He was starting to worry a bit that Alexander might try and drown himself, but knew a good hot shower was the fastest way to warm up and if Alexander had been working half as long as hard as Eiryk suspected it was much needed or the man was going to be a mass of stiff muscles tomorrow. He'd opened a new bottle of mead, something a bit on the sweet side, and added some spices to it, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and a few other things. It was comfort food for him and certainly Alexander could use that now too. Besides, combining that with what ever the clinic gave him should put Alexander out enough he could get back and help a bit. He felt bad about popping in stealing Alexander and running and wasn't about to leave the dirty work just to Kem and Aishe. God bless them.
Hearing the water shut off he swiftly finished making the bed, he'd changed the sheets just after starting to heat the mead, and made sure there was an extra blanket in easy reach. By the time Alexander had flopped on the couch he was making his way back from the kitchen with to glasses of the hot spicy goodness. He half thrust the drink at Alexander, not willing to take no for an answer. Although, given the way Alexander looked he wasn't about to put up much of a fight about anything.
Sitting down far closer than propriety called for he managed to both smile and command at the same time.
"Drink up. Its good for you. And then we can get you tucked into bed."Â?
The cut looked bad, but not too bad. It would leave a mark, but it would be sexy so that was fine. Besides it wouldn't be any worse than any scar Eiryk had and distinctly better than some of them. It didn't matter. He lightly kissed Alexander's temple, that mattered.
Peace and Quiet (attn: Eiryk)
Eiryk's shower was a completely over-the-top piece of work, and Alexander decided he loved it. It was one of those deals where the water sprayed out from every angle and, recent memories of spraying water aside, it felt really, really good. It got steamy fast but Alexander suspected he'd be glad enough for the steam treatment tomorrow when the vicodin the nurse had given him wore off. For the time being though, his head was muzzy and his whole body was numb, which was a great relief from aching muscles, bruises, cuts, and general fatigue. He did his best not to fall asleep in the shower. Totally not cool to have to have Eiryk come rescue him. He did take a few moments to soak in the heat and steam with his face pressed against the coolness of the tiled wall.
He went through a laundry list of things he needed to do tomorrow, working hard on concentrating. Fans. Dehumidifiers. List of losses and damages for insurance. Oh, and call his clients. He would have to let them all know that classes were postponed indefinitely until his building was fixed. Some of them wouldn't be happy about it; he'd give refunds if they wanted them. He suspected most of his students, though, would be willing to just put everything on hold for the few weeks it might take to get things up and running again.
Finally he turned off the shower and staggered out. Picking up the closest towel he wrapped it around himself, recognizing the familiar scent and burying his nose in it for a moment. Once he was dry he hung the towel neatly back up and rummaged around in his bag for clothing. Not planning on being awake very long he found comfortable yoga pants and a tee and put them on. Closing his bag once more he left it sitting where it was until he could find out where Eiryk wanted him to put it so it was out of the way.
The was a delicious smell coming from the kitchen when Alexander got back out to the living room. Spicy, sweet, sort of like Eiryk's mead but with something else. Leaving curiosity for later he flopped down on the couch, noting the folded blanket on the back of it. Eiryk's couch was ridiculously comfortable. He could easily spend a few nights here.
Trying to keep his eyes open until Eiryk came back in, Alex inspected the stitches in his arm. There were eleven altogether, placed neatly in a row, holding the two slightly uneven sides of his cut together. It would undoubtedly scar but Alexander didn't really care one way or the other.
Eiryk
14 years ago
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alexander smiled up at Eiryk when he appeared from the kitchen and took the offered glass without argument. He smelled it just for the enjoyment of the warmth and spiciness of it and contemplated the ramifications of topping off a painkiller with alcohol. Couldn't be any stupider than some of the drugs he'd done years ago. At the most it'd probably knock him out and with the day he'd just had he couldn't see where that was a bad option. He strongly suspected the drink wouldn't even be necessary but he wasn't going to complain. It was Eiryk's, which meant it would be delicious, and it was warm.
Eiryk's kiss on his temple was just as warm and Alexander leaned into it, shifting on the couch to rest against the blonde. "This is fine," he said, sipping at his glass slowly and glancing up at Eiryk. It was fine, right?
He groped for the blanket on the back of the couch, succeeding in knocking it onto his legs where he left it. Meh. It was fine there too. Everything was pretty fine right now. In fact he was fine on the couch.
"Is there a light out here?" he asked Eiryk. "So I don't trip over anything if I get up during the night."
He'd never actually spent the night at Eiryk's, obviously. Therefore he'd never had to explain his aversion to complete darkness. He had a feeling it wouldn't matter tonight. It, like everything else, was also fine!
Eiryk's kiss on his temple was just as warm and Alexander leaned into it, shifting on the couch to rest against the blonde. "This is fine," he said, sipping at his glass slowly and glancing up at Eiryk. It was fine, right?
He groped for the blanket on the back of the couch, succeeding in knocking it onto his legs where he left it. Meh. It was fine there too. Everything was pretty fine right now. In fact he was fine on the couch.
"Is there a light out here?" he asked Eiryk. "So I don't trip over anything if I get up during the night."
He'd never actually spent the night at Eiryk's, obviously. Therefore he'd never had to explain his aversion to complete darkness. He had a feeling it wouldn't matter tonight. It, like everything else, was also fine!
