really.
Such intentions were indicated in an admittedly hazy manner via disgruntled noises into the pillow as he rolled off Alfarinn to let him get up. Sighing, he closed his eyes, suddenly feeling how exhausted he was. He was, however, somewhat apprehensive of sleeping; even being tired he wasn’t certain he could, and even if he could he wasn’t certain he should.
Realizing his companion was in pain snapped him out of his musing and he was halfway out the bed, kicking away the blankets, when Alfarinn explained. Pausing in his movements, uncertain of whether to find the words assuring or simply more cause for worry, he sat up on the bed, supporting his weight on his hands behind him, and watched as his companion returned with an incredulous expression.
He returned the kiss, still somewhat dazed, and watched as Alfarinn snuggled into bed as though nothing had happened and continued the conversation.
[I’ll call later, I imagine it can wait…]
Reaching over, he very gently lifted Alfarinn’s hand, careful not to touch where it was still healing, his forehead crinkling into a frown.
[That looks painful.]
Looking down, he noticed the burned strip across his companion’s midsection and frowned even more deeply.
[Good lord, love.]
He knew Alfarinn would heal, was healing quickly already, and didn’t appear to be in any severe pain, but the offhanded way his companion had come into contact with sunlight made him nervous. It was just so unnecessary in his mind.
Sighing, he leaned over and kissed Alfarinn gently on the cheek, careful to avoid brushing against tender skin. His companion was, after all, an ancient and Thaddeus imagined that were he in that position he would do that once in a while just because he could. In any case, he had already made Alfarinn think of responsibilities when both of them simply wanted to lay in bed and he didn’t want to grate on his companion’s nerves with his worries.
[I suppose we should sleep.]
Such intentions were indicated in an admittedly hazy manner via disgruntled noises into the pillow as he rolled off Alfarinn to let him get up. Sighing, he closed his eyes, suddenly feeling how exhausted he was. He was, however, somewhat apprehensive of sleeping; even being tired he wasn’t certain he could, and even if he could he wasn’t certain he should.
Realizing his companion was in pain snapped him out of his musing and he was halfway out the bed, kicking away the blankets, when Alfarinn explained. Pausing in his movements, uncertain of whether to find the words assuring or simply more cause for worry, he sat up on the bed, supporting his weight on his hands behind him, and watched as his companion returned with an incredulous expression.
He returned the kiss, still somewhat dazed, and watched as Alfarinn snuggled into bed as though nothing had happened and continued the conversation.
[I’ll call later, I imagine it can wait…]
Reaching over, he very gently lifted Alfarinn’s hand, careful not to touch where it was still healing, his forehead crinkling into a frown.
[That looks painful.]
Looking down, he noticed the burned strip across his companion’s midsection and frowned even more deeply.
[Good lord, love.]
He knew Alfarinn would heal, was healing quickly already, and didn’t appear to be in any severe pain, but the offhanded way his companion had come into contact with sunlight made him nervous. It was just so unnecessary in his mind.
Sighing, he leaned over and kissed Alfarinn gently on the cheek, careful to avoid brushing against tender skin. His companion was, after all, an ancient and Thaddeus imagined that were he in that position he would do that once in a while just because he could. In any case, he had already made Alfarinn think of responsibilities when both of them simply wanted to lay in bed and he didn’t want to grate on his companion’s nerves with his worries.
[I suppose we should sleep.]
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn looked up at Thaddeus and smiled ruefully.
"I've made you worry again."
He brushed one hand across his companion's cheek. Thaddeus had the form of a bird when he wished but his companion did not need to eat like a bird, which was probably a blessing as that was likely to be a lot of blood.
"They will need to eat all day and things that we don't have in the house. Natt and the others were in need of a way in and out in order to feed Svarta. I should have thought of it before but there was no reason to make them suffer for my mistake. Anyway, they eat all day; people who tell someone they eat like a bird...well its not really the compliment they think it is."
