Eiryk just snorted at the idea of a rough day in jail. He was more worried about Christian's seeming encouragement of Rowan's story telling. He didn't want to know about the zip ties and billy clubs though. What ever floated your boat after all.
He turned to smile fondly at his boyfriend.
"Yeah he did handle it well. Better than I did. Although, I'd rather not test that theory about his left."
That observation brought a laugh. Apparently though, they'd touched Rue with their sincerity. He'd expected to take a lot more ribbing about the burning, fleeing, and his total ineptitude at telling Alex what he was. But he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth either. Besides, Rue would find something new to tease him about later.
"I wish I had woken up faster yet. That whole sunlight thing... it hurts. You forget that after a while."
Leaning over he quickly kissed Alex on the cheek. Even if he hadn't known why they were getting trashed, he had enjoyed being with Alex. He always enjoyed being with Alex. He flushed a little at the question.
"Well... I don't keep track of it very closely and the calendar has changed at least once since I was born. But... end of December sound right."
All Eiryk really knew for sure is it was cold and dark back home when his birthday happened. It was apparently only about a month, maybe less, before Alex's.
He was tickled watching Rowan and Christian together. They were sweet. He was a little surprised to see Rowan being so affection in public but he wasn't going to say anything.
"God I'm glad we skipped the staking. Would have ruined the mattress."
He was hardly shocked they'd spent a day together. Lord from watching them he'd have been shocked if they -hadn't- but he did sense a story here. And just because Rowan was opting not to tease him about the punch to his jaw didn't mean Eiryk would be so generous.
"Oh do tell. With lots of details."
Last Minute Details (Invite Only)
Alex looked at the array of boxes that littered the floor of his store and the staircase leading up to his apartment. True to his word, he'd started packing as soon as he and Eiryk had gotten home from their mini vacation. Eiryk had recruited Rowan and Christian to help them actually move his things to Liefde, where they would stay at Eiryk's place until they found a larger one. Alex found himself both nervous and excited. He'd never thought he would be moving in with someone like this, but it felt very right. He wanted to stay with Eiryk and he never should have left.
He was grateful for their friends, too. Rowan had a car to help move boxes in. Alex's furniture would be staying at his apartment, of course, so it was really just boxes of belongings and clothes and such. There wasn't a ton to move; maybe three or four trips would do it with four pairs of hands helping out. He wasn't always the most social person but he enjoyed Rowan's company and Cris was a friend now as well... it was good to know people.
A year ago Alex never would have imagined he would know one vampire, much less two. Or be dating one of them... guess you could never guess where life would take you.
He smiled at Eiryk and surveyed the boxes that were overflowing from the stairs into the propped-open shop door. "I think this is everything I need," he said. Then he shook his head, crossed the space to Eiryk, and wrapped his arms around him. "I lied, this is everything I need."
He leaned down and kissed Eiryk softly on his lips to accentuate his point.
Eiryk
13 years ago
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
[Keep that up and part of me is gonna come out of them,] Rowan sent back to Cris with a little moan. It was terrible... they couldn't spend a single night out without finding some way to make out. And by terrible, he meant super awesome. Cris had pity on him, though, settling for pulling him close. Rowan gave the smallest of sighs of relief and laid his head back on Cris's shoulder. [I like the sound of that,] he sent back, determining to be both good and bad at some point in the near future.
Rowan found it utterly adorable that Alex came out of his shell enough to tease Eiryk with the bit about his left hook. This was why he just couldn't really tease them too much. Alex was just darn cute sometimes. He grinned at Eiryk when he mentioned forgetting about the sun. It was a sleepy grin but wicked nonetheless, promising that the ribbing was, indeed, forthcoming. Maybe not tonight. But it was coming.
Just like the inevitable birthday question was coming. Rowan had suspected the topic might come up when Alex had mentioned that particular occasion. He tensed a little bit when Alex looked at him, and at Cris, but he didn't mind Cris knowing.
"I've kept count," Rowan said, "but I keep a regular diary and all so I've always been pretty aware of the passage of time. June 23," he said, to be specific. It was, of course, a lie. Rowan had no idea when his birthday was. Not even a glimmer. So he gave the date he'd been turned. It was close enough.
He did realize that date was right around the corner, but he didn't plan on celebrating it. That was something he should tell Cris... because he didn't want Cris going out of his way to make a big deal out of a made up date. He did, however, pay attention to Cris's answer to the question. Rowan found it amusing that out of all four of them, Alex might actually be the only one who knew when his birthday was.
The waiter arrived with their drinks and departed again, promising the food would be out very soon. While they waited Rowan took a sip of his eisbock, refreshingly strong, and shrugged at Eiryk and Alex.
"The night after our movie-watching escapade at your place," he said, indicating both of them since technically it was their place now, "I helped Cris get home but I was a little wobbly too so he let me stay over. I didn't realize what was up with the windows though, so when I woke up and saw this lovely stunning alpine sunrise, I thought it was morning in Nachton too. I didn't realize I'd overslept my shift by several hours."
He looked at Eiryk, who knew about his waking up issues, having similar ones. "I didn't have my bevy of alarm clocks... so it was pretty awful."
That seemed to sum it up while leaving it very vague as to how he and Cris had spent the night. So, some details as Eiryk had asked, but not enough for him to really put anything together.
Rowan found it utterly adorable that Alex came out of his shell enough to tease Eiryk with the bit about his left hook. This was why he just couldn't really tease them too much. Alex was just darn cute sometimes. He grinned at Eiryk when he mentioned forgetting about the sun. It was a sleepy grin but wicked nonetheless, promising that the ribbing was, indeed, forthcoming. Maybe not tonight. But it was coming.
Just like the inevitable birthday question was coming. Rowan had suspected the topic might come up when Alex had mentioned that particular occasion. He tensed a little bit when Alex looked at him, and at Cris, but he didn't mind Cris knowing.
"I've kept count," Rowan said, "but I keep a regular diary and all so I've always been pretty aware of the passage of time. June 23," he said, to be specific. It was, of course, a lie. Rowan had no idea when his birthday was. Not even a glimmer. So he gave the date he'd been turned. It was close enough.
He did realize that date was right around the corner, but he didn't plan on celebrating it. That was something he should tell Cris... because he didn't want Cris going out of his way to make a big deal out of a made up date. He did, however, pay attention to Cris's answer to the question. Rowan found it amusing that out of all four of them, Alex might actually be the only one who knew when his birthday was.
The waiter arrived with their drinks and departed again, promising the food would be out very soon. While they waited Rowan took a sip of his eisbock, refreshingly strong, and shrugged at Eiryk and Alex.
"The night after our movie-watching escapade at your place," he said, indicating both of them since technically it was their place now, "I helped Cris get home but I was a little wobbly too so he let me stay over. I didn't realize what was up with the windows though, so when I woke up and saw this lovely stunning alpine sunrise, I thought it was morning in Nachton too. I didn't realize I'd overslept my shift by several hours."
He looked at Eiryk, who knew about his waking up issues, having similar ones. "I didn't have my bevy of alarm clocks... so it was pretty awful."
That seemed to sum it up while leaving it very vague as to how he and Cris had spent the night. So, some details as Eiryk had asked, but not enough for him to really put anything together.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
[I hope you realize that comment is hardly incentive for me to stop.] Cris had done so anyway and was rewarded with his partner moving closer once again.
