This was definitely one of those times when being a vampire had its limitations. Aishe had woken up when the phone rang, and with dismay she'd listened to Alexander's words. Thinking quickly she excused herself and, while Kiamhaat listened from the bed, she promised him they'd be there at six - around sundown.
True to their words, she and Kiamhaat were out the door as soon as it was dark enough to do so. They opted to take Aishe's car, the little blue VW Rabbit being a bit more useful for carrying things (and extra people, if necessary) than Kiamhaat's BMW.
Along the way Aishe made a quick stop at a deli, grabbing a sandwich and hoping Alexander wasn't a vegetarian. She tossed a bottle of water into the bag as well, noting the irony, and they were off again. She knew Alexander well enough by now; he took his shop seriously. He'd probably been working his ass off to get everything clear of water. Aishe hadn't forgotten what it was like to have an emergency on hand and still have to worry about things like eating and drinking.
When they reached the store Aishe could still see water trickling slowly from the door on the side of the building down the alley next to it into the drain. Kiamhaat behind her, Aishe peered into the dark store.
"Alexander?"
Everything inside smelled wet. She couldn't smell any mold or mildew but Aishe had no doubt it was coming. Inside the store, working by the light of a few flashlights and some convenient camp lanterns was Alexander. In the spotty light his olive skin had a yellowish hue. He looked up when he heard Aishe's voice.
He looked miserable, Aishe thought. He was wet and probably chilly; she could smell blood on him - probably from the bandage on his arm or any number of other little cuts, and he looked utterly exhausted.
"Alexander. I'm so sorry we couldn't get here sooner." Aishe crossed the floor, which squelched under her feet as she walked. I must have been very wet earlier. "This is Kem. Kem, Alexander."
When hands had been shaken and names exchanged, Aishe handed Alexander the paper bag. "I hope you like ham and cheese," she said. "Why don't you take a break and let us do some of this for a while?"
As she looked over the vast amount of merchandise still to be moved upstairs, Aishe tried to think of the best way to accomplish it with vampiric efficiency, without alarming Alexander. With a little sadness she noted she didn't hear anyone else moving around. She'd only talked to Eiryk the previous night, and she'd thought he sounded hopeful about his situation. But his presence was missing here, and that spoke volumes in and of itself. Apparently, if they had spoken, things hadn't gone so well.
It made her feel pretty bad about the advice she'd given. After all, she'd given it assuming Alexander was a willing participant. Maybe that hadn't been the case. And if so, she imagined Eiryk could use some company after they finished here.
Tropical Storm Alex (invite only)
Alex closed his eyes tightly as a blast of freezing cold water hit him in the face, cascading down on top of him in an unending waterfall.
"Oh my God."
It had started out like any other day. He got up, made breakfast, took a shower.
Pushing upwards, he stuck his hands into the water, letting them travel up until he thought he felt the ragged edge of what must be a corroded pipe.
"Seriously?"
He'd gotten out of the shower and gotten dressed. And then as he turned the water on in the sink to clean his dishes there had been a riotous squeal, a screech, and some sort of explosion from downstairs.
Squinting into the water he tried to ascertain the extent of the breach. He had a length of tubing and some tape. Wrapping the tubing around the hole he tried to tape it in place. His hand slipped and he was rewarded by being knocked off his stepladder into a cold wet puddle.
"Crap."
He'd run downstairs to find water pouring out from the ceiling in the back corner of his store, all over a display. Into the stock room. Dashing upstairs he'd groaned to see the newly-laid wood floors of his studio buckling.
He mounted the stepladder again, attacked the pipe once more, and was rewarded with a good two-inch gash on his forearm with rusted metal. Great, looked like he'd be getting a tetanus shot too.
"Son of a..."
Alex bound the bleeding wound tightly closed and glanced at the clock. Fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes of water gushing from a broken pipe in his ceiling, ruining carpets, wood floors, merchandise. Of course he'd tried to turn off the water main but it was jammed. Not going anywhere. And Alex was no lightweight.
He was practically hypothermic now, trying to find some way to stop the water and minimize damage. Someone from utilities was on their way over but clearly he wasn't a priority. Every gallon that came out was ringing dollar signs up in his head. He didn't even want to know the extent of the damage now. It was frightening.
He stepped back onto the ladder, gritted his teeth, and attacked the pipe with determination. He managed to wrap it closed, lashing tape around it like a prizewinning calf-roper. There was a soft whine, then a squeal, and, as he ducked, a section of the ceiling just a foot away came whizzing by his head along with another spout of water. He took a step down from his stool, slipped, and twisted something that shouldn't twist as he hit the ground.
"Fuck me."
In the end there was nothing he could do but wait for another ten minutes for someone to cut the water and then sit there, bloodied and sprained, looking at the wreckage of his store. He closed his eyes once the utilities employee had left and took a few deep breaths. Nothing he could do right now. First things first.
Opening his eyes once more, he surveyed the vast amount of work that had to be done to set things to rights. Alexander didn't shy away from work but this... this was more than he could reasonably handle before things started to get bad. With a sigh he started anyway, slogging along over the waterlogged floor through the foot or so of accumulated water that was draining very slowly out. He began moving what needed to be moved, inventorying damaged goods, and taking stock of what was left.
Who knew - a whole store full of outdoor gear and it was still possible to have items damaged by water.
Three hours later he was still sprained and bloody, with a side order of cold and exhausted. Frustrated, Alex decided it was time to bite the bullet and start making some calls. He didn't know a whole lot of people here in Nachton but maybe some of them would be willing to lend a hand. How he'd pay them, he didn't know, but he could offer.
He'd been forced to cut the electricity with all that water coming down, but his own apartment was all right, so he'd left one of the breakers alone there. He ran upstairs knowing he wouldn't be able to hear that phone from the bottom floor or take it with him away from its base but at least he could use it now.