In truth he felt more than a little guilty about Svarta's injury; it was acquired for his benefit and to not see to her needs when he could would be highly selfish and irresponsible of him. The burns he received opening the window would fade in no time at all, in fact they were mostly gone, but she would not be able to fly for weeks. Some people with the ability to sympathize with animals seemed to treat them as respected pets and seemed less affected by their deaths. It was something Alfarinn never understood and could not do. Natt and the others had been in the least amount of danger that he could place them in and the crows assured him that they would have joined the fight had he asked or not so it was perhaps for the best that he suggested a course of action for them instead of them choosing one on their own. Lykaios might have done much worse than breaking a wing.
Reaching out an arm for Thaddeus, in order to pull him close, he sent
[Please come rest with me. I will try to behave...for the rest of the day.]
Alfarinn smiled and closed his eyes, feeling the small piece across his midsection finish healing. It had only been exposed through the crack in the blinds as he opened the window a short width unlike his hands which had curled under the frame to pull it up. He was thankful for the strength that he had which allowed him to pull it open with a sure speed compared to a human's struggling with a weather warped window.
[I'm fine really. I have you, a wonderful clan that helps take care of me and a family of crows that treat me like a brother and a wolf... that wanted to eat me. But Skodde seems to be getting along much better.]
He opened his eyes and grinned at his companion; Alfarinn thought himself the luckiest man around.
[I'm blessed.]
"I've made you worry again."
He brushed one hand across his companion's cheek. Thaddeus had the form of a bird when he wished but his companion did not need to eat like a bird, which was probably a blessing as that was likely to be a lot of blood.
"They will need to eat all day and things that we don't have in the house. Natt and the others were in need of a way in and out in order to feed Svarta. I should have thought of it before but there was no reason to make them suffer for my mistake. Anyway, they eat all day; people who tell someone they eat like a bird...well its not really the compliment they think it is."
In truth he felt more than a little guilty about Svarta's injury; it was acquired for his benefit and to not see to her needs when he could would be highly selfish and irresponsible of him. The burns he received opening the window would fade in no time at all, in fact they were mostly gone, but she would not be able to fly for weeks. Some people with the ability to sympathize with animals seemed to treat them as respected pets and seemed less affected by their deaths. It was something Alfarinn never understood and could not do. Natt and the others had been in the least amount of danger that he could place them in and the crows assured him that they would have joined the fight had he asked or not so it was perhaps for the best that he suggested a course of action for them instead of them choosing one on their own. Lykaios might have done much worse than breaking a wing.
Reaching out an arm for Thaddeus, in order to pull him close, he sent
[Please come rest with me. I will try to behave...for the rest of the day.]
Alfarinn smiled and closed his eyes, feeling the small piece across his midsection finish healing. It had only been exposed through the crack in the blinds as he opened the window a short width unlike his hands which had curled under the frame to pull it up. He was thankful for the strength that he had which allowed him to pull it open with a sure speed compared to a human's struggling with a weather warped window.
[I'm fine really. I have you, a wonderful clan that helps take care of me and a family of crows that treat me like a brother and a wolf... that wanted to eat me. But Skodde seems to be getting along much better.]
He opened his eyes and grinned at his companion; Alfarinn thought himself the luckiest man around.
[I'm blessed.]
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus smiled uneasily as Alfarinn explained. Of course he understood his companion’s motivations and respected the need to see to the birds. He did his best to keep his tone neutral and free of worry when he sent, though it likely came out a bit dryly as a consequence.
[I have several pairs of gloves in this apartment.]
He looked down doubtfully at the place Alfarinn had been burned when his companion reached out, not wanting to make things worse, and saw that it was apparently already healed. Still, he very gingerly moved to lie down next to his lover, resting his hand lightly on Alfarinn’s chest. He could hardly help but smile when Alfarinn’s eyes slipped closed, listening to the list of good things in his life.
[And I am fortunate to get to share in your life.]