Alex asked about birthdays and did they still keep count. It occurred to him that Rowan wouldn't know his date of birth even if he wanted to keep a record; his lover was not even sure how old he was. By their age the human years were a small bit of time but it must be difficult not to have any memory of them at all. Cris squeezed Rowan a little tighter, kissing him gently on the head. [Was that the day you were turned, Love?]
"I was born around October 25th." [Ironic really, given my birth name.] "It was a hard winter. My parents always wondered if that was why I was so small." Cris shrugged slightly. "I cannot say though I do not recall my father being a very big man; though he was more solid than me." [Or perhaps he always seemed to be when I a child.]
He took a sip of his drink, paused thoughtfully and then took a bigger swallow. It was actually very good. Nice and light for the summer, smooth with a hint of citrus.
Rubbing his partner's back in sympathy for his waking troubles and the tardiness that his strange accommodations had caused, Christian then explained the windows to the other two. "My apartment is on the ground floor so that I can be nearby in case there is trouble that I need to respond to quickly. It is excellent for groceries and moving furniture but problematic for privacy. The actual windows are covered and replaced with video screens that show different scenes. However." He turned and smiled at Rowan. "They show daylight scenes at night while I am awake and are dark during the day when I am asleep. I love this century for giving us back the sun." Cris grinned at Eiryk "in ways that we can actually enjoy it."
"So..." He summed up."Our poor exhausted friend here slept the entire day but he thought it was only morning. Sorry, Rue." Cris smiled. [Okay, not terribly sorry.]
Alex asked about birthdays and did they still keep count. It occurred to him that Rowan wouldn't know his date of birth even if he wanted to keep a record; his lover was not even sure how old he was. By their age the human years were a small bit of time but it must be difficult not to have any memory of them at all. Cris squeezed Rowan a little tighter, kissing him gently on the head. [Was that the day you were turned, Love?]
"I was born around October 25th." [Ironic really, given my birth name.] "It was a hard winter. My parents always wondered if that was why I was so small." Cris shrugged slightly. "I cannot say though I do not recall my father being a very big man; though he was more solid than me." [Or perhaps he always seemed to be when I a child.]
He took a sip of his drink, paused thoughtfully and then took a bigger swallow. It was actually very good. Nice and light for the summer, smooth with a hint of citrus.
Rubbing his partner's back in sympathy for his waking troubles and the tardiness that his strange accommodations had caused, Christian then explained the windows to the other two. "My apartment is on the ground floor so that I can be nearby in case there is trouble that I need to respond to quickly. It is excellent for groceries and moving furniture but problematic for privacy. The actual windows are covered and replaced with video screens that show different scenes. However." He turned and smiled at Rowan. "They show daylight scenes at night while I am awake and are dark during the day when I am asleep. I love this century for giving us back the sun." Cris grinned at Eiryk "in ways that we can actually enjoy it."
"So..." He summed up."Our poor exhausted friend here slept the entire day but he thought it was only morning. Sorry, Rue." Cris smiled. [Okay, not terribly sorry.]
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
Alexander smiled at Eiryk's kiss, knowing he was forgiven at least for now, for not telling his boyfriend about his birthday. he really didn't want Eiryk to make a big deal about it though, so they'd have to chat about that later. Eiryk could get sort of... overzealous.
He listened to Rowan and Cris's stories quietly, smiling at the idea that what had happened between them had been brought about by an evening that, for him at least, had been a lot of fun. Alexander smiled at Cris, nodding sympathetically at the understanding of not quite meeting your parents' expectations. His could never understand why he was so gay.
He turned to Rowan, whose birthday was apparently just a few days away. "Happy Birthday," he said with a smile. "Are you doing anything to celebrate?"
Alexander drank his pale ale slowly as Cris explained about his windows. "Wow," he said. "I thought they were paintings. I didn't notice they were actually changing. That's what I get for drinking."
He shrugged his shoulders a little sheepishly. Watching Rowan, who looked almost cute snuggled against Cris, Alex added, "I hope your boss wasn't too angry at you."
That would be a crappy way to finish up what had apparently been a good night for all of them.
He listened to Rowan and Cris's stories quietly, smiling at the idea that what had happened between them had been brought about by an evening that, for him at least, had been a lot of fun. Alexander smiled at Cris, nodding sympathetically at the understanding of not quite meeting your parents' expectations. His could never understand why he was so gay.
He turned to Rowan, whose birthday was apparently just a few days away. "Happy Birthday," he said with a smile. "Are you doing anything to celebrate?"
Alexander drank his pale ale slowly as Cris explained about his windows. "Wow," he said. "I thought they were paintings. I didn't notice they were actually changing. That's what I get for drinking."
He shrugged his shoulders a little sheepishly. Watching Rowan, who looked almost cute snuggled against Cris, Alex added, "I hope your boss wasn't too angry at you."
That would be a crappy way to finish up what had apparently been a good night for all of them.
Eiryk
13 years ago
Oh! That was soon. Eiryk lit up a bit, a party seemed in order. Even just a small(ish) one. Besides Rue needed to meet more people. Having Christian was all well and good and Eiryk was thrilled to see his friend in love, but now, now they needed to get him to know other people.
Just at that moment he didn't feel like getting lost in memories about his family. Some day, if the subject came up, he'd tell Alex. Not that he'd had an unhappy childhood or even mortal life, Eiryk just didn't feel like dwelling on what had past.
He beamed at Rowan how had said 'your place' he loved the sound of it. It was even better when some one other than himself of Alex said it too. Made it more real. Of course, that smile turned into a bark of a laugh, into his beer, which then wound up on his face, hand and the table. Well he hadn't spilled all of it just a bit, enough to make a mess was all. Eiryk made an attempt to mop up after himself.
"What no one opened the curtains for you?"
He actually felt for Rue though. It -sucked- when you just couldn't get up. You could try and try all you wanted and it just didn't happen. At least he'd been some place safe. And oh! They had spent the night together that recently.
Fortunately Christian's windows distracted him from teasing Rue any further.
"Very nice. Like digital picture frames on a large scale. Clever. Very clever. I'm going to have to steal that idea."
He might even use it in Pak's new place.
"You get other things for drinking too..."
Eiryk said with a little bit of innuendo. Actually quite often, especially when they'd had that much to drink, they both just passed out. But Eiryk wasn't about to admit to that.
Just at that moment he didn't feel like getting lost in memories about his family. Some day, if the subject came up, he'd tell Alex. Not that he'd had an unhappy childhood or even mortal life, Eiryk just didn't feel like dwelling on what had past.
He beamed at Rowan how had said 'your place' he loved the sound of it. It was even better when some one other than himself of Alex said it too. Made it more real. Of course, that smile turned into a bark of a laugh, into his beer, which then wound up on his face, hand and the table. Well he hadn't spilled all of it just a bit, enough to make a mess was all. Eiryk made an attempt to mop up after himself.
"What no one opened the curtains for you?"
He actually felt for Rue though. It -sucked- when you just couldn't get up. You could try and try all you wanted and it just didn't happen. At least he'd been some place safe. And oh! They had spent the night together that recently.
Fortunately Christian's windows distracted him from teasing Rue any further.
"Very nice. Like digital picture frames on a large scale. Clever. Very clever. I'm going to have to steal that idea."
He might even use it in Pak's new place.
"You get other things for drinking too..."