Wouldn't you know it, most people had jobs. He tried making six or seven calls with no luck. The first person who actually answered her phone was, bless her, Aishe. He didn't know her well, but they'd spoken on several occasions both before and after yoga class as well as a few times in between. He thought they might be friends, almost. There was actually real regret in her voice when he told her what had happened.
"Alexander, I'm so sorry. Kem and I are on our way home from out of town," she said, actually having the grace to sound distressed. "We'll come and help you in a few hours, I promise. As soon as we get back into town. But I don't think we'll make it any sooner than six."
He thanked her and hung up the phone. As he looked around helplessly, Alexander suddenly realized the ramifications of what had happened. He didn't have a store now. Not until he got it repaired. And he didn't have a studio to give lessons in. How was he going to manage, while he waited for his insurance to cover what they would cover?
It was like a sucker-punch to the stomach. Alex stared for a few more minutes and then picked up the phone again for one last call.
"Eiryk? Look I know... uh, I know we haven't seen each other in a while. And I wanted to talk to you, apologize to you. But.. well. I'm in a bind. One of the pipes in the store broke and, well, it's a mess. I really need some help. I'm not sure who else to call. Anyway. Sorry... uh, call me back if you can."
A message. That was it. It was all he had to rely on. Well. The insurance adjuster would be by whenever he or she could and until then Alex was alone. There wasn't anything to be done but to keep hauling dry merchandise upstairs, where it was reasonably safe since only the floors were warped and wet at the back of the building.
He couldn't help feeling like everything he'd worked for was about to collapse completely. What's more, he would have to explain to his parents what had happened. That, he wasn't looking forward to. They might be speaking now (sort of), but Alex had the feeling his father in particular was just waiting for him to fail. Proving him right was a bitter pill to swallow. If Alex was lucky, he'd be able to get everything repaired quickly and his folks would never have to know.
Before heading back downstairs Alex changed the message on the machine so any callers to the store would know it was currently (and temporarily) closed, gambling on the fact that his parents wouldn't call anytime soon.
Aishe
14 years ago
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
It was unusual for their phone to ring before dark. Most of their friends were vampires as well, and those who weren't knew that they both worked nights. Kem listened to Aishe as well as the voice on the other end of the phone, a smooth tenor he didn't recognize. The man's identity became clear when Aishe used his name. Alexander.
He hadn't met him, but Aishe seemed to like him a lot and that said a great deal about him, in Kem's book. So when Aishe hung the phone up, looking frustrated, Kem asked, "Everything okay?"
She related her phone conversation to him and Kem grimaced along with her. Apparently things were pretty rotten right now. Kem wished they could rush out and lend a hand, but they were trapped indoors for the time being. It crossed his mind to ask Reign if she'd go help, but he hadn't taken her as a familiar to send her into potentially uncomfortable situations with strange men she didn't know.
As soon as it was safe he and Aishe headed out the door and over to Alexander's store, making a stop along the way. Kem was glad Aishe still thought like a human sometimes; it hadn't occurred to him that her friend was probably in need of food.
When they reached the building in question, Kem thought it was a nice place from the front. But even nice buildings sprang leaks. When they entered he could see there was a lot to do. Aishe called out for Alexander and they saw him a little further inside. He looked like hell but Kem supposed anyone would, given the mess and the circumstances around them. The easily identifiable scent of blood lingered around him and Kem saw the makeshift bandage on the man's hand when they shook.
There didn't seem to be much for him to add; Aishe had everything well in hand. In a short time they were both looking around to determine the best course of action.
[Maybe let me handle things from the second flight up,] he suggested. [If Alexander stays down here I can do everything my way.]
He hadn't met him, but Aishe seemed to like him a lot and that said a great deal about him, in Kem's book. So when Aishe hung the phone up, looking frustrated, Kem asked, "Everything okay?"
She related her phone conversation to him and Kem grimaced along with her. Apparently things were pretty rotten right now. Kem wished they could rush out and lend a hand, but they were trapped indoors for the time being. It crossed his mind to ask Reign if she'd go help, but he hadn't taken her as a familiar to send her into potentially uncomfortable situations with strange men she didn't know.
As soon as it was safe he and Aishe headed out the door and over to Alexander's store, making a stop along the way. Kem was glad Aishe still thought like a human sometimes; it hadn't occurred to him that her friend was probably in need of food.
When they reached the building in question, Kem thought it was a nice place from the front. But even nice buildings sprang leaks. When they entered he could see there was a lot to do. Aishe called out for Alexander and they saw him a little further inside. He looked like hell but Kem supposed anyone would, given the mess and the circumstances around them. The easily identifiable scent of blood lingered around him and Kem saw the makeshift bandage on the man's hand when they shook.
There didn't seem to be much for him to add; Aishe had everything well in hand. In a short time they were both looking around to determine the best course of action.
[Maybe let me handle things from the second flight up,] he suggested. [If Alexander stays down here I can do everything my way.]
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
The sun went down and Alex ended up using some of his own tools to keep his shop lit. He had to clear this floor fast in order to start drying everything out. He knew what kind of damage mold could do, not to mention the health hazards. Tomorrow he'd get some fans in here; he could rent what he needed to get everything dry and then figure out what needed to be replaced and repaired.
It took him a moment to recognize Aishe's voice as she came in, followed by a tall man, taller than Alex, whose longish hair seemed pale in the dim lamplight. Aishe introduced him as Kem and Alexander shook his offered hand.
"Aishe! Thanks for coming," he said, trying to dredge a smile up from somewhere.