Leaning his head on Alfarinn’s shoulder, he closed his eyes, thinking to make some effort at sleeping or at least allow his companion some peace and quiet in spite of his somewhat restless mind. He was tired enough that his thoughts were too disjointed to be productive; remembering things only to have them fade at the slightest distraction, jumping from thought to thought too quickly for anything to register. He reflected that he should likely write his thoughts out so he didn’t forget them, but this led to trying to account for all the things he normally kept in his jacket pocket that had since been moved to the laptop bag or the cargo pockets in his pants. That led to remembering how he had lost his gloves which naturally drifted to the fact that someone had found them.
After a time, though he wasn’t certain of how long, he cracked one eye open to see if Alfarinn was awake.
[I have several pairs of gloves in this apartment.]
He looked down doubtfully at the place Alfarinn had been burned when his companion reached out, not wanting to make things worse, and saw that it was apparently already healed. Still, he very gingerly moved to lie down next to his lover, resting his hand lightly on Alfarinn’s chest. He could hardly help but smile when Alfarinn’s eyes slipped closed, listening to the list of good things in his life.
[And I am fortunate to get to share in your life.]
Leaning his head on Alfarinn’s shoulder, he closed his eyes, thinking to make some effort at sleeping or at least allow his companion some peace and quiet in spite of his somewhat restless mind. He was tired enough that his thoughts were too disjointed to be productive; remembering things only to have them fade at the slightest distraction, jumping from thought to thought too quickly for anything to register. He reflected that he should likely write his thoughts out so he didn’t forget them, but this led to trying to account for all the things he normally kept in his jacket pocket that had since been moved to the laptop bag or the cargo pockets in his pants. That led to remembering how he had lost his gloves which naturally drifted to the fact that someone had found them.
After a time, though he wasn’t certain of how long, he cracked one eye open to see if Alfarinn was awake.
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn laughed softly at Thaddeus's observation and leaned against his companion looking down but still amused.
[I see I should have said something about what I was doing instead of just wandering around in a half asleep daze. I simply considered it needed to be done. I get stupid when I'm sleepy. I guess you'll have to watch after me.]
Having Thaddeus against him was calming and his mind drifted from thought to thought and then into vague wisps of images that Alfarinn let slip past without trying to understand or hold on to. He focused instead on running his fingers through Thaddeus's hair and feeling his companion's sense of restlessness.
Eventually he stilled his hand, hoping that it would help but figuring that it would not. He still did not want to let Thaddeus go and was grateful that his lover seemed content to stay with him despite having difficulty drifting off.
He had a idea that might help them both and opened his eyes in time to see Thaddeus peering at him as well. Grinning at the timing, Alfarinn sent
[I don't suppose you would consider playing something would you? Perhaps it would put both of us more at ease? ]
He would certainly understand if Thaddeus was in no mood to play but felt the music might allow his companion's mind to let go of some of its nagging thoughts so that his beloved could drift off to sleep and as for himself, it was a fa better solution than a bottle of scotch.
[I see I should have said something about what I was doing instead of just wandering around in a half asleep daze. I simply considered it needed to be done. I get stupid when I'm sleepy. I guess you'll have to watch after me.]
Having Thaddeus against him was calming and his mind drifted from thought to thought and then into vague wisps of images that Alfarinn let slip past without trying to understand or hold on to. He focused instead on running his fingers through Thaddeus's hair and feeling his companion's sense of restlessness.
Eventually he stilled his hand, hoping that it would help but figuring that it would not. He still did not want to let Thaddeus go and was grateful that his lover seemed content to stay with him despite having difficulty drifting off.
He had a idea that might help them both and opened his eyes in time to see Thaddeus peering at him as well. Grinning at the timing, Alfarinn sent
[I don't suppose you would consider playing something would you? Perhaps it would put both of us more at ease? ]
He would certainly understand if Thaddeus was in no mood to play but felt the music might allow his companion's mind to let go of some of its nagging thoughts so that his beloved could drift off to sleep and as for himself, it was a fa better solution than a bottle of scotch.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus sighed softly and ran his hand down Alfarinn’s chest when it became clear that his companion was still quite awake. He had thought perhaps when the hand running through his hair had stilled it was an indication that Alfarinn was quite near drifting off but this was apparently not to be.