Eiryk
14 years ago
Eiryk lost no time in snuggling Alexander against his chest when Alexander demonstrated he was even a little receptive.
"I'd like to think the mead is more than fine. I'm an artist after all."Â?
He didn't even care what he was saying all he knew was Alexander was there and letting him take care of him. Eiryk started absently massaging Alexander's shoulders as Alexander fussed with the blanket. Ah is that what was fine?
"No love it isn't fine. You need a good night's sleep and you won't get that out here. You're getting into bed. If any one sleeps out here it will be me."Â?
Eiryk's don't argue with me voice was low and mellow, he'd over heard one person describe it as melting chocolate which had, at the time, made him blush. But yelling certainly wasn't appropriate right now.
"Besides I have it all set up for you and I know you wouldn't want to let all that work go to waste."Â?
Given the fact that Alexander hadn't bothered to pick up the blanket, Eiryk didn't think this was going to be a long argument. All the fight had gone out of the other man. Certainly it was temporary, he'd seen this sort of thing before but typically it involved a battle field. Of course what Alexander had been dealing with was a battle too, just a different kind.
Eiryk didn't dwell on it, he just stretched over Alexander picked up the blanket and tucked it around Alexander.
"I'd like to think the mead is more than fine. I'm an artist after all."Â?
He didn't even care what he was saying all he knew was Alexander was there and letting him take care of him. Eiryk started absently massaging Alexander's shoulders as Alexander fussed with the blanket. Ah is that what was fine?
"No love it isn't fine. You need a good night's sleep and you won't get that out here. You're getting into bed. If any one sleeps out here it will be me."Â?
Eiryk's don't argue with me voice was low and mellow, he'd over heard one person describe it as melting chocolate which had, at the time, made him blush. But yelling certainly wasn't appropriate right now.
"Besides I have it all set up for you and I know you wouldn't want to let all that work go to waste."Â?
Given the fact that Alexander hadn't bothered to pick up the blanket, Eiryk didn't think this was going to be a long argument. All the fight had gone out of the other man. Certainly it was temporary, he'd seen this sort of thing before but typically it involved a battle field. Of course what Alexander had been dealing with was a battle too, just a different kind.
Eiryk didn't dwell on it, he just stretched over Alexander picked up the blanket and tucked it around Alexander.
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alexander nodded agreeably. The mead was more than fine, but Eiryk knew that. Alexander loved it, as he'd proven by matching Eiryk glass for glass on several movie-watching occasions. He didn't have the mental capacity to argue the point right now though.
"Wait, what?" Alexander raised his head, narrowly missing clocking Eiryk in the jaw. How they managed not to collide would remain an eternal mystery. "You can't sleep out here Eiryk. I'm not stealing your bed."
And then, the guilt. As Eiryk tucked the blanket around Alex's shoulders Alex clutched at it with the hand that wasn't holding a glass full of mead, as if trying to anchor himself to the couch. "I said I'd stay, I didn't expect to be kicking you out of your bedroom."
He deflated against Eiryk as he said it, his rebellion brief. he glanced into the bedroom and then down into his glass. "It is... kind of a big bed."
If Eiryk could play the guilt card, he could play the coy card, right? Wasn't that how it worked? He glanced back up at Eiryk, brown eyes big, soulful, and earnest. "We could share it."
He wasn't offering that - he was the next thing up from a vegetable right now. But it felt good, curled up on the couch next to Eiryk. Sleeping with him would be... well, even better.
"Wait, what?" Alexander raised his head, narrowly missing clocking Eiryk in the jaw. How they managed not to collide would remain an eternal mystery. "You can't sleep out here Eiryk. I'm not stealing your bed."
And then, the guilt. As Eiryk tucked the blanket around Alex's shoulders Alex clutched at it with the hand that wasn't holding a glass full of mead, as if trying to anchor himself to the couch. "I said I'd stay, I didn't expect to be kicking you out of your bedroom."
He deflated against Eiryk as he said it, his rebellion brief. he glanced into the bedroom and then down into his glass. "It is... kind of a big bed."
If Eiryk could play the guilt card, he could play the coy card, right? Wasn't that how it worked? He glanced back up at Eiryk, brown eyes big, soulful, and earnest. "We could share it."
He wasn't offering that - he was the next thing up from a vegetable right now. But it felt good, curled up on the couch next to Eiryk. Sleeping with him would be... well, even better.
Eiryk
14 years ago
"You're not stealing, I'm giving."Â? He said firmly.
He didn't even see Alexander move. Which was some where between odd and impressive when you considered he was the vampire and Alexander was a drugged up human. Eiryk considered the matter closed and wasn't about to say anything more on the matter. He'd wait until Alex was out and move him if he had too, but it wasn't up for discussion.
Oh, puppy dog eyes! That was low. That was just -very- dirty pool. How were you supposed to say no to that?!
Even without being told Eiryk understood the suggestion. Alexander just needed someone to be with him right now and that Eiryk couldn't fault him for. He certainly wouldn't feel bad snuggling up with Alexander for the day. The day? Oh good lord, Eiryk slept like the dead, literally, he was going to have to cover himself a bit there. Well they'd worry about that bridge when they came to it. He knew what he had to do, he just didn't really want too.
"As long as you promise not to compromise my virtue I would accept that as a reasonable compromise."Â?
It was clearly a joke, teasing. He said it as he tenderly smoothed back Alexander's hair. Waiting patently for him to finish his mead and nod off.