Before he could get much further Aishe was handing him a bag that smelled like sandwich and telling him to take five. That sounded like a fantastic idea, except that he wasn't sure he'd be able to get back up if he sat down so he remained standing, crossing the floor to put the deli bag on the glass-top counter.
"Love it. You're my heroes," Alexander said without attempting to hide his gratitude. It had been a long enough day that pretty much anything would have tasted good.
The two of them were looking around as if they were trying to form a plan of action. Alexander had long since given up the planning, but that was when he only had himself to worry about. Three people would be a vast improvement.
It took him a moment to recognize Aishe's voice as she came in, followed by a tall man, taller than Alex, whose longish hair seemed pale in the dim lamplight. Aishe introduced him as Kem and Alexander shook his offered hand.
"Aishe! Thanks for coming," he said, trying to dredge a smile up from somewhere.
Before he could get much further Aishe was handing him a bag that smelled like sandwich and telling him to take five. That sounded like a fantastic idea, except that he wasn't sure he'd be able to get back up if he sat down so he remained standing, crossing the floor to put the deli bag on the glass-top counter.
"Love it. You're my heroes," Alexander said without attempting to hide his gratitude. It had been a long enough day that pretty much anything would have tasted good.
The two of them were looking around as if they were trying to form a plan of action. Alexander had long since given up the planning, but that was when he only had himself to worry about. Three people would be a vast improvement.
Aishe
14 years ago
Aishe had been worried when she'd seen Alexander's face but he apparently bore up well under stress. It was so think it seemed to seep from him. She could see it in his aura when he spoke, stress and fear and worry. But his voice was steady even if the hands that took the bag from her weren't. She knew he didn't have any family here in Nachton, and if things with Eiryk hadn't gone well then who did he have?
These things hadn't occurred to Aishe as often as they should have before it became necessary for her to pay attention to them. She couldn't ignore auras anymore than she could ignore the sunlight. And she preferred the prettier colors, colors with positive connotations. So she tried to aim for producing those. She wasn't sure how successful she'd be in this scenario.
Alex wasn't sitting or relaxing, really, but he had at least stopped to eat. The scent of blood was distracting her a little bit and she was glad for Kiamhaat's voice in her head, keeping her focus sharp.
[That sounds like a plan to me,] she responded to him. She posed the plan to Alexander who considered it and nodded, freeing Kiamhaat to head up the stairs and begin moving things around up there.
As soon as Aishe started to work Alexander joined her. She glared at him for a moment until he noted her expression.
"Finish eating at least," she said, pointing to the half-finished sandwich on the counter. "We're here to help. Let us."
Well... she'd have to work on her commanding, terrifying presence. Alexander obeyed long enough to finish his sandwich off in about three bites and then he was back to work.
"If you can move everything out to the middle of the store that's in good shape, I'll take it up the first flight, and Kem can get it from there."
It made sense; only Alexander knew for sure what should stay and what counted as a loss. He nodded an affirmative and they went that way, making a chain of sorts. And it kept Alexander away from the stairs, freeing Kiamhaat to sort things out as best he could.
These things hadn't occurred to Aishe as often as they should have before it became necessary for her to pay attention to them. She couldn't ignore auras anymore than she could ignore the sunlight. And she preferred the prettier colors, colors with positive connotations. So she tried to aim for producing those. She wasn't sure how successful she'd be in this scenario.
Alex wasn't sitting or relaxing, really, but he had at least stopped to eat. The scent of blood was distracting her a little bit and she was glad for Kiamhaat's voice in her head, keeping her focus sharp.
[That sounds like a plan to me,] she responded to him. She posed the plan to Alexander who considered it and nodded, freeing Kiamhaat to head up the stairs and begin moving things around up there.
As soon as Aishe started to work Alexander joined her. She glared at him for a moment until he noted her expression.
"Finish eating at least," she said, pointing to the half-finished sandwich on the counter. "We're here to help. Let us."
Well... she'd have to work on her commanding, terrifying presence. Alexander obeyed long enough to finish his sandwich off in about three bites and then he was back to work.
"If you can move everything out to the middle of the store that's in good shape, I'll take it up the first flight, and Kem can get it from there."
It made sense; only Alexander knew for sure what should stay and what counted as a loss. He nodded an affirmative and they went that way, making a chain of sorts. And it kept Alexander away from the stairs, freeing Kiamhaat to sort things out as best he could.
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Kem surveyed the damage on the second floor of the building. The wood floors, polished to a honey shine, were badly buckled. The back quarter of this floor looked like a big blister.
[Both of you be careful down there,] he warned Aishe. [I think there's probably still a good deal of water between floors.]
Moving things from the landing between flights into the studio was very easy once they began. Aishe handed up boxes as fast as she could get them from Alexander and Kem began piling things into the store, as well as rearranging those Alexander had already brought up so that everything would fit.
Still, at this rate, it would take a while yet.
[Both of you be careful down there,] he warned Aishe. [I think there's probably still a good deal of water between floors.]
Moving things from the landing between flights into the studio was very easy once they began. Aishe handed up boxes as fast as she could get them from Alexander and Kem began piling things into the store, as well as rearranging those Alexander had already brought up so that everything would fit.
Still, at this rate, it would take a while yet.
Eiryk
14 years ago
Waking up was not easy for Eiryk, not at all. He really couldn't even set an alarm, he just slept through them. As usual he woke, very slowly and the first thing he did was stumble toward coffee. Normally he didn't do anything else at this point in the evening, but apparently tonight he had a message. That was just odd, his studio knew better than to call him. Everything was done either in person or via email.
Groggy, but curious he pushed the button to listen. Alexander's voice hit him like a sledge hammer. He'd been planning on going to see the man tonight and try and work things out, but apparently he needed help. Well damned it he could help.