While the idea of keeping Alfarinn up even longer didn’t seem wise, considering his lover had even said he was tired, he had to admit that playing the piano had its appeal right now. Not seeing much point in polite overtures at this point, he simply opened his eyes all the way and pushed up onto one hand.
[I would like that.]
Rising from the bed, he walked around to the other side, but changed his mind at the last moment and bent down, kissing Alfarinn’s forehead instead of offering him a hand.
[I’ll return momentarily.]
He turned to the closet and pulled out a robe, tying it around his waist as he walked out the bedroom door. Making his way to the living room, he took a peek into the kitchen and saw Skodde contentedly snoozing by an empty dish before approaching the keyboard.
Rather convenient that the instrument was portable, as this way Alfarinn could be comfortable and perhaps drift off if so inclined. Lifting it up to tuck under one arm, he took the stand in his other hand and brought both back to the bedroom, where he set down the stand at the foot of the bed, then placed the keyboard on top of it. Giving his companion a slight smile, he sat down on the edge of the bed and ran his fingers over the keys once.
He knew the piece he wanted as soon as Alfarinn made his suggestion, and began playing immediately upon getting situated. The almost hypnotic quality of the Moonlight Sonata might even be helpful in inducing sleep.
He kept his touch light, enjoying the intricate quality of the music more than the power the piece could have if played more dramatically. He typically played what his mood summoned up, but in this case he did attempt to make it appropriate to time and place.
His eyes slipped closed early on, with his head turned to one side, playing in an almost unassuming manner and finding that Alfarinn had been quite right in thinking this would ease, at the very least, his own mind.
He stopped at the end of the first movement, turning to his companion.
[More? You are such a good audience, I might take a request if I know it.]
/ooc Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (first movement)
While the idea of keeping Alfarinn up even longer didn’t seem wise, considering his lover had even said he was tired, he had to admit that playing the piano had its appeal right now. Not seeing much point in polite overtures at this point, he simply opened his eyes all the way and pushed up onto one hand.
[I would like that.]
Rising from the bed, he walked around to the other side, but changed his mind at the last moment and bent down, kissing Alfarinn’s forehead instead of offering him a hand.
[I’ll return momentarily.]
He turned to the closet and pulled out a robe, tying it around his waist as he walked out the bedroom door. Making his way to the living room, he took a peek into the kitchen and saw Skodde contentedly snoozing by an empty dish before approaching the keyboard.
Rather convenient that the instrument was portable, as this way Alfarinn could be comfortable and perhaps drift off if so inclined. Lifting it up to tuck under one arm, he took the stand in his other hand and brought both back to the bedroom, where he set down the stand at the foot of the bed, then placed the keyboard on top of it. Giving his companion a slight smile, he sat down on the edge of the bed and ran his fingers over the keys once.
He knew the piece he wanted as soon as Alfarinn made his suggestion, and began playing immediately upon getting situated. The almost hypnotic quality of the Moonlight Sonata might even be helpful in inducing sleep.
He kept his touch light, enjoying the intricate quality of the music more than the power the piece could have if played more dramatically. He typically played what his mood summoned up, but in this case he did attempt to make it appropriate to time and place.
His eyes slipped closed early on, with his head turned to one side, playing in an almost unassuming manner and finding that Alfarinn had been quite right in thinking this would ease, at the very least, his own mind.
He stopped at the end of the first movement, turning to his companion.
[More? You are such a good audience, I might take a request if I know it.]
/ooc Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (first movement)
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn smiled at the answer and only made a small pout of protest as his companion left his side and climbed out of the bed, leaving behind warm covers that would soon cool without Thaddeus under them as well.
He was glad to see that Thaddeus had agreed to his suggestion and even seemed to think it was a good idea. Laying there quietly, Alfarinn listened to the sounds of his companion walking around in the house, sighing contentedly at the evidence that he was not alone. He rolled over and stretched taking up more than his share of the bed for the moment before Thaddeus came back in.