"I have a few things I need to take care of yet tonight but I promise to come right back and sleep in my own bed if that's what you want."Â?
He didn't even see Alexander move. Which was some where between odd and impressive when you considered he was the vampire and Alexander was a drugged up human. Eiryk considered the matter closed and wasn't about to say anything more on the matter. He'd wait until Alex was out and move him if he had too, but it wasn't up for discussion.
Oh, puppy dog eyes! That was low. That was just -very- dirty pool. How were you supposed to say no to that?!
Even without being told Eiryk understood the suggestion. Alexander just needed someone to be with him right now and that Eiryk couldn't fault him for. He certainly wouldn't feel bad snuggling up with Alexander for the day. The day? Oh good lord, Eiryk slept like the dead, literally, he was going to have to cover himself a bit there. Well they'd worry about that bridge when they came to it. He knew what he had to do, he just didn't really want too.
"As long as you promise not to compromise my virtue I would accept that as a reasonable compromise."Â?
It was clearly a joke, teasing. He said it as he tenderly smoothed back Alexander's hair. Waiting patently for him to finish his mead and nod off.
"I have a few things I need to take care of yet tonight but I promise to come right back and sleep in my own bed if that's what you want."Â?
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alexander stayed slumped against Eiryk's side, convincing himself that it was all right to lose a fight once in a while. He just wasn't used to someone watching out for him, that was the odd thing. His parents might have been overprotective, but it wasn't in a 'we don't want our son hurt' kind of way. It had always been a 'please don't act like a deviant freak in public' sort of way. He hadn't had too many close friends growing up and the people he'd hung out with after high school had been more interesting in boning each other and getting high than forming lasting emotional bonds. Why was it so hard to accept that Eiryk actually did care?
Alexander nodded against Eiryk's chest, eyes closing slowly now that he had satisfied himself on that one count; Eiryk would not be put out of his own bed. Alexander would pass out very quietly on one side, that was all.
He tilted his head, feathered his lips against Eiryk's neck. "Your virtue is safe with me," he mumbled. "At least for the next twenty four hours."
Drugs and alcohol loosened his tongue... and his inhibitions apparently. Normally Alexander wouldn't have been so blunt, but he really didn't know exactly what he was saying by that point. His hand slowly lowered, resting his unfinished glass on Eiryk's leg, fortunately not spilling any of the remaining mead from it.
He nodded against Eiryk's shoulder to indicate that that was, indeed, what he wanted. That was all he clearly remembered before he got his own personal fade-to-black for the second time in a few short hours.
Alexander nodded against Eiryk's chest, eyes closing slowly now that he had satisfied himself on that one count; Eiryk would not be put out of his own bed. Alexander would pass out very quietly on one side, that was all.
He tilted his head, feathered his lips against Eiryk's neck. "Your virtue is safe with me," he mumbled. "At least for the next twenty four hours."
Drugs and alcohol loosened his tongue... and his inhibitions apparently. Normally Alexander wouldn't have been so blunt, but he really didn't know exactly what he was saying by that point. His hand slowly lowered, resting his unfinished glass on Eiryk's leg, fortunately not spilling any of the remaining mead from it.
He nodded against Eiryk's shoulder to indicate that that was, indeed, what he wanted. That was all he clearly remembered before he got his own personal fade-to-black for the second time in a few short hours.
Eiryk
14 years ago
OK so he was cute drugged up and forward. Eiryk chuckled, a low rumbling sound in his chest but he knew he wasn't going to hold Alexander too anything said in this condition. Instead he just moved the mead away so it wouldn't get spilled, thought better of it and finished it himself. Sure he was going back out but when was the last time a vampire got a DUI? And it wasn't anything that would stay with him too long at any rate.
Giving Alexander a few minutes he slowly coaxed the man to his feet and steered him to the bedroom. He was very compliant at this point and it was easy enough to tuck him under the covers. Perhaps a bit selfishly Eiryk lay down on the bed for a while as well smiling to himself as Alexander basically attached himself to him. But there was work to be done. Satisfied that Alexander was out like a light Eiryk slowly disengaged himself and headed back to the store.
It took a few calls while he was driving but he arranged for everything. He called in a favor and got a security door installed so that they could leave the door open and get some airflow in the building without risking theft. A generator on each of the two damaged floors was set up as well as fans and dehumidifiers and at great personal risk to life and limb Eiryk spent some quality time with a carpet extruder sucking water out of the carpet (and his pants, the walls, a shoe display and his face... all by accident of course). He really didn't know what to do for the hardwood floor, but made a note to call one of his flooring guys as soon as possible. Kem and Aishe were a huge help as well, they earned themselves a place on Eiryk's permanent Christmas card list. And he'd been sure to bring another thermos of his very best coffee for Kem and even remembered that Aishe preferred hot chocolate. He might be, as Alexander had said, a disaster in progress but he tried to be thoughtful.
They'd finally done all there was to do and although it pained him to get into his car all damp Eiryk wanted to get back to Alexander quickly. Eiryk wasn't sure if Kem had business at the towers yet that night or if he just wanted to double check but he did come by for a moment or two to make sure everything was OK. After all, there hadn't been a lot of time to talk while they'd been working. Eiryk assured him things were as well as could be expected. They'd done everything they could, the doctor had stitched Alexander up nice and jabbed him with a needle and that was all that could be done for now.