Eiryk didn't even think about it. He found clothing suitable for working in somewhere in the back of his closet pulled it on, poured the now made coffee into a thermos and charged out the door. While he rushed to the store he didn't speed, getting pulled over would just delay him further. Reaching the store he jumped out of the car, coffee in hand, stumbled over the curb and squelched into the store.
Wet, blood, dark, this was not good and Eiryk was more than a little worried.
"Alexander?"Â?
Eiryk tripped over something and landed with a bit of a splat in the water but he bounced up like nothing had happened. He had other things on his mind besides his balance issues.
"Alexander, are you OK?"Â?
Groggy, but curious he pushed the button to listen. Alexander's voice hit him like a sledge hammer. He'd been planning on going to see the man tonight and try and work things out, but apparently he needed help. Well damned it he could help.
Eiryk didn't even think about it. He found clothing suitable for working in somewhere in the back of his closet pulled it on, poured the now made coffee into a thermos and charged out the door. While he rushed to the store he didn't speed, getting pulled over would just delay him further. Reaching the store he jumped out of the car, coffee in hand, stumbled over the curb and squelched into the store.
Wet, blood, dark, this was not good and Eiryk was more than a little worried.
"Alexander?"Â?
Eiryk tripped over something and landed with a bit of a splat in the water but he bounced up like nothing had happened. He had other things on his mind besides his balance issues.
"Alexander, are you OK?"Â?
Aishe
14 years ago
Things could have been going worse, Aishe figured. They had emptied about half of the sales floor; some of the heavier items they had passed up. Aishe was frustrated; she or Kiamhaat could easily have picked them up and carried them but not with Alexander there. He was exhausted though - she considered that maybe if he passed out in the middle of the floor they could just carry things over him before he woke up.
Not funny, a little voice said in her head. Alexander was really pushing himself. She was worried. And she'd feel extra-guilty if he actually did pass out.
Kneeling to close the top of a box before picking it up, she heard someone new call Alexander's name and turned to look as whoever it was walked right into her, fell over her and sent her sprawling, and came back up as if nothing had happened.
If that wasn't enough to tip her off, Eiryk called Alexander's name again. Aishe, sitting on the floor behind him, coughed delicately and pointed toward the stock room.
"He's back there, Eiryk."
Happily, to Kiamhaat, she sent, [The cavalry just got here.]
Not funny, a little voice said in her head. Alexander was really pushing himself. She was worried. And she'd feel extra-guilty if he actually did pass out.
Kneeling to close the top of a box before picking it up, she heard someone new call Alexander's name and turned to look as whoever it was walked right into her, fell over her and sent her sprawling, and came back up as if nothing had happened.
If that wasn't enough to tip her off, Eiryk called Alexander's name again. Aishe, sitting on the floor behind him, coughed delicately and pointed toward the stock room.
"He's back there, Eiryk."
Happily, to Kiamhaat, she sent, [The cavalry just got here.]
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Kem and Aishe had kept up a pretty steady stream of conversation while they worked; it was much easier to coordinate things that way. They weren't doing too badly. Aishe seemed to think it would go much faster without Alexander in the picture but they couldn't kick him out of his own store.
Luck showed up in the form of one accident-prone blonde vampire, according to Aishe. Kem heard Eiryk's voice downstairs as well, but for the time being he stayed upstairs and continued working.
[Maybe the cavalry can drag Alexander out someplace warm and dry for a few hours,] Kem sent to Aishe. [Like an emergency clinic. I'll ask him in a bit.]
He knew the scent of blood in the air was uncomfortable for Aishe. She was doing fine so far but being a young vampire around an open wound wasn't always easy. Not to mention the risks to Alexander, lifting boxes with a gash on his arm that kept re-opening and bleeding.
Luck showed up in the form of one accident-prone blonde vampire, according to Aishe. Kem heard Eiryk's voice downstairs as well, but for the time being he stayed upstairs and continued working.
[Maybe the cavalry can drag Alexander out someplace warm and dry for a few hours,] Kem sent to Aishe. [Like an emergency clinic. I'll ask him in a bit.]
He knew the scent of blood in the air was uncomfortable for Aishe. She was doing fine so far but being a young vampire around an open wound wasn't always easy. Not to mention the risks to Alexander, lifting boxes with a gash on his arm that kept re-opening and bleeding.
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alexander was floored at the sheer amount of energy Aishe and her boyfriend both seemed to have, particularly after a long car ride. He wasn't sure if it was relative, since he felt like he was moving through quicksand, or if they were just naturally perky and 'up' all the time. Whatever the reason they were accomplishing so much more than he had in a much shorter time than he'd have thought possible. Aishe was strong but small and still she surprised him with the number of times she was able to lift heavy boxes and carry them up a flight of stairs to the landing where Kem took over.
Trusting them to keep moving things, Alexander went back to the stock room where half of the surprise water cascade had hit. The ceiling in here was sagging, corresponding with the flooding upstairs. Since there wasn't any carpet here and the far corner was dry, he didn't think they'd need to empty this room. They'd just have to move things around a little.
And then he was going to face-plant himself in bed for a while. That thought pulled him up short. He had no water, and half the electricity in his apartment was out. He could spend the night, but he'd have to find someplace else to stay. A hotel probably. The idea made him wince; hotels didn't come cheap in Nachton, or in any city really. And he was already pushing the limit for cash expenditure.
He took a second to lean back against the wall of the stock room and try to put things into perspective when he heard Eiryk's voice out in the store. He jerked his head up and looked out into the yellow lamp-lit sales floor. Apparently his ears weren't deceiving him. Eiryk really was there, a container in his hand, a little wet, looking around presumably for Alex.
He pushed himself off of the wall and walked toward Eiryk, not sure how he was supposed to respond given the way they'd last parted. But Eiryk had come after all. He couldn't be too angry, could he, if he'd come out here at night?