Eiryk said with a little bit of innuendo. Actually quite often, especially when they'd had that much to drink, they both just passed out. But Eiryk wasn't about to admit to that.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
[Later, my own,] Rowan sent with a soft, happy sigh. [I can think of worse things than going to bed exhausted by your loving.]
There was something cozy about being nestled into the booth with Cris; Rowan didn't care what anyone thought, he was glad to have his lover's arm around him, to feel that gentle kiss on his hair.
[Yes,] he sent to Cris when asked about the date he'd given. [Since I don't have anything else to go by, it seemed the best option.] His voice was cheerful in spite of his momentary tension when the topic initially came up. Rowan lived very much for the present and future. The past was something he didn't ever care to revisit but the fear of it was ingrained so deeply into his psyche he couldn't relax when it could potentially become a topic for discussion.
[I bet you were one hell of a cute kid, small or not,] he responded to Cris, enjoying the extra commentary he was receiving. He loved getting these extra little facts about his boyfriend.
Seeing Eiryk's expression, though, and hearing Alex's question Rowan shook his head. "No, no, I don't celebrate it. It seems silly to do so when it happens once a year. I just sort of... take note. And add another hash mark to the tally."
Rowan grinned at Alex. "Thanks though."
He chuckled at Cris's apology, and the addition in his head. [Good... don't be sorry at all,] he replied. [It led us here and I love that it brought me to you. It was worth a few hours of lateness.]
He shook his head. "No curtains to open, so sadly, I'm safe from a roasting. I know it's a shame."
Then Eiryk mentioned outright theft and Rowan laughed a bit harder, especially watching Eiryk laugh into his beer. "Aww Jensen," he said, finally finding a topic appropriate for teasing, "don't tell me in addition to recruiting Cris to do French Country for you, now you're falling short on unique design ideas of your own." He 'tsk'ed at Eiryk, grinning. "You may as well just give Cris your paycheck."
Right about then their food arrived and he was interrupted in his teasing. He sat up so he wouldn't be in the way when Cris tried to eat his sandwich. Leaning back against the bench seat of the booth he still kept his leg next to Cris' fingertips trailing lazily across his partner's leg.
There was something cozy about being nestled into the booth with Cris; Rowan didn't care what anyone thought, he was glad to have his lover's arm around him, to feel that gentle kiss on his hair.
[Yes,] he sent to Cris when asked about the date he'd given. [Since I don't have anything else to go by, it seemed the best option.] His voice was cheerful in spite of his momentary tension when the topic initially came up. Rowan lived very much for the present and future. The past was something he didn't ever care to revisit but the fear of it was ingrained so deeply into his psyche he couldn't relax when it could potentially become a topic for discussion.
[I bet you were one hell of a cute kid, small or not,] he responded to Cris, enjoying the extra commentary he was receiving. He loved getting these extra little facts about his boyfriend.
Seeing Eiryk's expression, though, and hearing Alex's question Rowan shook his head. "No, no, I don't celebrate it. It seems silly to do so when it happens once a year. I just sort of... take note. And add another hash mark to the tally."
Rowan grinned at Alex. "Thanks though."
He chuckled at Cris's apology, and the addition in his head. [Good... don't be sorry at all,] he replied. [It led us here and I love that it brought me to you. It was worth a few hours of lateness.]
He shook his head. "No curtains to open, so sadly, I'm safe from a roasting. I know it's a shame."
Then Eiryk mentioned outright theft and Rowan laughed a bit harder, especially watching Eiryk laugh into his beer. "Aww Jensen," he said, finally finding a topic appropriate for teasing, "don't tell me in addition to recruiting Cris to do French Country for you, now you're falling short on unique design ideas of your own." He 'tsk'ed at Eiryk, grinning. "You may as well just give Cris your paycheck."
Right about then their food arrived and he was interrupted in his teasing. He sat up so he wouldn't be in the way when Cris tried to eat his sandwich. Leaning back against the bench seat of the booth he still kept his leg next to Cris' fingertips trailing lazily across his partner's leg.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Cris could tell that Rowan was trying to minimize the interest in his 'birthday'. He considered whether to drop it completely, surprise Rowan with something later or settle for something in between. It had been a long time since he had to navigate such relationship waters. This was hardly a big test but Cris didn't want to make the wrong choice. [Perhaps we can find something special to do...just the two of us.] He squeezed Rowan in a reassuring one armed hug. [I am happy that you are alive and here. I'd celebrate that every day if I could but there certainly should be a special Rowan Appreciation Day at least once a year.]
He snorted and clutched Rowan tighter. "There will be no roasting...unless its verbal and then...perhaps." Some of those events were spiteful and Cris was not so sure he wouldn't take a small dose of sunlight before he sat in a room and let his 'friends' mention every short coming of his they could think up. He knew though that he would sit through his own far better than watching Rowan go through the same treatment.
Smiling at Alex, he said. "It moves slowly so by the time you might have noticed it was probably random blurry colours in the background."
Rowan teased Eiryk about wanting to steal his idea; Cris leaned his cheek against his lover's head, hiding his grin at Rowan's banter. He was not sure whether it was solely for the sake of harassing Eiryk or something more. Glancing at his partner's aura told him that Rowan was being quite protective among other things; though his partner was certainly amused as well. Rowan also had a bit of fear in his aura that was slowly fading away. Cris held him closer and kissed his hair once again just as their food came.
He reached down and clasped the hand that trailed across his leg and gave it a gentle squeeze before placing it on his thigh.
Turning to Eiryk, he said. "It was terribly expensive. I would have had windows if I had a reasonable choice to keep them but that was not an option with the unique placement of my apartment. I wouldn't recommend it in the place of actual windows. It would be different if you had no windows for some strange reason but how often are you going to encounter that?"
He snorted and clutched Rowan tighter. "There will be no roasting...unless its verbal and then...perhaps." Some of those events were spiteful and Cris was not so sure he wouldn't take a small dose of sunlight before he sat in a room and let his 'friends' mention every short coming of his they could think up. He knew though that he would sit through his own far better than watching Rowan go through the same treatment.
Smiling at Alex, he said. "It moves slowly so by the time you might have noticed it was probably random blurry colours in the background."
Rowan teased Eiryk about wanting to steal his idea; Cris leaned his cheek against his lover's head, hiding his grin at Rowan's banter. He was not sure whether it was solely for the sake of harassing Eiryk or something more. Glancing at his partner's aura told him that Rowan was being quite protective among other things; though his partner was certainly amused as well. Rowan also had a bit of fear in his aura that was slowly fading away. Cris held him closer and kissed his hair once again just as their food came.
He reached down and clasped the hand that trailed across his leg and gave it a gentle squeeze before placing it on his thigh.
Turning to Eiryk, he said. "It was terribly expensive. I would have had windows if I had a reasonable choice to keep them but that was not an option with the unique placement of my apartment. I wouldn't recommend it in the place of actual windows. It would be different if you had no windows for some strange reason but how often are you going to encounter that?"
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
Alexander winced and tried to help blot beer up from Eiryk's lap at his latest mishap. Shaking his head at his boyfriend he felt his face redden a little at the innuendo. He was saved by the arrival of their food, turning his attention to it and offering Eiryk some, if he wanted.
"So no pin the fangs on the vampire or bat-shaped pinatas this weekend," he said to Rowan. "Got it. Can we at least bring over a few bottles of mead and have a toast? I'm pretty sure I can say with some certainty that there are three people at this table who are glad to know you."