It had been a lot of work, but Eiryk didn't really qualify as exhausted. Still it would be daylight soon, and while he could stay awake past dawn, did he really -not- want to be in bed with Alexander? Besides, he felt rather bad about leaving him all alone like that. He took his own long hot shower, changed and made some tea before climbing into bed with Alexander who again, rather like Velcro held on to Eiryk. Which made him smile, as from the looks of it Alexander hadn't moved an inch since he'd left.
Giving Alexander a few minutes he slowly coaxed the man to his feet and steered him to the bedroom. He was very compliant at this point and it was easy enough to tuck him under the covers. Perhaps a bit selfishly Eiryk lay down on the bed for a while as well smiling to himself as Alexander basically attached himself to him. But there was work to be done. Satisfied that Alexander was out like a light Eiryk slowly disengaged himself and headed back to the store.
It took a few calls while he was driving but he arranged for everything. He called in a favor and got a security door installed so that they could leave the door open and get some airflow in the building without risking theft. A generator on each of the two damaged floors was set up as well as fans and dehumidifiers and at great personal risk to life and limb Eiryk spent some quality time with a carpet extruder sucking water out of the carpet (and his pants, the walls, a shoe display and his face... all by accident of course). He really didn't know what to do for the hardwood floor, but made a note to call one of his flooring guys as soon as possible. Kem and Aishe were a huge help as well, they earned themselves a place on Eiryk's permanent Christmas card list. And he'd been sure to bring another thermos of his very best coffee for Kem and even remembered that Aishe preferred hot chocolate. He might be, as Alexander had said, a disaster in progress but he tried to be thoughtful.
They'd finally done all there was to do and although it pained him to get into his car all damp Eiryk wanted to get back to Alexander quickly. Eiryk wasn't sure if Kem had business at the towers yet that night or if he just wanted to double check but he did come by for a moment or two to make sure everything was OK. After all, there hadn't been a lot of time to talk while they'd been working. Eiryk assured him things were as well as could be expected. They'd done everything they could, the doctor had stitched Alexander up nice and jabbed him with a needle and that was all that could be done for now.
It had been a lot of work, but Eiryk didn't really qualify as exhausted. Still it would be daylight soon, and while he could stay awake past dawn, did he really -not- want to be in bed with Alexander? Besides, he felt rather bad about leaving him all alone like that. He took his own long hot shower, changed and made some tea before climbing into bed with Alexander who again, rather like Velcro held on to Eiryk. Which made him smile, as from the looks of it Alexander hadn't moved an inch since he'd left.
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alexander didn't actually remember getting into Eiryk's bed. He didn't actually remember falling asleep either. One second they were on the couch and the next thing he knew he was blinking sleepily into Eiryk's bare chest and trying to figure out what the hell had happened and where they were, not to mention what time it was and maybe a few other question-words for good measure.
Vicodin and alcohol had given him a serious case of cotton-mouth and he wasn't sure either one was entirely out of his system yet since he tried to say, "What time is it?" and came out with a muffled moan-turned-into-yawn instead. Classy.
The bedside lamp was on and Eiryk was reading a book, but he had one arm around Alexander, who was apparently attached to Eiryk like a leech. Aware that he had one arm and one leg draped over Eiryk, Alexander squinted up at the blond and raised his eyebrows. He wasn't even sure what question he was trying to ask at that point. It seemed like enough to comprehend that he was really (really, really) comfortably nestled into Eiryk's bed with Eiryk himself looking like they did this every night.
Vicodin and alcohol had given him a serious case of cotton-mouth and he wasn't sure either one was entirely out of his system yet since he tried to say, "What time is it?" and came out with a muffled moan-turned-into-yawn instead. Classy.
The bedside lamp was on and Eiryk was reading a book, but he had one arm around Alexander, who was apparently attached to Eiryk like a leech. Aware that he had one arm and one leg draped over Eiryk, Alexander squinted up at the blond and raised his eyebrows. He wasn't even sure what question he was trying to ask at that point. It seemed like enough to comprehend that he was really (really, really) comfortably nestled into Eiryk's bed with Eiryk himself looking like they did this every night.
Eiryk
14 years ago
Eiryk felt Alexander wake more than anything. Just a slight shift a little groan, nothing major. It didn't take some one with super human, or indeed even vampire senses to know he was awake, just some one who was a little worried and very aware of Alexander. Eiryk fit that bill.
Alcohol could dehydrate a body so without a word he untangled himself from Alexander padded out to the kitchen and came back with a big glass of water. Handing it to the other man he climbed back into bed and decided it was time to go to sleep, for both of them.
Though he hated doing it, it had to be done. Alexander had to sleep through the next day. If nothing else waking up next to him while he was mostly dead would be freaky. More important though, he needed the rest. Suggestion was his only option, the tone of his voice didn't alter much, but there was more oomph to it.
"I think you might need some more rest. Maybe all day. I know I'm planning on sleeping like the dead."Â?
Alcohol could dehydrate a body so without a word he untangled himself from Alexander padded out to the kitchen and came back with a big glass of water. Handing it to the other man he climbed back into bed and decided it was time to go to sleep, for both of them.
Though he hated doing it, it had to be done. Alexander had to sleep through the next day. If nothing else waking up next to him while he was mostly dead would be freaky. More important though, he needed the rest. Suggestion was his only option, the tone of his voice didn't alter much, but there was more oomph to it.