Turning, he smiled at his companion when Thaddeus came in with keyboard and stand and set them up at the end of the bed. Alfarinn waited until Thaddeus was settled and then taking a pillow with him, turned himself around to the foot of the bed. He tucked the pillow into the crook of one arm and then reached the other around behind Thaddeus to rest gently against his lover. Alfarinn had contemplated laying his head closer to Thaddeus's lap but figured he would simply be in the way.
Though watching Thaddeus play was an enchanting sight that he would never tire of, Alfarinn found his eyes closing to the peaceful strains of melody and his thoughts drifted off once more to nothingness as his companion made his way with skilled fingers through the hauntingly beautiful sonata. He enjoyed Beethoven; the man's work was expressive and Alfarinn had not personally found him to have been as difficult as history seemed to suggest the man was.
When Thaddeus finished and suggested he choose a piece, Alfarinn rolled over onto his back and scooted back over near his companion.
"Hmm there are so many choices. I like Chopin but he tended to do very somber pieces for the most part. His nocturne in E-flat Major might be nice though. Mozart is fun but perhaps too lively. There is his piano sonata number eleven that I like or you could continue with Beethoven here and play Fur Elize. Whatever suits you."
He was glad to see that Thaddeus had agreed to his suggestion and even seemed to think it was a good idea. Laying there quietly, Alfarinn listened to the sounds of his companion walking around in the house, sighing contentedly at the evidence that he was not alone. He rolled over and stretched taking up more than his share of the bed for the moment before Thaddeus came back in.
Turning, he smiled at his companion when Thaddeus came in with keyboard and stand and set them up at the end of the bed. Alfarinn waited until Thaddeus was settled and then taking a pillow with him, turned himself around to the foot of the bed. He tucked the pillow into the crook of one arm and then reached the other around behind Thaddeus to rest gently against his lover. Alfarinn had contemplated laying his head closer to Thaddeus's lap but figured he would simply be in the way.
Though watching Thaddeus play was an enchanting sight that he would never tire of, Alfarinn found his eyes closing to the peaceful strains of melody and his thoughts drifted off once more to nothingness as his companion made his way with skilled fingers through the hauntingly beautiful sonata. He enjoyed Beethoven; the man's work was expressive and Alfarinn had not personally found him to have been as difficult as history seemed to suggest the man was.
When Thaddeus finished and suggested he choose a piece, Alfarinn rolled over onto his back and scooted back over near his companion.
"Hmm there are so many choices. I like Chopin but he tended to do very somber pieces for the most part. His nocturne in E-flat Major might be nice though. Mozart is fun but perhaps too lively. There is his piano sonata number eleven that I like or you could continue with Beethoven here and play Fur Elize. Whatever suits you."
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus smiled at Alfarinn’s upturned face, reaching down to glide his fingers through blonde hair at the temple and run his thumb along his companion’s jaw.
“Mozart, then.”
He grinned and ran his free hand over the keys once more before lightly brushing his fingertips over Alfarinn’s cheek and placing that hand on the keys as well.
“Hopefully I remember this as well as I think I do. Perhaps you can conduct for me if I lose my way.”
He chuckled lightly and paused for a moment, double checking his memory and hoping it would prove cooperative. This song had a way of making him feel almost childishly light hearted and it had been a while since he had played it, possibly for that very reason.
After that brief pause, though, he began, quietly at first as the music called for. He turned and gave Alfarinn a mischievous grin when the music grew softer, as though sharing some small secret, then turned his attention back to the keyboard at the first crescendo, still smiling all the while. He kept his eyes open for this piece, going through the rises and falls in volume and tempo and stealing looks at his companion as he played, turning back for the more intricate parts of the piece, of which there were many.
He did eventually fall into playing enough that his initial lightness faded into pleasurable concentration, and he was still smiling at the last chord.
When he was finished, he flopped back onto his elbows and ran his hand up Alfarinn’s outer thigh.
“I remembered after all, though I think my timing strayed toward the end there.”
Shaking his head, he added: “I’m keeping you awake though. I should be playing Brahms or something of that nature I suppose.”