Alexander figured he would be all right with that himself, and he traditionally didn't celebrate either. So perhaps Rowan wouldn't mind a little toast in his honor.
Alexander took a bite of his sweet potato fries, nodding his approval of the flavorful taste with just a hint of saltiness over the sweet. Turning to Cris he smiled and made sure he wasn't talking with his mouth full.
"I'm sorry to say they probably got blurry faster than I thought they would."
It was fun to see Rowan and Eiryk back to their usual lighthearted ripping. Cris seemed slightly amused by it too, but he addressed Eiryk's statement seriously.
Alex nodded when Cris spoke. "That makes sense," he said, "It's such a good idea for an apartment located where yours is."
"So no pin the fangs on the vampire or bat-shaped pinatas this weekend," he said to Rowan. "Got it. Can we at least bring over a few bottles of mead and have a toast? I'm pretty sure I can say with some certainty that there are three people at this table who are glad to know you."
Alexander figured he would be all right with that himself, and he traditionally didn't celebrate either. So perhaps Rowan wouldn't mind a little toast in his honor.
Alexander took a bite of his sweet potato fries, nodding his approval of the flavorful taste with just a hint of saltiness over the sweet. Turning to Cris he smiled and made sure he wasn't talking with his mouth full.
"I'm sorry to say they probably got blurry faster than I thought they would."
It was fun to see Rowan and Eiryk back to their usual lighthearted ripping. Cris seemed slightly amused by it too, but he addressed Eiryk's statement seriously.
Alex nodded when Cris spoke. "That makes sense," he said, "It's such a good idea for an apartment located where yours is."
Eiryk
13 years ago
Eiryk caught the hint and so did Alex. He just signed dramatically and shook his head. Honestly he was OK with that answer after all, after the first thousand or so... did it really matter?
"I think that's a good idea." He squeezed Alex's kneed for thinking of it. "We will have a massive party every fifty or hundred years or so. Deal?"
He didn't see any need to push the birthday thing. But he drew the line at not being able to roast Rue, at least verbally.
"Awww Christian you're no fun any more. Besides, I don't think I know how -not- to roast Rowan."
And God knew Rowan probably couldn't stop himself from teasing the life out of him. As evidenced by that last dig.
"I'm not falling short! I'm recruiting individuals with fresh ideas. Besides Christian might like a job with more regular hours and... security."
He grinned at his own pun as he sampled the offered sweet potato fries and laughed at Alex's idea of vampire party games as they both tried to clean up the beer. At least it hadn't been a lot, it was decent beer and he did hate to waste good alcohol.
"Hmmm... you're probably right. I've done a lot of rooms and I've not seen many without windows. But I have a few clients that would be willing to pay for the view even if they do have windows, but maybe on a smaller scale."
He thoughtfully munched on some of the spinach artichoke dip which was quite tasty and considered this idea and how it might work.
"I have one surly IT professional who might like the idea."
And she could afford it.
"I think that's a good idea." He squeezed Alex's kneed for thinking of it. "We will have a massive party every fifty or hundred years or so. Deal?"
He didn't see any need to push the birthday thing. But he drew the line at not being able to roast Rue, at least verbally.
"Awww Christian you're no fun any more. Besides, I don't think I know how -not- to roast Rowan."
And God knew Rowan probably couldn't stop himself from teasing the life out of him. As evidenced by that last dig.
"I'm not falling short! I'm recruiting individuals with fresh ideas. Besides Christian might like a job with more regular hours and... security."
He grinned at his own pun as he sampled the offered sweet potato fries and laughed at Alex's idea of vampire party games as they both tried to clean up the beer. At least it hadn't been a lot, it was decent beer and he did hate to waste good alcohol.
"Hmmm... you're probably right. I've done a lot of rooms and I've not seen many without windows. But I have a few clients that would be willing to pay for the view even if they do have windows, but maybe on a smaller scale."
He thoughtfully munched on some of the spinach artichoke dip which was quite tasty and considered this idea and how it might work.
"I have one surly IT professional who might like the idea."
And she could afford it.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan, content with drinking his eisbock, only smiled at Cris's suggestion. Frankly, he never felt unappreciated by his lover, and everything they did together was special to him. He didn't need for Cris to go out of his way to make one random day a year extra-specially so, but he understood the sentiment and it would have been unkind to turn it away entirely. After all, he celebrated his friends' birthdays with them. And he would never turn down the idea of doing something nice with Cris.
[That sounds like a perfect way to spend it to me,] he sent back to Cris. [You don't underappreciate me though,] he added, feeling the need to point out that Cris met his needs in every way. Sure, their relationship wasn't an old one, but Rowan didn't think it would change much. That or they'd change with it.
He nodded at Alexander. "A toast and a few Mario Kart races would be a great way to do it," he said, smiling. "I have to admit the bat-shaped pinata has some appeal, if only to see exactly what happens when we let Hurricane Eiryk loose on it."
To Eiryk, Rowan just grinned. "You can't roast me any better than I could roast myself," he pointed out.
He squeezed Cris's hand back reassuringly, guessing where his partner's thoughts might be at the double meanings of the roasting. Replacing it on his partner's thigh, Rowan continued to let his fingers slowly, gently stroke up and down, flirting suggestively at wandering into inappropriate areas without actually doing so.
He raised his eyebrows at Eiryk's protestations. "Recruiting? I haven't seen such heavy-handed recruitment since I was 'recruited' onto my first pirate ship," he said with a snort.
Rowan had mentioned to both Cris and Alex that he hadn't voluntarily become a pirate the first time. He shrugged and explained a bit further. "I was having a little bit of a vacation," he said. "I might have gotten slightly drunk. I also might have woken up below-decks on a pirate vessel with a lump on my head and a new job."
He grinned sheepishly. It hadn't been easy the first time around. He'd been insecure and terrified of being caught out in the sun or lynched by the actual humans aboard.
Turning back to the topic at hand, Rowan shook his head at Eiryk. "So buy them a wide screen TV on a wall mount and turn it onto NatGeo. Great views, and they still have windows plus 900 channels."
[That sounds like a perfect way to spend it to me,] he sent back to Cris. [You don't underappreciate me though,] he added, feeling the need to point out that Cris met his needs in every way. Sure, their relationship wasn't an old one, but Rowan didn't think it would change much. That or they'd change with it.
He nodded at Alexander. "A toast and a few Mario Kart races would be a great way to do it," he said, smiling. "I have to admit the bat-shaped pinata has some appeal, if only to see exactly what happens when we let Hurricane Eiryk loose on it."
To Eiryk, Rowan just grinned. "You can't roast me any better than I could roast myself," he pointed out.
He squeezed Cris's hand back reassuringly, guessing where his partner's thoughts might be at the double meanings of the roasting. Replacing it on his partner's thigh, Rowan continued to let his fingers slowly, gently stroke up and down, flirting suggestively at wandering into inappropriate areas without actually doing so.
He raised his eyebrows at Eiryk's protestations. "Recruiting? I haven't seen such heavy-handed recruitment since I was 'recruited' onto my first pirate ship," he said with a snort.
Rowan had mentioned to both Cris and Alex that he hadn't voluntarily become a pirate the first time. He shrugged and explained a bit further. "I was having a little bit of a vacation," he said. "I might have gotten slightly drunk. I also might have woken up below-decks on a pirate vessel with a lump on my head and a new job."