"I think you might need some more rest. Maybe all day. I know I'm planning on sleeping like the dead."Â?
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alex would have protested Eiryk's leaving if his brain weren't functioning at somewhere around Neanderthal-like comprehension. By the time he figured it out (warm thing gone, face-plant in pillow, might want air), Eiryk was back and there was no more reason for Alex to be proud of having figured the mystery out. Instead he downed several large gulps of water, careful not to drip on the sheets, and handed the glass back to Eiryk. "Thanks."
Alexander contemplated arguing. Was it morning? There was no light, absolutely none, coming from the windows so his internal clock was completely off. His eyes felt heavy though, as if he'd just gone to bed. So maybe it was still night time. Eiryk's words were hard to ignore.
"Maybe a few more hours." Obviously he needed the rest or he wouldn't be tired still. Eiryk was being sensible and concerned, which was sweet of him. Alexander started going through his mental list of things he needed to do even while his body responded to Eiryk by snuggling back down under the covers, tugging his pillow comfortably into place, and waiting until Eiryk settled himself before wrapping back around him. Couple more hours couldn't hurt. Right?
The next time he opened his eyes it was still dark and he was alone again. Feeling a lot more alert he sat up, rubbed his eyes, and looked down at the indentation in the other pillow where Eiryk had obviously slept. Ugh, apparently Alex was a bed hog. An entire king-sized bed and he'd managed to spend the entire night crammed up against poor Eiryk. Probably snoring like a buzz-saw too, although he'd never been told he did.
The unmistakable aroma of coffee wafted into the room and Alex swung his legs over the side of the bed, yawned, scratched, and padded out to the kitchen to find Eiryk standing there gazing worshipfully at the coffee maker. He was still shirtless, pajama pants barely hanging onto his narrow hips, and he was completely disheveled. Cute.
Alexander leaned against the door frame and said, "Morning. I could get used to that."
He kind of sort of meant Eiryk's ass, but Alex was still self-conscious enough not to elaborate. Eiryk could take it as he liked; the coffee, a half-naked blond, sleeping over... whichever. Alexander decided he could probably get used to all the above.
((ooc; permission granted for suggestion, obviously))
Alexander contemplated arguing. Was it morning? There was no light, absolutely none, coming from the windows so his internal clock was completely off. His eyes felt heavy though, as if he'd just gone to bed. So maybe it was still night time. Eiryk's words were hard to ignore.
"Maybe a few more hours." Obviously he needed the rest or he wouldn't be tired still. Eiryk was being sensible and concerned, which was sweet of him. Alexander started going through his mental list of things he needed to do even while his body responded to Eiryk by snuggling back down under the covers, tugging his pillow comfortably into place, and waiting until Eiryk settled himself before wrapping back around him. Couple more hours couldn't hurt. Right?
The next time he opened his eyes it was still dark and he was alone again. Feeling a lot more alert he sat up, rubbed his eyes, and looked down at the indentation in the other pillow where Eiryk had obviously slept. Ugh, apparently Alex was a bed hog. An entire king-sized bed and he'd managed to spend the entire night crammed up against poor Eiryk. Probably snoring like a buzz-saw too, although he'd never been told he did.
The unmistakable aroma of coffee wafted into the room and Alex swung his legs over the side of the bed, yawned, scratched, and padded out to the kitchen to find Eiryk standing there gazing worshipfully at the coffee maker. He was still shirtless, pajama pants barely hanging onto his narrow hips, and he was completely disheveled. Cute.
Alexander leaned against the door frame and said, "Morning. I could get used to that."
He kind of sort of meant Eiryk's ass, but Alex was still self-conscious enough not to elaborate. Eiryk could take it as he liked; the coffee, a half-naked blond, sleeping over... whichever. Alexander decided he could probably get used to all the above.
((ooc; permission granted for suggestion, obviously))
Eiryk
14 years ago
Alexander was still out when Eiryk woke up, and that was saying something. Eiryk didn't wake up, not easily and he wasn't exactly alert when he did finally stumble out of bed, and yet somehow he hadn't woken Alexander. It was a miracle.
He would have thought so if he'd managed to think anything. About the only think Eiryk had managed to do was grab two coffee cups instead of one. He heard Alexander's voice, but from a distance. In a stunning display of language skills he grunted and made a grasping gesture, wanting Alexander closer.
The coffee finished and he poured two cups and clung to one like a life line before turning to Alexander. He grunted at the coffee on the counter and the cream (the good stuff not anything cheap and half assed) and sugar.
He would have thought so if he'd managed to think anything. About the only think Eiryk had managed to do was grab two coffee cups instead of one. He heard Alexander's voice, but from a distance. In a stunning display of language skills he grunted and made a grasping gesture, wanting Alexander closer.
The coffee finished and he poured two cups and clung to one like a life line before turning to Alexander. He grunted at the coffee on the counter and the cream (the good stuff not anything cheap and half assed) and sugar.
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Note to self: Eiryk didn't wake up well. It was nice to know there was at least some point during the day when Eiryk didn't have it all together. It was more endearing than anything.
Assuming the grasping hands thing was meant as an invitation (and he hoped it was or he was about to make a total ass of himself), Alexander walked across the kitchen and completely invaded Eiryk's personal space. Mindful of both coffee cups, the one in Eiryk's hand and the one intended for him on the counter, Alex snaked his uninjured arm around Eiryk's waist and bent his head to kiss him fully on the lips. With the other hand he brushed his fingers through Eiryk's short sunny yellow hair and let them trail down to his neck, coming to rest on his shoulder.