He sat back up and played the short but famous lullaby, though he might have missed a few notes for his attempts at being deeply serious. Still grinning, though, he raked his fingers through his hair, realizing that he ought to sleep as his fatigue was making him giddy and fidgety.
“In all seriousness, though.”
With that, he guided his fingers back into position and played the opening notes of Fur Elise, closing his eyes and letting the familiar music take him where it would.
Rondo Alla Turca (sorry this isn’t the best quality, though Midis are kind of so so as it is.)
Brahms
Fur Elise
“Mozart, then.”
He grinned and ran his free hand over the keys once more before lightly brushing his fingertips over Alfarinn’s cheek and placing that hand on the keys as well.
“Hopefully I remember this as well as I think I do. Perhaps you can conduct for me if I lose my way.”
He chuckled lightly and paused for a moment, double checking his memory and hoping it would prove cooperative. This song had a way of making him feel almost childishly light hearted and it had been a while since he had played it, possibly for that very reason.
After that brief pause, though, he began, quietly at first as the music called for. He turned and gave Alfarinn a mischievous grin when the music grew softer, as though sharing some small secret, then turned his attention back to the keyboard at the first crescendo, still smiling all the while. He kept his eyes open for this piece, going through the rises and falls in volume and tempo and stealing looks at his companion as he played, turning back for the more intricate parts of the piece, of which there were many.
He did eventually fall into playing enough that his initial lightness faded into pleasurable concentration, and he was still smiling at the last chord.
When he was finished, he flopped back onto his elbows and ran his hand up Alfarinn’s outer thigh.
“I remembered after all, though I think my timing strayed toward the end there.”
Shaking his head, he added: “I’m keeping you awake though. I should be playing Brahms or something of that nature I suppose.”
He sat back up and played the short but famous lullaby, though he might have missed a few notes for his attempts at being deeply serious. Still grinning, though, he raked his fingers through his hair, realizing that he ought to sleep as his fatigue was making him giddy and fidgety.
“In all seriousness, though.”
With that, he guided his fingers back into position and played the opening notes of Fur Elise, closing his eyes and letting the familiar music take him where it would.
Rondo Alla Turca (sorry this isn’t the best quality, though Midis are kind of so so as it is.)
Brahms
Fur Elise
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn smiled and leaned into the hand as it slid gently along his jaw, kissing Thaddeus lightly on the wrist. He was glad Thaddeus had chosen Mozart, finding the selection to be the most light hearted of the three. Shrugging slightly at his companion's warning, he said.
"I'm sure you'll do fine and if you don't remember it play whatever suits you."
Deciding to stay in this position, Alfarinn clasped his hands behind his head and turned to watch his lover play. Thaddeus's grin made him smile and the looks his companion gave him filled him with a glowing sense of peace and happiness. Alfarinn found it difficult not to grin in return and would not have stopped the potentially silly look of contentment even if he could.
"That was excellent."
He made a small sigh of pleasure at the light touch of Thaddeus's hand along his thigh. Bringing the fingers to his lips, Alfarinn gently pressed the tips of them to his lips for a brief kiss before slowly letting them go.
"Such talented graceful hands you have. You know, I could watch them all day."
Chuckling at his companion's next choice of music, Alfarinn closed his eyes and pretended to have fallen asleep. Cracking one open when his companion was done and then closing it again as Thaddeus began Fur Elise.
He had to admit, as much as he loved to watch and hear his lover play, the music was having just the right effect on him and Alfarinn felt an almost irresistible pull towards slumber. When the music ended, he roused himself enough for a sleepy request.
"Mmmm, was beautiful. Will you tuck me in now and give me a kiss for a good night?"
A good day rather but he was too tired to make much sense of the situation and change the popular phrase to more accurately fit the facts. Rolling back over, he tucked his head in Thaddeus's lap and wrapped his arms lazily around his lover's waist.
"I'm sure you'll do fine and if you don't remember it play whatever suits you."
Deciding to stay in this position, Alfarinn clasped his hands behind his head and turned to watch his lover play. Thaddeus's grin made him smile and the looks his companion gave him filled him with a glowing sense of peace and happiness. Alfarinn found it difficult not to grin in return and would not have stopped the potentially silly look of contentment even if he could.