He grinned sheepishly. It hadn't been easy the first time around. He'd been insecure and terrified of being caught out in the sun or lynched by the actual humans aboard.
Turning back to the topic at hand, Rowan shook his head at Eiryk. "So buy them a wide screen TV on a wall mount and turn it onto NatGeo. Great views, and they still have windows plus 900 channels."
Christian Bern
13 years ago
He was grateful for Alex's low key idea, knowing that it would be far more agreeable to his partner. Cris listened to Rowan's assertion that he appreciated him well enough already though he agreed to something small for the two of them. [Perhaps I will just pick a day at random then that way it is truly a surprise. ]
Cris shook his head at Eiryk. "One viking waving a torch is a not a raid. I do not think that I will call in the reserve troops over your witty observations, especially since he seems to enjoy it." He glanced between Rowan and Eiryk and then shook his head and shrugged at Alex.
"There is plenty of security in Security. My job will be there so long as I remain alive." Which one might say was the more difficult part.
The hand on his leg was both comforting and distracting at the same time and Cris wondered how Rowan managed both in one gesture. Listening to Rowan talk about being recruited as a part of a pirate crew for the first time, Cris hugged his partner close again. [I hope the recruitment process for becoming a doctor was more appealing or at least more gentle.]
Reluctantly he let go of his companion so that he could use his hands for his sandwich. Cris took a few bites and listened to the continued discussion of the windows and designs. Eiryk mentioned a surly IT professional and Cris immediately thought of Pakpao. Of course that might be an unfair description; she might be perfectly friendly to other people.
"No, then they would want to tinker with it. Have you ever seen a geek who could just leave their technology alone?"
Cris shook his head at Eiryk. "One viking waving a torch is a not a raid. I do not think that I will call in the reserve troops over your witty observations, especially since he seems to enjoy it." He glanced between Rowan and Eiryk and then shook his head and shrugged at Alex.
"There is plenty of security in Security. My job will be there so long as I remain alive." Which one might say was the more difficult part.
The hand on his leg was both comforting and distracting at the same time and Cris wondered how Rowan managed both in one gesture. Listening to Rowan talk about being recruited as a part of a pirate crew for the first time, Cris hugged his partner close again. [I hope the recruitment process for becoming a doctor was more appealing or at least more gentle.]
Reluctantly he let go of his companion so that he could use his hands for his sandwich. Cris took a few bites and listened to the continued discussion of the windows and designs. Eiryk mentioned a surly IT professional and Cris immediately thought of Pakpao. Of course that might be an unfair description; she might be perfectly friendly to other people.
"No, then they would want to tinker with it. Have you ever seen a geek who could just leave their technology alone?"
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
Alex tried a chip with some spinach artichoke dip on it, enjoying it. It wasn't too heavy like a lot of restaurants did these days. Biting into his sandwich he enjoyed the smoky flavor of the grilled chicken along with the crusty toasted bread. The lettuce and tomatoes inside were good, too.
He shook his head at Eiryk and Rowan's continued banter but didn't otherwise respond to it; he didn't normally jump in. He did feel inclined, however, to point out softly to Christian, "It is when it's Eiryk."
He was pretty sure Eiryk was a one-man natural disaster on certain occasions. He could easily see the rest of the Vikings waiting on the boat, peeping out over the sides as they sent Eiryk in solo, curious to see the resulting havoc but not willing to risk life and limb by joining him. Grinning, he returned Cris's shrug.
Rowan seemed to approve of the drinking idea, which didn't surprise Alex at all. He would remember that this weekend. In the meantime he winced a little at Rowan's recollection of being 'persuaded' into joining a ship's crew. "Early draft," he commented. "Nice."
For the most part, however, he ate his sandwich, being the only person at the table who actually required food, and listened to the conversation around them.
He shook his head at Eiryk and Rowan's continued banter but didn't otherwise respond to it; he didn't normally jump in. He did feel inclined, however, to point out softly to Christian, "It is when it's Eiryk."
He was pretty sure Eiryk was a one-man natural disaster on certain occasions. He could easily see the rest of the Vikings waiting on the boat, peeping out over the sides as they sent Eiryk in solo, curious to see the resulting havoc but not willing to risk life and limb by joining him. Grinning, he returned Cris's shrug.
Rowan seemed to approve of the drinking idea, which didn't surprise Alex at all. He would remember that this weekend. In the meantime he winced a little at Rowan's recollection of being 'persuaded' into joining a ship's crew. "Early draft," he commented. "Nice."
For the most part, however, he ate his sandwich, being the only person at the table who actually required food, and listened to the conversation around them.
Eiryk
13 years ago
"A pinata?"
Eiryk made a face. He was pretty sure there was a small town in Mexico that had either been leveled or would kill him on sight because of an incident with an pinata. And he hadn't even been the one trying to break the thing. He'd just broken everything else.
"How about we have that part of our mini celebration outside..."
He snorted. OK he wasn't exactly on his game tonight be there were days when he came out a head in the verbal sparing.
"Shear numbers don't make up a raid. It is about strength of character, determination, and over all destructive potential. Besides, if you go as a single man raid every one knows you don't take a torch. You need both your hands free. One for a weapon and one to loot and pillage."
He said with a broad grin as he educated Christian about what constituted a raid.
"And that boys and girls is why you always get drunk with friends."
No one ever messed with a crew of drunk Vikings, or even one of them. There was no way it could have been ideal for Rue and he knew it, but it had obviously worked out or at least he'd survived it.
He rolled his eyes at Rowan's idea.
"Speaking of heavy handed.... I won't be recruiting you any time soon."
Christian's point was well taken and he nodded slowly before taking a long swallow of beer.
"Yeah, she would probably tear it apart and then I'd have to fix it. I don't fancy middle of the day emergency design calls. Maybe we'll just buy her a nice land scape print or a digital picture frame."
If he was lucky she'd call. If he was unlucky Pak would show up at his door and poke him with a stick until he woke up.
Eiryk made a face. He was pretty sure there was a small town in Mexico that had either been leveled or would kill him on sight because of an incident with an pinata. And he hadn't even been the one trying to break the thing. He'd just broken everything else.
"How about we have that part of our mini celebration outside..."
He snorted. OK he wasn't exactly on his game tonight be there were days when he came out a head in the verbal sparing.
"Shear numbers don't make up a raid. It is about strength of character, determination, and over all destructive potential. Besides, if you go as a single man raid every one knows you don't take a torch. You need both your hands free. One for a weapon and one to loot and pillage."
He said with a broad grin as he educated Christian about what constituted a raid.
"And that boys and girls is why you always get drunk with friends."
No one ever messed with a crew of drunk Vikings, or even one of them. There was no way it could have been ideal for Rue and he knew it, but it had obviously worked out or at least he'd survived it.
He rolled his eyes at Rowan's idea.
"Speaking of heavy handed.... I won't be recruiting you any time soon."
Christian's point was well taken and he nodded slowly before taking a long swallow of beer.
"Yeah, she would probably tear it apart and then I'd have to fix it. I don't fancy middle of the day emergency design calls. Maybe we'll just buy her a nice land scape print or a digital picture frame."