He'd really meant it to be a simple, soft 'good morning' kind of kiss but it turned into a more 'sinful and delicious' kind of kiss very quickly. Apparently Eiryk was more awake than Alexander had thought. Of course, neither one of them was complaining, if the silence around them was any indicator.
Assuming the grasping hands thing was meant as an invitation (and he hoped it was or he was about to make a total ass of himself), Alexander walked across the kitchen and completely invaded Eiryk's personal space. Mindful of both coffee cups, the one in Eiryk's hand and the one intended for him on the counter, Alex snaked his uninjured arm around Eiryk's waist and bent his head to kiss him fully on the lips. With the other hand he brushed his fingers through Eiryk's short sunny yellow hair and let them trail down to his neck, coming to rest on his shoulder.
He'd really meant it to be a simple, soft 'good morning' kind of kiss but it turned into a more 'sinful and delicious' kind of kiss very quickly. Apparently Eiryk was more awake than Alexander had thought. Of course, neither one of them was complaining, if the silence around them was any indicator.
Eiryk
14 years ago
Mmmmmmm Alexander. Eiryk was more than happy to have his arms full of good looking Greek. He, however, had not expected said good looking Greek to be so awake. Right up until that point Eiryk could have sworn he hated morning people.
It was morning. Let's just leave it at that.
Grasping around he managed to find the counter top and carefully set his coffee down. He needed that coffee almost as much as he needed Alexander right then, so dropping it was out of the question. Of course, dropping Alexander was out of the question too.
Getting a better hold on Alexander he deepened the kiss but managed not to let his hands get too grabby. Sleep addled or not his brain knew that he shouldn't push too hard. Alexander needed to set the pace.
It was morning. Let's just leave it at that.
Grasping around he managed to find the counter top and carefully set his coffee down. He needed that coffee almost as much as he needed Alexander right then, so dropping it was out of the question. Of course, dropping Alexander was out of the question too.
Getting a better hold on Alexander he deepened the kiss but managed not to let his hands get too grabby. Sleep addled or not his brain knew that he shouldn't push too hard. Alexander needed to set the pace.
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alexander took Eiryk's coffee cup placement as tacit permission to keep it up, so he did, exploring his way around Eiryk's lips and tongue. Familiar territory, but definitely territory he'd missed staking a claim to in the last few weeks. Eiryk never kissed roughly. For someone as enthusiastic about, well, everything, Eiryk performed that particular thing with infinite care. He never pushed it, just kissed with soft lips, deep delicious sweet kisses that never involved teeth.
That was just fine with Alex.
He leaned into Eiryk a little bit, bending him back over the counter slightly but holding him close. Finally he broke away, a smile on his own lips, still holding Eiryk tightly. He reached one arm around and retrieved Eiryk's coffee mug, placing it back in his hands before moving away.
"Thanks for last night. I don't think I said so."
He took his own coffee and stirred sugar into it, trying not to wince as sore muscles protested pretty much every motion. The doctor had given him two more painkillers to last today and tonight but Alexander had done enough drugs for one lifetime and didn't intend to use them. His arm didn't actually hurt so badly; it was possibly being overshadowed by the rest of his body's numerous protests.
He sat at the kitchen table, waiting patiently for Eiryk to wake up enough to form coherent words if not whole sentences. The clock read six fifteen; plenty of time to get to the store and start things up again. He had to call Aishe and Kem at some point too and thank them. Not the same way he'd just thanked Eiryk.
Something wasn't clicking though. It was Eiryk. Why was he in pajamas? "Why do you look like you just woke up?" Alexander's brow furrowed. "You said you sleep through the day."
That was just fine with Alex.
He leaned into Eiryk a little bit, bending him back over the counter slightly but holding him close. Finally he broke away, a smile on his own lips, still holding Eiryk tightly. He reached one arm around and retrieved Eiryk's coffee mug, placing it back in his hands before moving away.
"Thanks for last night. I don't think I said so."
He took his own coffee and stirred sugar into it, trying not to wince as sore muscles protested pretty much every motion. The doctor had given him two more painkillers to last today and tonight but Alexander had done enough drugs for one lifetime and didn't intend to use them. His arm didn't actually hurt so badly; it was possibly being overshadowed by the rest of his body's numerous protests.
He sat at the kitchen table, waiting patiently for Eiryk to wake up enough to form coherent words if not whole sentences. The clock read six fifteen; plenty of time to get to the store and start things up again. He had to call Aishe and Kem at some point too and thank them. Not the same way he'd just thanked Eiryk.
Something wasn't clicking though. It was Eiryk. Why was he in pajamas? "Why do you look like you just woke up?" Alexander's brow furrowed. "You said you sleep through the day."
Eiryk
14 years ago
Oh he was just getting into things, and getting some positively dirty ideas. Alexander being this aggressive was something of a treat, a big delicious treat.
He groaned when Alexander pulled away. It was just messed up to tease a man like that first thing in the morning. He gulped down a huge swallow of coffee trying to get himself under control again. His voice betrayed him though, it was a little ragged.
"No thanks necessary."Â?
He cleared his throat and managed to sound normal again while watching Alexander moving a bit stiffly.
"But if that was a thank you, you can do it any time you want."Â?