"Hey," he said hesitantly. "You came."
Alexander stared for a second and then threw reluctance to the wind. He crossed the sales floor in a few long strides and wrapped his arms around Eiryk, resting his head on his shoulder and heaving a sigh.
"You're here. Thanks."
Maybe things weren't so bad.
Trusting them to keep moving things, Alexander went back to the stock room where half of the surprise water cascade had hit. The ceiling in here was sagging, corresponding with the flooding upstairs. Since there wasn't any carpet here and the far corner was dry, he didn't think they'd need to empty this room. They'd just have to move things around a little.
And then he was going to face-plant himself in bed for a while. That thought pulled him up short. He had no water, and half the electricity in his apartment was out. He could spend the night, but he'd have to find someplace else to stay. A hotel probably. The idea made him wince; hotels didn't come cheap in Nachton, or in any city really. And he was already pushing the limit for cash expenditure.
He took a second to lean back against the wall of the stock room and try to put things into perspective when he heard Eiryk's voice out in the store. He jerked his head up and looked out into the yellow lamp-lit sales floor. Apparently his ears weren't deceiving him. Eiryk really was there, a container in his hand, a little wet, looking around presumably for Alex.
He pushed himself off of the wall and walked toward Eiryk, not sure how he was supposed to respond given the way they'd last parted. But Eiryk had come after all. He couldn't be too angry, could he, if he'd come out here at night?
"Hey," he said hesitantly. "You came."
Alexander stared for a second and then threw reluctance to the wind. He crossed the sales floor in a few long strides and wrapped his arms around Eiryk, resting his head on his shoulder and heaving a sigh.
"You're here. Thanks."
Maybe things weren't so bad.
Eiryk
14 years ago
"Sorry Aishe."Â?
Eiryk didn't even wonder why Aishe was there, he was just glad someone had gotten there before him. After his absent minded apology he started 'back there' as Aishe had indicated.
He stopped short at the sight of Alexander. He looked worse for wear. Apparently he was a bit wore out because he hit Alexander with a little force. Eiryk took it in stride and tightly wrapped his arms around Alexander.
"Of course I did. I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner."Â?
Not that he hadn't tried, he'd only dressed, hadn't bothered with little things like a shower or combing his hair. Eiryk was positively disheveled. He didn't care, getting here had been more important.
He managed to drop a soft kiss on Alexander's head while looking around at the store. It was a bit of a mess. Nothing that couldn't be put right with a little effort and time. He was more worried about Alexander, who was wet, felt cold and he could smell blood on.
Snuggling Alexander further into his embrace he stroked Alexander's hair, trying to comfort him.
"I think you need a rest beautiful. How long have you been at this? And you're hurt besides."Â?
If he could get Alexander to take a break he could help Kem and Aishe. They seemed to be doing just fine but a job like this wasn't about to be done anytime soon. At the very least they had to get whatever was bleeding taken care of.
Eiryk didn't even wonder why Aishe was there, he was just glad someone had gotten there before him. After his absent minded apology he started 'back there' as Aishe had indicated.
He stopped short at the sight of Alexander. He looked worse for wear. Apparently he was a bit wore out because he hit Alexander with a little force. Eiryk took it in stride and tightly wrapped his arms around Alexander.
"Of course I did. I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner."Â?
Not that he hadn't tried, he'd only dressed, hadn't bothered with little things like a shower or combing his hair. Eiryk was positively disheveled. He didn't care, getting here had been more important.
He managed to drop a soft kiss on Alexander's head while looking around at the store. It was a bit of a mess. Nothing that couldn't be put right with a little effort and time. He was more worried about Alexander, who was wet, felt cold and he could smell blood on.
Snuggling Alexander further into his embrace he stroked Alexander's hair, trying to comfort him.
"I think you need a rest beautiful. How long have you been at this? And you're hurt besides."Â?
If he could get Alexander to take a break he could help Kem and Aishe. They seemed to be doing just fine but a job like this wasn't about to be done anytime soon. At the very least they had to get whatever was bleeding taken care of.
Aishe
14 years ago
"Oh don't worry about me," Aishe said cheerfully. "If I'd known you were coming I'd have put out my neon sign."
She didn't really expect an answer; she was reading the signs from Eiryk and he was focused like a hawk on Alexander, wherever he was. She watched quietly as they stared at each other for a second and then Alexander crossed the space to where Eiryk stood.
Their words said they hadn't really spoken yet; their body language told her that maybe they didn't particularly need to just yet. Obviously there was interest on both sides, although Aishe was reading the colors of their words as much as the content. It was still a happy sight. She knew that she and Kem could only offer limited emotional support; she and Alexander were friends but only very newly so.
She stood and went over to where Eiryk and Alexander were, answering the question before Alexander could make an excuse.
"He's been at it far too long, since this morning according to when he called us. Probably earlier. We can finish up here easily."
She touched Alexander gently on his shoulder. "You already showed us what you were planning to do with everything. Go get off your feet, have someone look at your arm, and get warm and dry. Kem and I can finish up here."
She didn't really expect an answer; she was reading the signs from Eiryk and he was focused like a hawk on Alexander, wherever he was. She watched quietly as they stared at each other for a second and then Alexander crossed the space to where Eiryk stood.
Their words said they hadn't really spoken yet; their body language told her that maybe they didn't particularly need to just yet. Obviously there was interest on both sides, although Aishe was reading the colors of their words as much as the content. It was still a happy sight. She knew that she and Kem could only offer limited emotional support; she and Alexander were friends but only very newly so.
She stood and went over to where Eiryk and Alexander were, answering the question before Alexander could make an excuse.