If he was lucky she'd call. If he was unlucky Pak would show up at his door and poke him with a stick until he woke up.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan snorted at Eiryk. "How about we just ix-nay the inata-pay?" The face Eiryk made combined with his suggestion sounded like maybe they weren't too far off the mark with the various scenarios they were all dreaming up involving Eiryk blindfolded, unleashed on a pinata in a crowd of bystanders.
As far as Cris's suggestion went, Rowan just smiled and looked down into his beer glass. [Cris... every night with you exceeds any pleasure I ever expected to have in a given year. If you want to do something surprising just do it for fun... not because you feel the need to celebrate a day I don't even know about. It's really all right. I'm surely bound to do the same for you now and then too.]
Rowan forgot that it had been a long time for Cris. His partner was so perfect to him, so wonderfully in tune with him, it felt so natural. He hadn't asked Cris, but he wondered if he was still somewhat uncertain. Not about his feelings; Rowan knew the truth of those, but uncertain about what steps to take in a relationship anymore, when to go overboard and when not to. Rowan chided himself; that was his job. He may not have had any long-term relationships himself, not intimate ones, but he had many friends and many of those he had known for centuries. He knew how to cultivate a relationship and keep it healthy. He wanted Cris to be certain too, and not feel self-conscious or doubtful at any point.
To that end he sent a wave of loving understanding toward Cris, reassurance, faith in the words he had just replied with. Cris really was all he needed. They could lounge around on the couch in their boxers with beers and Rowan would consider it special and pleasant. His hand squeezed Cris's leg tightly, and then he resumed his light teasing strokes, sliding his hand up, over Cris's hip, and then slipping it into his shirt to gently trace around the waist of his pants.
He laughed at Cris's observation about raiding and Eiryk's rejoinder. "I beg to differ," he said with a grin at Cris, agreeing with Alex's softly-voiced correction. "One man does indeed make a raid, if that one man is Eiryk. Regardless of what he's holding. I've seen the swath of destruction he's capable of leaving in his wake. Truly impressive. I'm surprised there was anything left to loot or pillage."
Rowan then thought about it. "Does it really count, though, if you weren't intentionally raiding? That might be the difference."
He didn't think Cris had had an opportunity yet to see what Eiryk was capable of. Alex was pretty good at intervening before things got out of hand, and Eiryk himself seemed (knock on wood) to have been avoiding the biggest accidents lately.
The conversation turned to recruitment. Rowan, never one to stay down for any length of time, colored his sending back to Cris with amusement. [Oh, absolutely,] he said leaning into Cris's one-armed hug and taking the opportunity to press a soft kiss to his lover's neck just below his ear, [they hit me over the head with a bag of sterile gauze squares instead. Infinitely more pleasant.]
He grinned at Eiryk. "I was with friends," he said. "I thought so, anyhow. Just goes to show you never can be too certain." He glanced sideways at Cris and then narrowed his eyes and gave both Eiryk and Alex the hairy eyeball.
Trying to look hurt when Eiryk called his TV idea heavy-handed Rowan shrugged. "Well, at least I don't have to worry about being 'recruited' to a design team any time soon."
As far as Cris's suggestion went, Rowan just smiled and looked down into his beer glass. [Cris... every night with you exceeds any pleasure I ever expected to have in a given year. If you want to do something surprising just do it for fun... not because you feel the need to celebrate a day I don't even know about. It's really all right. I'm surely bound to do the same for you now and then too.]
Rowan forgot that it had been a long time for Cris. His partner was so perfect to him, so wonderfully in tune with him, it felt so natural. He hadn't asked Cris, but he wondered if he was still somewhat uncertain. Not about his feelings; Rowan knew the truth of those, but uncertain about what steps to take in a relationship anymore, when to go overboard and when not to. Rowan chided himself; that was his job. He may not have had any long-term relationships himself, not intimate ones, but he had many friends and many of those he had known for centuries. He knew how to cultivate a relationship and keep it healthy. He wanted Cris to be certain too, and not feel self-conscious or doubtful at any point.
To that end he sent a wave of loving understanding toward Cris, reassurance, faith in the words he had just replied with. Cris really was all he needed. They could lounge around on the couch in their boxers with beers and Rowan would consider it special and pleasant. His hand squeezed Cris's leg tightly, and then he resumed his light teasing strokes, sliding his hand up, over Cris's hip, and then slipping it into his shirt to gently trace around the waist of his pants.
He laughed at Cris's observation about raiding and Eiryk's rejoinder. "I beg to differ," he said with a grin at Cris, agreeing with Alex's softly-voiced correction. "One man does indeed make a raid, if that one man is Eiryk. Regardless of what he's holding. I've seen the swath of destruction he's capable of leaving in his wake. Truly impressive. I'm surprised there was anything left to loot or pillage."
Rowan then thought about it. "Does it really count, though, if you weren't intentionally raiding? That might be the difference."
He didn't think Cris had had an opportunity yet to see what Eiryk was capable of. Alex was pretty good at intervening before things got out of hand, and Eiryk himself seemed (knock on wood) to have been avoiding the biggest accidents lately.
The conversation turned to recruitment. Rowan, never one to stay down for any length of time, colored his sending back to Cris with amusement. [Oh, absolutely,] he said leaning into Cris's one-armed hug and taking the opportunity to press a soft kiss to his lover's neck just below his ear, [they hit me over the head with a bag of sterile gauze squares instead. Infinitely more pleasant.]
He grinned at Eiryk. "I was with friends," he said. "I thought so, anyhow. Just goes to show you never can be too certain." He glanced sideways at Cris and then narrowed his eyes and gave both Eiryk and Alex the hairy eyeball.
Trying to look hurt when Eiryk called his TV idea heavy-handed Rowan shrugged. "Well, at least I don't have to worry about being 'recruited' to a design team any time soon."
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Christian was quickly coming to the conclusion that he might need to assign an extra security detail to keep an eye on Eiryk. The talk of the one man raid and further discussion on the havoc that could be wreaked on a pinata was enough for Cris to be worried for the safety and serenity of the Towers. He had yet to hear any reports of collateral damage resulting from the Viking's residence but from the sounds of it that might be sheer luck or the grace of some higher power.
Rowan seemed determined to let him know that he was doing a good job so far and that he didn't need to be concerned about a special date to celebrate. He glanced at his partner and smiled. [ Perhaps I simply think you deserve more every now and then. I'm entitled to that opinion.] The wave of glamour was nice; Cris was getting used to his lover's none verbal reassurances, among its other uses by Rowan. Uses that the hand sliding up his leg and under his shirt hinted at; Cris shivered slightly at the light teasing touch and all that it suggested. He set his sandwich down and picked up his beer, running the other hand along his lover's back. [We will have plenty of days that we will want to celebrate the anniversary of in the future. Don't you think?] Cris asked innocently.
"You obviously need better friends." He arched an eyebrow at Rowan. "I hope none of them are still people you associate with." His partner's retort about the current recruitment process was amusing; sometime he'll have to ask Rowan more about how he chose to be a doctor.
"Rue's idea has merit if you put a big heavy frame around the television and lock it onto the wall so that its harder to tamper with. You could even hide it when its not in use with a roll down canvas to make it look like a painting. Your IT person might enjoy not looking at another piece of technology when they get home." Cris shrugged and picked up his sandwich again. He knew that he enjoyed the bright colours and whimsical touches of his home that had as little to do with anything security related as he could manage. " You could make it a point of hiding as many of the devices as possible. It could be an interesting design challenge."