Oh, look, guilt. He probably shouldn't have knocked Alexander out like that. But, Eiryk reasoned, it was only a suggestion. He couldn't -make- people do anything they didn't want to, or in Alexander's case, need to. He was obviously doing better for having that extra time.
"Er... well... I do. I just woke up."Â?
He jerked his head toward the curtains. It would be safe enough to open them now, it would be dark outside.
He groaned when Alexander pulled away. It was just messed up to tease a man like that first thing in the morning. He gulped down a huge swallow of coffee trying to get himself under control again. His voice betrayed him though, it was a little ragged.
"No thanks necessary."Â?
He cleared his throat and managed to sound normal again while watching Alexander moving a bit stiffly.
"But if that was a thank you, you can do it any time you want."Â?
Oh, look, guilt. He probably shouldn't have knocked Alexander out like that. But, Eiryk reasoned, it was only a suggestion. He couldn't -make- people do anything they didn't want to, or in Alexander's case, need to. He was obviously doing better for having that extra time.
"Er... well... I do. I just woke up."Â?
He jerked his head toward the curtains. It would be safe enough to open them now, it would be dark outside.
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alexander blinked at Eiryk for a second while this new information trickled in. He'd just woken up? That was impossible. Alexander shot up from his chair and tugged aside the window curtain. Sure enough, it was dark. And it wasn't 'lazy morning in Nachton' dark. It was 'swinging Nachton night life' dark.
Alex zombie-walked his way back to his coffee and sat back down, putting his head in his hands. "Shit," he said. "Shit, shit, shit."
He looked up at Eiryk helplessly. "I had so much to do today."
All he could recall was that he'd been completely screwed up the previous night and if he hadn't had Eiryk around he'd probably have done something unintentionally stupid. He scrubbed at his eyes, amazed that he could sleep for - what, 18 hours? - and still think a nap was a fantastic idea. Obviously he'd needed to sleep. But what was he supposed to do about his shop, leave it damp and mildewing for another night?
Then again this was Nachton after all. And he had sitting with him the textbook definition of a night owl.
"Hey," he said, raising his head and looking at Eiryk, "do you think I can rent out the stuff I need to dry the store out tonight?"
He could do it overnight; as long as his sleep schedule was screwy he may as well take advantage of it. It wasn't like he had to get up early to go into work tomorrow.
Alex zombie-walked his way back to his coffee and sat back down, putting his head in his hands. "Shit," he said. "Shit, shit, shit."
He looked up at Eiryk helplessly. "I had so much to do today."
All he could recall was that he'd been completely screwed up the previous night and if he hadn't had Eiryk around he'd probably have done something unintentionally stupid. He scrubbed at his eyes, amazed that he could sleep for - what, 18 hours? - and still think a nap was a fantastic idea. Obviously he'd needed to sleep. But what was he supposed to do about his shop, leave it damp and mildewing for another night?
Then again this was Nachton after all. And he had sitting with him the textbook definition of a night owl.
"Hey," he said, raising his head and looking at Eiryk, "do you think I can rent out the stuff I need to dry the store out tonight?"
He could do it overnight; as long as his sleep schedule was screwy he may as well take advantage of it. It wasn't like he had to get up early to go into work tomorrow.
Eiryk
14 years ago
Well he hadn't expected Alexander to be skipping and cheerful that he'd slept the day away. He just also hadn't expected to fee quite this bad about it. But done was done.
He set his coffee down and sat down next to Alexander. He tossed a supportive arm around the other man's shoulders.
"It isn't anything that can't be done tonight or tomorrow."Â?
OK that sounded more trite than he'd intended it too. Eiryk was starting to think he wasn't so great at this supportive boyfriend roll. How long had it been since he'd had to think about money? He just took it for granted that these things got done one way or another.
He cheered up a bit knowing he had -some- good news.
"Well I'm sure you could, because we did while you were out last night. Things should be no more than damp right now. We can go out and you can give it your seal of approval and see what else needs to be done."Â?
Suddenly he hoped that Alexander wasn't going to hold that against him. It was just... well he'd been -so- tired and hurt and cold and hungry and Kem and Aishe still were ready to go and he'd been fresh and desperately needed to be useful. So, well they'd done it. Some one had to.
He set his coffee down and sat down next to Alexander. He tossed a supportive arm around the other man's shoulders.
"It isn't anything that can't be done tonight or tomorrow."Â?
OK that sounded more trite than he'd intended it too. Eiryk was starting to think he wasn't so great at this supportive boyfriend roll. How long had it been since he'd had to think about money? He just took it for granted that these things got done one way or another.
He cheered up a bit knowing he had -some- good news.
"Well I'm sure you could, because we did while you were out last night. Things should be no more than damp right now. We can go out and you can give it your seal of approval and see what else needs to be done."Â?
Suddenly he hoped that Alexander wasn't going to hold that against him. It was just... well he'd been -so- tired and hurt and cold and hungry and Kem and Aishe still were ready to go and he'd been fresh and desperately needed to be useful. So, well they'd done it. Some one had to.
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alex groaned into his hands, thinking of all the things that actually did have to be done tonight. And then he peered through his fingers at Eiryk's next statement.
"You what? Who did? The three of you?"
He stared, waiting for Eiryk to confirm that he wasn't having some kind of post-painkiller hallucination. And then he sat some more. He opened his mouth and closed it a few times.