"He's been at it far too long, since this morning according to when he called us. Probably earlier. We can finish up here easily."
She touched Alexander gently on his shoulder. "You already showed us what you were planning to do with everything. Go get off your feet, have someone look at your arm, and get warm and dry. Kem and I can finish up here."
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
And just like that there was light at the end of the tunnel. Aishe and Kem showing up had been a gift, a sign that there was some hope to be had. And with Eiryk here everything seemed that much more possible. Alex hadn't realized how much he liked being in Eiryk's arms until he'd been deprived of the feeling. He closed his eyes and didn't argue Aishe's answer; he didn't have the energy to stand on pride and lie. It had been a hellish day.
He drew the line at leaving Aishe and her boyfriend to clean up his store though. He opened his eyes and glanced down at her small hand on his shoulder. "I can't just let you guys finish up for me," he protested. "That's not what I asked for your help for."
Help didn't mean 'do it for me,' in Alex's book. He fully intended to remain until things were at a point that he could leave for the night. Warm and dry were very tempting, but he would get those soon enough.
He drew the line at leaving Aishe and her boyfriend to clean up his store though. He opened his eyes and glanced down at her small hand on his shoulder. "I can't just let you guys finish up for me," he protested. "That's not what I asked for your help for."
Help didn't mean 'do it for me,' in Alex's book. He fully intended to remain until things were at a point that he could leave for the night. Warm and dry were very tempting, but he would get those soon enough.
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Hearing voices downstairs, Kem finally made his way back onto the ground floor of the building. He greeted Eiryk with a friendly nod of his head, not wanting to interrupt the conversation around them. Instead he used his method.
[If you can convince him to at least go see a doctor about his arm, maybe you can get him home from there,] he suggested to Eiryk. [Aishe's been good so far but I think the blood is a little bit of a distraction.]
The coppery rich scent wasn't as thick as it had been before but they could all smell it. Aishe didn't seem too horribly bothered by it but Kem could see her focusing on keeping her lips tightly pressed together when she wasn't speaking, covering her delicate little fangs.
When Alexander protested, Kem decided to join in the peer pressure. "Look Alexander, of course you want to stay," he said, taking advantage of being the 'new guy' here to be blunt, "but honestly at this point we'll get it done faster without you. You're hurt and you're exhausted. Trust us not to screw it up and we'll get it done for you. You can come back first thing in the morning and rearrange to your heart's desire. You're no good to us at all if you pass out in the middle of the store."
Having done his best to lay it out gently but plainly, Kem looked to Eiryk to see if he could put the final nail in the proverbial coffin. If they could just get Alexander out, they'd have this done in a flash.
[If you can convince him to at least go see a doctor about his arm, maybe you can get him home from there,] he suggested to Eiryk. [Aishe's been good so far but I think the blood is a little bit of a distraction.]
The coppery rich scent wasn't as thick as it had been before but they could all smell it. Aishe didn't seem too horribly bothered by it but Kem could see her focusing on keeping her lips tightly pressed together when she wasn't speaking, covering her delicate little fangs.
When Alexander protested, Kem decided to join in the peer pressure. "Look Alexander, of course you want to stay," he said, taking advantage of being the 'new guy' here to be blunt, "but honestly at this point we'll get it done faster without you. You're hurt and you're exhausted. Trust us not to screw it up and we'll get it done for you. You can come back first thing in the morning and rearrange to your heart's desire. You're no good to us at all if you pass out in the middle of the store."
Having done his best to lay it out gently but plainly, Kem looked to Eiryk to see if he could put the final nail in the proverbial coffin. If they could just get Alexander out, they'd have this done in a flash.
Eiryk
14 years ago
Eiryk was slightly dismayed to hear all of this, both from Aishe and Kem. Dismayed, but not surprised. It sounded just like Alexander to try and do everything himself. He really did need to learn how to lean, or bend a little.
He agreed with Kem about the blood too. Poor Aishe.
[He's leaving one way or another. If I can get him settled I'll be back, let me know what we need.]
Not letting Alexander go he smoothed back his hair. Eiryk didn't want to resort to suggestion, he'd do it if he had to but he'd rather not.
"No one is doing it for you. You've done a lot but you're also, and I mean this in the best possible way, a mess. Let's get you taken care of so that you can take care of everything else. If nothing else dying of blood loss, exhaustion or tetanus or something like that is cliche and I won't hear of you doing it."Â?
He tried to tease just a little, gently nudging Alexander in the right direction. Once he got Alexander settled at home he could come back and help Kem and Aishe finish up. Even if they finished moving the merchandise there was going to be a lot to do.
"Now are you ready to listen to me or do I pick you up and put you in my car. Keeping in mind I'll probably drop you once and might possibly bash your head into a door jam or something and then you'd have two gashes."Â?
He agreed with Kem about the blood too. Poor Aishe.
[He's leaving one way or another. If I can get him settled I'll be back, let me know what we need.]
Not letting Alexander go he smoothed back his hair. Eiryk didn't want to resort to suggestion, he'd do it if he had to but he'd rather not.
"No one is doing it for you. You've done a lot but you're also, and I mean this in the best possible way, a mess. Let's get you taken care of so that you can take care of everything else. If nothing else dying of blood loss, exhaustion or tetanus or something like that is cliche and I won't hear of you doing it."Â?
He tried to tease just a little, gently nudging Alexander in the right direction. Once he got Alexander settled at home he could come back and help Kem and Aishe finish up. Even if they finished moving the merchandise there was going to be a lot to do.
"Now are you ready to listen to me or do I pick you up and put you in my car. Keeping in mind I'll probably drop you once and might possibly bash your head into a door jam or something and then you'd have two gashes."Â?