Rowan seemed determined to let him know that he was doing a good job so far and that he didn't need to be concerned about a special date to celebrate. He glanced at his partner and smiled. [ Perhaps I simply think you deserve more every now and then. I'm entitled to that opinion.] The wave of glamour was nice; Cris was getting used to his lover's none verbal reassurances, among its other uses by Rowan. Uses that the hand sliding up his leg and under his shirt hinted at; Cris shivered slightly at the light teasing touch and all that it suggested. He set his sandwich down and picked up his beer, running the other hand along his lover's back. [We will have plenty of days that we will want to celebrate the anniversary of in the future. Don't you think?] Cris asked innocently.
"You obviously need better friends." He arched an eyebrow at Rowan. "I hope none of them are still people you associate with." His partner's retort about the current recruitment process was amusing; sometime he'll have to ask Rowan more about how he chose to be a doctor.
"Rue's idea has merit if you put a big heavy frame around the television and lock it onto the wall so that its harder to tamper with. You could even hide it when its not in use with a roll down canvas to make it look like a painting. Your IT person might enjoy not looking at another piece of technology when they get home." Cris shrugged and picked up his sandwich again. He knew that he enjoyed the bright colours and whimsical touches of his home that had as little to do with anything security related as he could manage. " You could make it a point of hiding as many of the devices as possible. It could be an interesting design challenge."
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
Washing a bite of chicken sandwich down with a swallow of beer, Alex reaching out and patted Eiryk gently on the leg. "All of which you have," he smiled at his boyfriend's list of raid-required attributes. "Of course, those things also make you a perfect friend... well, except the last one, but that just means you're never boring at a party."
He'd have used a different term than 'friend,' himself, but they were out with company. He was pretty sure Eiryk would understand. Besides, Alex would have been lying if he'd tried to say his boyfriend wasn't also his best friend. "That said," he added, "I agree... we'll keep the pinata outside for any parties. In an open field. A big one."
He turned to Rowan, eyebrows raised at the story of how he was drafted onto a pirate ship. "With friends like that," he said by way of agreement with Christian, nodding his head. They all knew the rest of the saying.
He just laughed at the suspicious glance Rowan leveled at them, understanding the humor behind it. "If we were going to recruit you anywhere," he pointed out, "you would know. I don't think Eiryk would have been this subtle."
He couldn't imagine Eiryk actually sneaking up on anyone. Alex tried... and failed, shaking his head. "Nope. You'd see us coming from a mile away."
He'd have used a different term than 'friend,' himself, but they were out with company. He was pretty sure Eiryk would understand. Besides, Alex would have been lying if he'd tried to say his boyfriend wasn't also his best friend. "That said," he added, "I agree... we'll keep the pinata outside for any parties. In an open field. A big one."
He turned to Rowan, eyebrows raised at the story of how he was drafted onto a pirate ship. "With friends like that," he said by way of agreement with Christian, nodding his head. They all knew the rest of the saying.
He just laughed at the suspicious glance Rowan leveled at them, understanding the humor behind it. "If we were going to recruit you anywhere," he pointed out, "you would know. I don't think Eiryk would have been this subtle."
He couldn't imagine Eiryk actually sneaking up on anyone. Alex tried... and failed, shaking his head. "Nope. You'd see us coming from a mile away."
Eiryk
13 years ago
"Coward."
He rolled his eyes at Rowan. But at least the idea seemed to be sort of dying down. It might be fun actually, but Eiryk didn't like to tempt fate any more than he had to. If nothing else he would like to watch.
With a wry smile Eiryk simply let the raiding topic drop. Yeah he did have a gift. Not one he was overly proud of but he did try and own it or at least not let it get him down. His smile warmed considerably when he turned it on Alex who was practicing spin control. Offer Alex some of the edamame and made a note he owed Alex a little something. Something that wouldn't be appropriate in public.
"Hey! No. We much preferred our raiders willing. I never did understand that form of conscription."
It was rather cute how Christian was sticking up for Rue, even under such a trivial matter. Although the idea had merit. Still he doubted anything was entirely Pak proof if she set her mind to it.
"Are you fishing for another project? Are you sure you don't just want a job?"
Eiryk was starting to suspect that Christian was out to take over his studio and if that was the case well he'd just have to raid security. Turn about was fair play and you could take the viking out of the long boat but you couldn't take the raider out of the viking... or something like that. He thought as he took another swallow of his beer.
He rolled his eyes at Rowan. But at least the idea seemed to be sort of dying down. It might be fun actually, but Eiryk didn't like to tempt fate any more than he had to. If nothing else he would like to watch.
With a wry smile Eiryk simply let the raiding topic drop. Yeah he did have a gift. Not one he was overly proud of but he did try and own it or at least not let it get him down. His smile warmed considerably when he turned it on Alex who was practicing spin control. Offer Alex some of the edamame and made a note he owed Alex a little something. Something that wouldn't be appropriate in public.
"Hey! No. We much preferred our raiders willing. I never did understand that form of conscription."
It was rather cute how Christian was sticking up for Rue, even under such a trivial matter. Although the idea had merit. Still he doubted anything was entirely Pak proof if she set her mind to it.
"Are you fishing for another project? Are you sure you don't just want a job?"
Eiryk was starting to suspect that Christian was out to take over his studio and if that was the case well he'd just have to raid security. Turn about was fair play and you could take the viking out of the long boat but you couldn't take the raider out of the viking... or something like that. He thought as he took another swallow of his beer.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan smiled at Cris, and his fingertips continued their light teasing travels, discreet and careful to stay out of sight of either the waitstaff or their friends at the table with them. Safe beneath Cris's shirt he found he could explore fairly freely though, since they were already sitting fairly close together. Cris did have a fantastic ass. It didn't matter that he could only just brush it lightly before letting his fingers drift up the little valley of Cris's spine.
[Yeah. You're entitled,] he answered Cris happily. [I just wanted to make sure you weren't hung up on some crazy idea that I required birthday spoiling. Now, celebrating anniversaries... and pretty much anything else... I can get on board that idea. I'm sure tonight is significant in some way. We should celebrate when we get home.]
He looked at Cris in surprise when he expressed his hopes that Rowan didn't associate with the same folks responsible for his being on a pirate ship. "Of course they are," he said. "The two who are still alive, anyway. They're still in Europe."
He grinned and shrugged a bit sheepishly. Rowan forgave just about anything easily, and besides, it had worked out for the best. "You know what they say about keeping your friends close."
In fact, he was positive Cris would understand it from that angle. Although, Rowan didn't have very many enemies. Or any at all, that he knew of. He'd said it in jest. "In truth, they did try to come get me once they'd found out where I was. But by the time they found me I had it under control, and it seemed to be working pretty well. So I just stayed."
It had been a joke gone wrong that turned out to be all right. Rowan didn't think anything of it. What he did think amusing, though, was Eiryk's mention of recruiting willing Vikings.
"Let me guess. You lured them in with your attractive benefit plan, dental coverage, and a 401k."
He shook his head and turned to Alex. "I think they really all just wanted to get out of the frozen north. Raiding had to be like a tropical vacation."
Reaching out to sample a chip with some of the dip Eiryk had ordered for the table Rowan raised his eyebrows at his friend, experiencing a little bit of possessiveness when he mentioned projects and jobs to Cris.