"That was excellent."
He made a small sigh of pleasure at the light touch of Thaddeus's hand along his thigh. Bringing the fingers to his lips, Alfarinn gently pressed the tips of them to his lips for a brief kiss before slowly letting them go.
"Such talented graceful hands you have. You know, I could watch them all day."
Chuckling at his companion's next choice of music, Alfarinn closed his eyes and pretended to have fallen asleep. Cracking one open when his companion was done and then closing it again as Thaddeus began Fur Elise.
He had to admit, as much as he loved to watch and hear his lover play, the music was having just the right effect on him and Alfarinn felt an almost irresistible pull towards slumber. When the music ended, he roused himself enough for a sleepy request.
"Mmmm, was beautiful. Will you tuck me in now and give me a kiss for a good night?"
A good day rather but he was too tired to make much sense of the situation and change the popular phrase to more accurately fit the facts. Rolling back over, he tucked his head in Thaddeus's lap and wrapped his arms lazily around his lover's waist.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Still blushing a bit from Alfarinn’s compliment directed at his hands, Thaddeus finished off the Beethoven piece and smiled down at his companion, who looked quite charming curled up around him. Running one hand down the length of Alfarinn’s hair, he reached up to turn off the keyboard and pushed it back from the foot of the bed, lest Alfarinn’s long legs accidentally kick at it.
“I believe a good night kiss can be arranged.”
That said, he moved to the head of the bed, guiding Alfarinn along with him, and kicked the covers down with his feet before pulling them over top of his companion once more. He made a show of tucking the blankets up all the way to Alfarinn’s chin and making sure his toes were covered before settling in as well, smiling when he realized that his head was halfway under the blankets this way.
Peeking up, he grinned and worked one arm free of the blankets before leaning forward and softly kissing Alfarinn on the mouth.
[Sleep well, love.]
He rested his head on the pillow and closed his eyes, finding that if nothing else he was simply too tired to do anything else but it seemed the music had relaxed him a bit as well.
“I believe a good night kiss can be arranged.”
That said, he moved to the head of the bed, guiding Alfarinn along with him, and kicked the covers down with his feet before pulling them over top of his companion once more. He made a show of tucking the blankets up all the way to Alfarinn’s chin and making sure his toes were covered before settling in as well, smiling when he realized that his head was halfway under the blankets this way.
Peeking up, he grinned and worked one arm free of the blankets before leaning forward and softly kissing Alfarinn on the mouth.
[Sleep well, love.]
He rested his head on the pillow and closed his eyes, finding that if nothing else he was simply too tired to do anything else but it seemed the music had relaxed him a bit as well.
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn snuggled closer and murmured a faint noise of contentment at the fingers running through his hair; he was nearly asleep right there with his head in Thaddeus's lap. Rousing himself enough to at least not be a hindrance to his lover, Alfarinn did his sleepy best to help the process of getting him over and into the bed in the correct manner.
A tired grin formed at the covers being pulled up to his chin and a soft kiss being placed on his lips. Thaddeus climbed in beside him and Alfarinn sighed happily, turning to tuck one arm around his lover's waist and lay his head near enough to feel his companion's warmth and smell the faint but comforting scent of Thaddeus next to him.
[Sweet dreams ]
Alfarinn's mind had drifted nearly away into unconsciousness and there was a long pause before he finished his thought, his mental voice sounded quiet and just as pleasantly sleepy as his actual voice would have been.
[...Beloved]
A tired grin formed at the covers being pulled up to his chin and a soft kiss being placed on his lips. Thaddeus climbed in beside him and Alfarinn sighed happily, turning to tuck one arm around his lover's waist and lay his head near enough to feel his companion's warmth and smell the faint but comforting scent of Thaddeus next to him.
[Sweet dreams ]
Alfarinn's mind had drifted nearly away into unconsciousness and there was a long pause before he finished his thought, his mental voice sounded quiet and just as pleasantly sleepy as his actual voice would have been.
[...Beloved]