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
There weren't many words more effectively used on Alexander than those that clearly defined his uselessness. Of the things in his life that he feared, the greatest was being useless forever. It was a litany his parents and grandparents had repeated over and over until he had very nearly begun to believe it. Thus used by his friends it carried great impact, even if they didn't say it exactly.
Alexander heard the words, read into them, and let himself slump against Eiryk's shoulder. He was dead tired, sore, chilly, and apparently also very much in the way. It was the last one that bothered him the most. He knew why they said it though. There was a difference between using such words out of concern and using them out of spite. He tried not to be hurt.
"I guess I can't argue, huh," he said. He wasn't really sure how to express his thanks when he was reluctant to go in the first place, so he just settled for the simplest way. "Thanks again. I'll make it up to you."
Kem nodded at him, his expression one of approval, and Aishe kissed him softly on the cheek and hugged him. He allowed Eiryk to steer him out and then paused at the stairs. "Uh. You won't have to drive me anywhere. I live upstairs."
So Eiryk finally got what he wanted, which was to know where Alexander hung out when he wasn't yoga-ing or selling things or dating hot blondes. And then he remembered he didn't have an whole apartment to go home to, and he stopped suddenly, swaying on his feet as it hit him yet again.
"I don't have any water. Or electricity, really."
He shrugged and started climbing stairs again. "It doesn't matter. Dry and warm sound great right now. I'll worry about the rest tomorrow."
Alexander tugged on the hastily-wrapped bandage on his arm, hoping Eiryk would have forgotten about it. He didn't really want to go to a clinic. Sure, his arm hurt, but he'd been working all day and it hadn't fallen off or anything ridiculous.
Alexander heard the words, read into them, and let himself slump against Eiryk's shoulder. He was dead tired, sore, chilly, and apparently also very much in the way. It was the last one that bothered him the most. He knew why they said it though. There was a difference between using such words out of concern and using them out of spite. He tried not to be hurt.
"I guess I can't argue, huh," he said. He wasn't really sure how to express his thanks when he was reluctant to go in the first place, so he just settled for the simplest way. "Thanks again. I'll make it up to you."
Kem nodded at him, his expression one of approval, and Aishe kissed him softly on the cheek and hugged him. He allowed Eiryk to steer him out and then paused at the stairs. "Uh. You won't have to drive me anywhere. I live upstairs."
So Eiryk finally got what he wanted, which was to know where Alexander hung out when he wasn't yoga-ing or selling things or dating hot blondes. And then he remembered he didn't have an whole apartment to go home to, and he stopped suddenly, swaying on his feet as it hit him yet again.
"I don't have any water. Or electricity, really."
He shrugged and started climbing stairs again. "It doesn't matter. Dry and warm sound great right now. I'll worry about the rest tomorrow."
Alexander tugged on the hastily-wrapped bandage on his arm, hoping Eiryk would have forgotten about it. He didn't really want to go to a clinic. Sure, his arm hurt, but he'd been working all day and it hadn't fallen off or anything ridiculous.
Aishe
14 years ago
Aishe watched Alexander stumble off with Eiryk, concerned not only for his health but also because of the new emotions she saw radiate from him. She tried not to let those get to her. He had had a really long day and it was only natural that now that he was coming down from a very long adrenaline rush, there was going to be a down-swing.
She heard the two of them go upstairs, and then hit her forehead with her palm. "Why didn't I see that coming?"
At Kiamhaat's questioning gaze she said, "There's a third floor. He must live there."
She frowned. "That's not nearly far enough away for us to make all kinds of noise. Even if Eiryk does get him out to the clinic. That gives us, what, an hour? Maybe two if it's a bad night?"
She heard the two of them go upstairs, and then hit her forehead with her palm. "Why didn't I see that coming?"
At Kiamhaat's questioning gaze she said, "There's a third floor. He must live there."
She frowned. "That's not nearly far enough away for us to make all kinds of noise. Even if Eiryk does get him out to the clinic. That gives us, what, an hour? Maybe two if it's a bad night?"
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Kem blinked at Aishe and then came to the same realization as she had. "Arrrrgh," he said helpfully.
[So... what are the odds of maybe convincing Alexander to stay elsewhere?] he shot at Eiryk as the two of them headed upstairs. [We didn't realize he lived right up there.]
This was downright cheating, wasn't it? But surely Alexander must have planned to stay somewhere else until the repairs to the store were done? As he awaited Eiryk's response Kem turned to Aishe, pulling her close and running his thumb gently across her lower lip.
"You're holding up pretty well for a newbie," he said, smiling. "How are you doing?"
Aishe seemed all right but it wasn't unheard of for her to put her own needs on the back burner to take care of someone else. With a few moments alone, Kem knew she'd tell him how she really felt.
[So... what are the odds of maybe convincing Alexander to stay elsewhere?] he shot at Eiryk as the two of them headed upstairs. [We didn't realize he lived right up there.]
This was downright cheating, wasn't it? But surely Alexander must have planned to stay somewhere else until the repairs to the store were done? As he awaited Eiryk's response Kem turned to Aishe, pulling her close and running his thumb gently across her lower lip.
"You're holding up pretty well for a newbie," he said, smiling. "How are you doing?"
Aishe seemed all right but it wasn't unheard of for her to put her own needs on the back burner to take care of someone else. With a few moments alone, Kem knew she'd tell him how she really felt.
Eiryk
14 years ago
"You can't and there is no need."Â?
Eiryk still believed he should have been here sooner. Hell if he'd not spent so long moping about their break or break up or whatever Eiryk believed this all would have been prevented. Or at least there would be a better support system.
Huh. Well that made sense. He didn't get why Alex had been so reluctant to share that. It wasn't a big deal. It was practical. And what was the point of owning this much real estate if you didn't use every inch.