"Nope. Sorry," he answered before Cris could respond. "I'm afraid he's all booked up for the rest of his life. I'm very high maintenance. Poor Cris. It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it."
Very dirty, if he had any say in the matter.
[Yeah. You're entitled,] he answered Cris happily. [I just wanted to make sure you weren't hung up on some crazy idea that I required birthday spoiling. Now, celebrating anniversaries... and pretty much anything else... I can get on board that idea. I'm sure tonight is significant in some way. We should celebrate when we get home.]
He looked at Cris in surprise when he expressed his hopes that Rowan didn't associate with the same folks responsible for his being on a pirate ship. "Of course they are," he said. "The two who are still alive, anyway. They're still in Europe."
He grinned and shrugged a bit sheepishly. Rowan forgave just about anything easily, and besides, it had worked out for the best. "You know what they say about keeping your friends close."
In fact, he was positive Cris would understand it from that angle. Although, Rowan didn't have very many enemies. Or any at all, that he knew of. He'd said it in jest. "In truth, they did try to come get me once they'd found out where I was. But by the time they found me I had it under control, and it seemed to be working pretty well. So I just stayed."
It had been a joke gone wrong that turned out to be all right. Rowan didn't think anything of it. What he did think amusing, though, was Eiryk's mention of recruiting willing Vikings.
"Let me guess. You lured them in with your attractive benefit plan, dental coverage, and a 401k."
He shook his head and turned to Alex. "I think they really all just wanted to get out of the frozen north. Raiding had to be like a tropical vacation."
Reaching out to sample a chip with some of the dip Eiryk had ordered for the table Rowan raised his eyebrows at his friend, experiencing a little bit of possessiveness when he mentioned projects and jobs to Cris.
"Nope. Sorry," he answered before Cris could respond. "I'm afraid he's all booked up for the rest of his life. I'm very high maintenance. Poor Cris. It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it."
Very dirty, if he had any say in the matter.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
[Rowan...] Cris warned while suppressing the urge to manhandle his boyfriend right here in the booth. Rowan's fingers had continued to explore and felt delicious against his skin, most of him didn't want his partner to stop. He settled on a cautionary advice. [keep it up and we'll be excusing ourselves from another dinner.]
He took a slow bite of his sandwich and tried to focus on the rest of the conversation while answering the inner one as well. It was made near impossible with Rowan's teasing touch. [Oh sure, if we can manage to make it through the meal without needing to leave through the middle of it then I'd say we should definitely reward ourselves with a sinful celebration when we get home...for being so well behaved.]
The confession that the friends who had allowed Rowan to be taken aboard a pirate ship and conscripted were both still alive and among Rowan's companions was a surprise. Cris turned, his eyebrows raised in an incredulous expression.
"You are a more kind and gentle man than most, Love." He was not sure he'd have left said 'friends' alive after such a incident much less still counted them among the people he trusted. Rowan was probably in no danger, especially if he was the only vampire on the boat. However, to Cris, that was not the point. Betrayal was not something he took very well.
The talk turned from pirates to the recruiting process of Vikings and he tried not to choke on his sandwich as Rowan suggested all the good benefits that the Norse might have to offer. "No, it was the investment and retirement plan....also called a share of the plunder and a trip to Valhalla."
Picking up his drink, Cris shook his head silently in answer to Eiryk's question about wanting another job. Before he had a chance to explain that his free time had recently been cut short for personal reasons, Rowan did it for him. He chuckled quietly as Rowan dubbed himself high maintenance.
Setting his drink down, he wrapped his arm around his lover once more and hugged him close, planting a quick kiss on his lips. "I would do it gladly" He answered. [I feel very fortunate that the position had not already been filled. It should have been, a very long time ago, but I am selfishly glad it wasn't.]
"So..." Cris smiled. "What are the benefits to this lifetime position I have found myself with?" It should be interesting to see what Rowan would answer...out loud.
He took a slow bite of his sandwich and tried to focus on the rest of the conversation while answering the inner one as well. It was made near impossible with Rowan's teasing touch. [Oh sure, if we can manage to make it through the meal without needing to leave through the middle of it then I'd say we should definitely reward ourselves with a sinful celebration when we get home...for being so well behaved.]
The confession that the friends who had allowed Rowan to be taken aboard a pirate ship and conscripted were both still alive and among Rowan's companions was a surprise. Cris turned, his eyebrows raised in an incredulous expression.
"You are a more kind and gentle man than most, Love." He was not sure he'd have left said 'friends' alive after such a incident much less still counted them among the people he trusted. Rowan was probably in no danger, especially if he was the only vampire on the boat. However, to Cris, that was not the point. Betrayal was not something he took very well.
The talk turned from pirates to the recruiting process of Vikings and he tried not to choke on his sandwich as Rowan suggested all the good benefits that the Norse might have to offer. "No, it was the investment and retirement plan....also called a share of the plunder and a trip to Valhalla."
Picking up his drink, Cris shook his head silently in answer to Eiryk's question about wanting another job. Before he had a chance to explain that his free time had recently been cut short for personal reasons, Rowan did it for him. He chuckled quietly as Rowan dubbed himself high maintenance.
Setting his drink down, he wrapped his arm around his lover once more and hugged him close, planting a quick kiss on his lips. "I would do it gladly" He answered. [I feel very fortunate that the position had not already been filled. It should have been, a very long time ago, but I am selfishly glad it wasn't.]
"So..." Cris smiled. "What are the benefits to this lifetime position I have found myself with?" It should be interesting to see what Rowan would answer...out loud.
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
Finishing off his sandwich Alex raised his eyebrows at Rowan. "What do they say about keeping your friends close?" He hadn't heard this particular adage before. Either way he imagined his expression must match Christian's. He just nodded in agreement with the blond's assessment of Rowan's personality. Rowan, however, didn't seem bothered by it. Alex supposed he'd had plenty of time to forgive, if not forget.
Alex laughed outright at Rowan and Cris's translations of "willing" Vikings. He couldn't resist the chance to tease Eiryk a little, himself, so he asked, "Wouldn't raiding in general fall under the category of 'paid vacation?' Given all these fantastic benefits, maybe I should have been a Viking too. How long do I have to be in to earn a pointed hat, or is that just for rookies?"
He looked at Eiryk innocently, knowing his feelings on the topic of horned helmets. People four states over knew Eiryk's opinion on horned helmets.
Across the table Cris and Rowan were flirting with each other in response to Eiryk's gentle poking about a job. Alex smiled, wondering if they had any clue how cute that was, and slid himself a little bit closer to Eiryk. It was impossible not to want to, with their two friends over there practically joined at the hip.
Alex laughed outright at Rowan and Cris's translations of "willing" Vikings. He couldn't resist the chance to tease Eiryk a little, himself, so he asked, "Wouldn't raiding in general fall under the category of 'paid vacation?' Given all these fantastic benefits, maybe I should have been a Viking too. How long do I have to be in to earn a pointed hat, or is that just for rookies?"
He looked at Eiryk innocently, knowing his feelings on the topic of horned helmets. People four states over knew Eiryk's opinion on horned helmets.
Across the table Cris and Rowan were flirting with each other in response to Eiryk's gentle poking about a job. Alex smiled, wondering if they had any clue how cute that was, and slid himself a little bit closer to Eiryk. It was impossible not to want to, with their two friends over there practically joined at the hip.