"You didn't have to do that," he said finally. "You should have woken me up, I'd have taken care of it. I've got to pay you back."
But that wasn't gracious at all was it? No, Alex, it was not. It's just... people didn't do things for Alexander. God, he was kind of a complete loser huh. He dredged up the appropriate response from somewhere deep down, probably a repressed Sesame Street episode.
"Thanks Eiryk." It was accompanied with a smile, slightly forced. "God. I really have to call Aishe and Kem. Were they all right? You guys must have been beat by morning. I should have been there."
"You what? Who did? The three of you?"
He stared, waiting for Eiryk to confirm that he wasn't having some kind of post-painkiller hallucination. And then he sat some more. He opened his mouth and closed it a few times.
"You didn't have to do that," he said finally. "You should have woken me up, I'd have taken care of it. I've got to pay you back."
But that wasn't gracious at all was it? No, Alex, it was not. It's just... people didn't do things for Alexander. God, he was kind of a complete loser huh. He dredged up the appropriate response from somewhere deep down, probably a repressed Sesame Street episode.
"Thanks Eiryk." It was accompanied with a smile, slightly forced. "God. I really have to call Aishe and Kem. Were they all right? You guys must have been beat by morning. I should have been there."
Eiryk
14 years ago
He nodded, up the three of them. Then he sat back and watched Alexander go through what had to be ninety seven responses.
"It needed to be done, so we did it and I'm pretty sure I didn't tell you which of us paid and I guarantee you that at least two of us will be highly insulted if you even -try- to pay us back."Â?
Aishe said Alexander had some insecurity issues, but Eiryk was starting to think they were deeper than she might have hinted. Part of him was thinking that Alexander had never had a friend and that simply wasn't possible. He was warm, sweet, caring, funny and very easy to like.
Finally Alexander seemed to pick an appropriate response, it might have been more simulated than genuine but it was the right one.
"You're welcome. Everyone was fine I promise. I brought coffee."Â?
Eiryk said this as if his coffee was a magic cure all for -everything-. He didn't discourage Alexander from calling to say thank you. That was totally appropriate.
"You were in no condition to be there. Besides, it is done now. At least done enough you can work out what actually has to be taken care of next."Â?
"It needed to be done, so we did it and I'm pretty sure I didn't tell you which of us paid and I guarantee you that at least two of us will be highly insulted if you even -try- to pay us back."Â?
Aishe said Alexander had some insecurity issues, but Eiryk was starting to think they were deeper than she might have hinted. Part of him was thinking that Alexander had never had a friend and that simply wasn't possible. He was warm, sweet, caring, funny and very easy to like.
Finally Alexander seemed to pick an appropriate response, it might have been more simulated than genuine but it was the right one.
"You're welcome. Everyone was fine I promise. I brought coffee."Â?
Eiryk said this as if his coffee was a magic cure all for -everything-. He didn't discourage Alexander from calling to say thank you. That was totally appropriate.
"You were in no condition to be there. Besides, it is done now. At least done enough you can work out what actually has to be taken care of next."Â?
Alex Aristos
14 years ago
Alexander couldn't really put into words how much he appreciated his friends' help. He'd woken up feeling like a giant shadow of 'work to be done' was looming over him and now, suddenly, he was skipping forward several steps to the realm of believability.
He let the knowledge sink in and sat back in his chair with a long, drawn-out sigh, relaxing a bit. The smile he gave Eiryk this time was far more genuine. "You have no idea what a huge help that is," he said honestly. Then he gave a little laugh and shook his head. "Well, never mind. I guess you do know, which is why you did it."
Alex leaned over and brushed his lips against Eiryk's. "I'll take a walk down to the store in a little while," he said. He took in Eiryk's general dishevelment and considered for a moment. "Do you want to come with me? I mean, you must be tired still. But if you want... I'd like the company. That is, if you don't have too much on your plate tonight already. It's got to be backing up by now."
Especially if Eiryk had been at it all night with Aishe and Kem. He'd already wasted a day doing work Alexander should have been doing while Alex slept like the dead. Normally Alex would have gone by himself anyway. Eiryk had definitely done more than his fair share of the work. Alexander wasn't entirely certain how such a partnership was supposed to function. Should he insist Eiryk stay here and take it easy? Eiryk seemed to want to help though. And Alex was doing his best to get used to that idea.
He let the knowledge sink in and sat back in his chair with a long, drawn-out sigh, relaxing a bit. The smile he gave Eiryk this time was far more genuine. "You have no idea what a huge help that is," he said honestly. Then he gave a little laugh and shook his head. "Well, never mind. I guess you do know, which is why you did it."
Alex leaned over and brushed his lips against Eiryk's. "I'll take a walk down to the store in a little while," he said. He took in Eiryk's general dishevelment and considered for a moment. "Do you want to come with me? I mean, you must be tired still. But if you want... I'd like the company. That is, if you don't have too much on your plate tonight already. It's got to be backing up by now."
Especially if Eiryk had been at it all night with Aishe and Kem. He'd already wasted a day doing work Alexander should have been doing while Alex slept like the dead. Normally Alex would have gone by himself anyway. Eiryk had definitely done more than his fair share of the work. Alexander wasn't entirely certain how such a partnership was supposed to function. Should he insist Eiryk stay here and take it easy? Eiryk seemed to want to help though. And Alex was doing his best to get used to that idea.