[Neither did I. But he can't stay here. It is a mess and with no power he'll freeze. Let's see what we can do.]
"Well that makes it easy for you to pack. Come on, you're staying with me at least until they get the water and electricity back on. Besides we have to get you out to have that arm looked at. Come on."Â?
It sort of made him all warm and fuzzy to have Kem and Aishe looking out for Alexander and so obviously worried about him.
Without really waiting for an answer he started leading Alexander to the stairs. He was really starting to worry. It was like he was deflating as they went.
Eiryk still believed he should have been here sooner. Hell if he'd not spent so long moping about their break or break up or whatever Eiryk believed this all would have been prevented. Or at least there would be a better support system.
Huh. Well that made sense. He didn't get why Alex had been so reluctant to share that. It wasn't a big deal. It was practical. And what was the point of owning this much real estate if you didn't use every inch.
[Neither did I. But he can't stay here. It is a mess and with no power he'll freeze. Let's see what we can do.]
"Well that makes it easy for you to pack. Come on, you're staying with me at least until they get the water and electricity back on. Besides we have to get you out to have that arm looked at. Come on."Â?
It sort of made him all warm and fuzzy to have Kem and Aishe looking out for Alexander and so obviously worried about him.
Without really waiting for an answer he started leading Alexander to the stairs. He was really starting to worry. It was like he was deflating as they went.
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
The stairs seemed about three miles long but that was because Alexander's feet felt like lead weights. It had been easy to put all of these issues to the side when he'd been totally focused on physical labor, but now his body just wasn't capable of that and he was running out of steam fast.
Outside the door to his apartment he turned and blinked slowly at Eiryk. "At your place?"
He shook his head. "I don't want to put you out. You don't have to, Eiryk. You came to help and I really appreciate it. I don't want to be a further burden."
A useless one, at that.
He opened the door and gestured Eiryk in. "I'll just be a second," he said.
Alexander was a light packer; with the help of one of his ubiquitous flashlights he took no time getting a duffel bag together. Tossing a few changes of clothes in, he stopped at the bathroom for a scant selection of toiletries.
There was no electricity at the back of the apartment but he'd managed to find the breaker for the front and keep that on. He glanced at his answering machine as he came back out; no new messages. Good. No hell to pay yet.
"I'm all set," he said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. " Your place is fine, I... I appreciate it. For tonight. I can find someplace to go tomorrow."
He didn't want to seem ungrateful. Eiryk didn't need to offer to let him stay but he had, even with the way Alexander had treated him last time they'd seen each other. Who was he kidding, anyway? He wanted to go with Eiryk. He liked being with him. They had a lot to discuss but they would manage. Alex would have liked to stay with Eiryk because he'd been invited to do so for more... romantic reasons, instead of necessity, but he'd take it right now. It was better than nothing.
Outside the door to his apartment he turned and blinked slowly at Eiryk. "At your place?"
He shook his head. "I don't want to put you out. You don't have to, Eiryk. You came to help and I really appreciate it. I don't want to be a further burden."
A useless one, at that.
He opened the door and gestured Eiryk in. "I'll just be a second," he said.
Alexander was a light packer; with the help of one of his ubiquitous flashlights he took no time getting a duffel bag together. Tossing a few changes of clothes in, he stopped at the bathroom for a scant selection of toiletries.
There was no electricity at the back of the apartment but he'd managed to find the breaker for the front and keep that on. He glanced at his answering machine as he came back out; no new messages. Good. No hell to pay yet.
"I'm all set," he said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. " Your place is fine, I... I appreciate it. For tonight. I can find someplace to go tomorrow."
He didn't want to seem ungrateful. Eiryk didn't need to offer to let him stay but he had, even with the way Alexander had treated him last time they'd seen each other. Who was he kidding, anyway? He wanted to go with Eiryk. He liked being with him. They had a lot to discuss but they would manage. Alex would have liked to stay with Eiryk because he'd been invited to do so for more... romantic reasons, instead of necessity, but he'd take it right now. It was better than nothing.
Eiryk
14 years ago
"You are -not- a burden."Â?
Eiryk said perhaps a bit more vehemently than he needed too.
Ambling in he looked around, but casually, with out being intrusive or nosy. OK so things were a bit spartan but they were neat and clean. Obviously all of Alexander's money went into the store, which was understandable.
"If you absolutely feel you must you can. But it would mean a lot to me if you'd just stay with me."Â?
Alexander was trying to shut him out, even now. And it bothered Eiryk. Even when he needed people Alexander wouldn't/couldn't let them in. But rather than trying to strong arm his way though this or push Alexander Eiryk chose to give the power of this decision to Alexander.
But no matter where Alexander chose to stay he needed someone to take care of him now. The man would work himself into an early grave at this point.
"Come on love, leave the keys with Kem and Aishe and let's get you some where to crash a bit."Â?
And get that arm looked at, he thought as he slipped an arm around Alexander's shoulders.
Eiryk said perhaps a bit more vehemently than he needed too.
Ambling in he looked around, but casually, with out being intrusive or nosy. OK so things were a bit spartan but they were neat and clean. Obviously all of Alexander's money went into the store, which was understandable.
"If you absolutely feel you must you can. But it would mean a lot to me if you'd just stay with me."Â?
Alexander was trying to shut him out, even now. And it bothered Eiryk. Even when he needed people Alexander wouldn't/couldn't let them in. But rather than trying to strong arm his way though this or push Alexander Eiryk chose to give the power of this decision to Alexander.
But no matter where Alexander chose to stay he needed someone to take care of him now. The man would work himself into an early grave at this point.
"Come on love, leave the keys with Kem and Aishe and let's get you some where to crash a bit."Â?
And get that arm looked at, he thought as he slipped an arm around Alexander's shoulders.